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We are delighted to see the latest international research from the International Grooming Society (IGS) and the Global Groomer Health Initiative (GGHI) featured in All Paws Industry, one of the UK’s leading B2B publications for the pet industry. The article highlights our newly launched international study: Professional Groomers: What Do You Expect From Cosmetic Brands? This research asks professional groomers around the world what they really expect from the cosmetic product

Ready to take the next step in science-based grooming? The International Grooming Society is offering a special 50% discount on DAATA Level 1, the first level of the DAATA pathway within the IGS Certification. DAATA Level 1 introduces groomers to a deeper understanding of skin and coat physiology, the hair growth cycle, grooming practices and their impact on animal health and wellbeing — giving you the scientific foundations to make better-informed decisions behind the groomi

Following the publication of the IGS Global Groomer Health Study 2025–2026, several professional pet industry and pet business media outlets have begun reporting on groomer health and the work of the International Grooming Society (IGS) Global Groomer Health Initiative (GGHI).

Grooming is a complete sensory experience Professional grooming has evolved considerably. We now understand more about skin and coat health, animal behaviour, low-stress handling and the importance of adapting our techniques to each individual animal. However, one essential dimension is still too often underestimated: the animal’s complete sensory experience. A dog or cat does not experience a grooming session as a simple succession of technical procedures. Every moment is pe

PETBIZS speaks with IGS Founder and President Nathalie Doaré-Ariey-Jouglard about ethical and holistic grooming, skin and coat science, animal welfare, groomer health and the future of the profession.

We are delighted to share that the International Grooming Society’s Animal Welfare Guidelines for Grooming Events have been featured by Pet & Garden Pro. This publication marks another important step in raising international awareness of the need for clear, practical and responsible animal welfare standards throughout the professional grooming industry. Putting animal welfare at the heart of grooming events Grooming competitions, seminars, workshops, live demonstrations and p

The International Grooming Society is pleased to share that All Paws Industry has published an article about the launch of the new IGS Animal Welfare Guidelines for Grooming Events.

Public Summary The International Grooming Society classifies Phenoxyethanol as: Category D — Not DAATA-Compatible High Concern for routine professional grooming use Phenoxyethanol is a widely used preservative in cosmetic, hygiene and grooming products. In human cosmetics, it is legally authorised in the European Union up to 1%. However, the IGS Ingredient Classification Framework does not evaluate ingredients only according to their legal status in human cosmetics. IGS evalu

Phenoxyethanol is a widely used preservative in cosmetic, hygiene, pharmaceutical and consumer products. It is valued by formulators because of its broad antimicrobial activity, its stability and its compatibility with many types of formulations. In human cosmetic regulation, phenoxyethanol is currently authorised in the European Union as a preservative at a maximum concentration of 1%. However, the IGS Ingredient Classification Framework does not evaluate ingredients only

Dimethicone is a widely used silicone-based ingredient found in cosmetic, dermatological and grooming formulations. It is commonly used for its smoothing, conditioning, anti-frizz, shine-enhancing, protective and film-forming properties. The International Grooming Society recognizes that dimethicone is not considered a high-risk systemic toxicant based on current available evidence when used appropriately on intact skin in well-formulated topical products.

Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer widely used in cosmetic, dermatological and grooming formulations for its smoothing, lubricating, film-forming, anti-frizz, anti-foaming and skin-protective properties. In ingredient lists, it may appear under the name Dimethicone, Polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS, or as part of broader silicone families.

The International Grooming Society (IGS) promotes an evidence-based, welfare-oriented and globally responsible approach to animal grooming. Through the Global Groomer Health Initiative (GGHI), IGS works to improve professional awareness around the real conditions of grooming work, including repeated exposure to water, surfactants, preservatives, disinfectants, cleaning products, aerosols and other substances used in daily practice.

International Grooming Society — IGS Global Groomer Health Initiative — GGHI IGS Ingredient Classification Framework Executive Summary Methylisothiazolinone (MIT/MI) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCIT/MCI/CMIT) are synthetic isothiazolinone preservatives widely used for antimicrobial protection in water-based products. In commercial and scientific literature, the combination is most commonly referred to as MCI/MI, CMIT/MIT, or historically Kathon CG. Within the grooming in

Protecting hearing is part of protecting the future of grooming Grooming salons are full of sound. Dryers, clippers, barking dogs, water systems, conversations, movement, and long working days all create an environment where noise becomes part of the daily routine. Because this noise is so familiar, many grooming professionals stop noticing it. Yet the body may still be reacting. Ringing in the ears after a noisy day, muffled hearing, difficulty understanding speech in backgr

Note : The Comprehensive Report on Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB): Health and Environmental Effects, developed by the International Grooming Society, offers a deeper understanding of the impact of ingredients on skin, health, and the environment. This resource is exclusively available to IGS members supporting a more conscious and respectful approach to grooming. 👉 Access it here:https://www.internationalgroomingsociety.org/post/comprehensive-report-on-cocamidopropyl-betaine-

1. Introduction

For decades, professional grooming has evolved through better techniques, improved tools, and safer products. Yet one essential dimension has long been underestimated: the animal’s sensory experience . Conscious Sensory Grooming represents a major shift in how we understand and practice grooming. Rather than focusing solely on technical execution, this approach places the animal’s perceptions, emotions, and sensory processing at the heart of every grooming decision. This is

Supporting Lifelong Learning in Professional Grooming In a profession that evolves constantly — scientifically, technically, and ethically — ongoing education is no longer optional . At the International Grooming Society (IGS), we believe that professional credibility is built not only through certification, but through continuous learning and long-term commitment . This is why we created the IGS Professional Development Certificate (PDC) . What is the Professional Developmen

Why drying without heat should become the norm in professional grooming By Nathalie Doaré-Ariey-Jouglard Drying is one of the most trivialised steps in grooming. Often treated as a purely technical phase, it is rarely questioned in terms of its real physiological impact. In many salons, the use of heat has become the default, associated with speed, efficiency and a certain idea of professionalism. Yet this habit is rooted more in tradition and productivity than in a true unde

Writer: Nathalie Ariey-JouglardFor the International Grooming Society – Holistic & Ethical Grooming Introduction “Consent-based grooming” is becoming a central concept in modern, ethical grooming practice. Rooted in behavioural science and welfare-focused care, it shifts grooming from a procedure done to the animal toward a cooperative process done with the animal. But what does consent truly mean in grooming and how can we apply it safely without compromising the animal, t