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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

A science-based guide for professional groomers By Nathalie Doaré--Ariey-Jouglard Introduction When a dog arrives at the salon with dull coat, excessive shedding, dandruff or greasiness, most groomers instinctively look for external causes: product choice, grooming frequency, nutrition, seasonality.But there is one major factor that often goes unnoticed, yet profoundly impacts coat quality: -> Chronic stress. Modern research in dermatology and behavioural science demonstrates

How science, sensory awareness, and human–dog synchronisation redefine modern grooming. Introduction Behind every grooming session lies an invisible dialogue: a physiological and emotional exchange between the groomer and the dog. While grooming is often perceived as a purely technical profession, research now proves that the groomer’s emotional state, environment, and handling style shape the dog’s stress level more than any tool ever will. At the International Grooming Soci

A Profession Undergoing a Deep Transformation Over the past few years, I have watched the grooming profession undergo a quiet but powerful transformation. For a long time, grooming was defined almost entirely by technique and aesthetics; by scissoring skills, breed profiles, and visual results. But today, something deeper is happening. As I teach, meet groomers around the world, and exchange with professionals of all levels, I see a clear shift toward science, understanding,

For many years, grooming was viewed primarily as an artistic craft; a profession driven by manual skills, visual results, and experience-based intuition. But the global grooming industry has shifted. It is no longer enough to create a beautiful finish; professionals are increasingly expected to understand the biological, emotional, and dermatological needs of the animals entrusted to them. This worldwide transformation did not emerge spontaneously...

Toward a New Vision of the Grooming Profession Long seen as a purely aesthetic or hygienic activity, grooming is evolving. More and more professionals now choose to view it as a true act of care , a moment of connection, attention, and respect for living beings. At the heart of Holistic Grooming , this perspective profoundly transforms the relationship between the groomer, the animal, and their guardian. Understanding the Difference Between Care and Constraint The word “care”

Matting happens when dead hair and moisture get trapped in the coat instead of being released. The coat becomes compact, less supple, and the skin can’t breathe well. In winter it’s a real trap: outdoors, matting holds onto cold water and chills the skin; indoors, it blocks airflow and can overheat with the heating on. The result is itching, redness, that damp smell… and a less comfortable pet.

Many people ask us “how much to wash my dog?”—especially for German Shepherds, Labradors, or Bulldogs. It’s normal to compare with a simple wash. But when we groom your pet, we don’t “just give a bath”: we take care of your companion’s skin, coat, and comfort from start to finish.