Guide · Free From
Free From – What Doesn’t Belong in Horse Care
If you read the back of a horse care product tube, you’ll often find more than the horse needs: dyes for visual appeal, fragrances for the human nose, animal fats used out of tradition—and sometimes chemicals so harsh that hazard symbols must be displayed on the packaging. This guide explains why a pure formula deliberately avoids these ingredients.
In brief
Many horse care products contain additives that aren’t meant to benefit the horse’s skin, but rather to make the product stand out on the shelf: dyes, fragrances, animal-derived ingredients, and harsh chemicals. A pure formula does away with all of that. The equion Hoof & Skin Gel is free of fragrances and dyes, contains no animal-derived ingredients, and does not contain acids or harsh chemicals—which is why there are no hazard symbols or warning labels on the tube.
Key findings
- Fragrances and dyes serve no necessary care function.
- Animal-derived ingredients are unnecessary for a modern gel formulation.
- Daily, gentle care relies on consistency rather than harsh intensity.
- The label lists the ingredient groups and any warnings included.
On this page
Formula Inspection 01
Four ingredient groups. A clear evaluation process.
The “free-from” claim becomes concrete when you systematically examine the label, ingredient list, and product performance.
Checkpoints
- 01
- ColorNo CI dyes
- 02
- FragranceNo perfume / fragrance
- 03
- OriginNo animal-derived ingredients
- 04
- LabelingNo hazard symbols
Understanding the Category
Why “free-from” at all?
Horse care products are sold to people but applied to horses. This tension gives rise to many unnecessary ingredients: A rich green or purple color signals “effectiveness” to the buyer, while a fresh scent signals “care.” Neither of these signals means anything to the horse. Yet the horse still has these substances applied to its skin and coat—often daily and for years on end.
There is also a second pattern: Some products demonstrate their potency through aggressive chemicals and acids—as indicated by hazard symbols and warning labels on the packaging. While they appear “strong” in the short term, they can pose a potential risk to the skin, users, and the environment in the long term.
“Free of” is therefore not a blanket marketing label, but a specific formulation decision. What matters is which group of substances is explicitly excluded and whether this claim can be verified based on the ingredient list or labeling.
The Overview
Four substance groups, four clear decisions
- 01
Free of dyes. Dyes make products recognizable to humans. On a horse’s skin, they make it difficult to assess a specific area, can stain the coat, hands, and equipment, and contribute nothing to the care itself.
- 02
Free of fragrances. Fragrances are among the most common contact allergens in grooming products. Horses also have a much more sensitive sense of smell than humans. Fragrance in horse grooming products is intended solely for the human nose.
- 03
Free of animal-derived ingredients. Wool wax, tallow and marmot fat have long been traditional ingredients in the stable first-aid kit. Modern gel formulations do not require these animal-derived raw materials.
- 04
Free of harsh chemicals. Acids and harsh chemicals leave their mark – on the skin, on the label and on the environment. Gentle skincare focuses on continuity rather than stripping the skin.
Practical Knowledge
How to Recognize a Pure Formula
Three questions to ask yourself for every care product on the shelf.
- 01
The Label: Are there any hazard symbols or warning labels on the packaging? A skincare product for daily use should ideally not contain any.
- 02
The Ingredients List: Do you see “Parfum” or “Fragrance,” CI color numbers such as “CI 42090,” or animal fats like lanolin and tallow? If so, the corresponding groups of substances are present.
- 03
The product test: Does the product stain noticeably, does it have a strong perfume scent, or does the labeling require special protective measures? These are signs that you should take a closer look.
Powerful. Gentle. Pure.
The equion Way – Purity as a Principle
‘Pure’ means: free from fragrances and colourants, with no animal-derived ingredients. Nothing in the tube that doesn’t belong there. ‘Gentle’ means: free from acids and harsh chemicals. ‘Powerful’ means: the gel soothes and revitalises the skin – day after day, 1–2 times a day. Its power comes from consistency and a well-balanced formula.
We use ingredients free from harsh chemicals that are effective, gentle on the skin and easy to apply. equion contains no animal-derived ingredients. The formulation is carefully balanced – for skin compatibility and daily use.
equion is manufactured in facilities certified to ISO 22716, the production standard for human cosmetics. Packaged in medical-grade packaging. Made in Germany – manufactured in Germany under licence. Horses deserve the same standard.
Clear answers
Frequently asked questions
01Is “free of” just a marketing term?
No—what matters is what is specifically claimed. Reputable “free of” claims name individual groups of substances, such as “free of fragrances and dyes,” and can be verified by checking the ingredient list. Blanket promises without reference to the formulation, on the other hand, are not very meaningful.
02How can I identify fragrances and dyes in the ingredient list?
Fragrances are usually listed as “Parfum” or “Fragrance,” while dyes are listed as CI numbers, for example, “CI 42090.” If neither is listed, the product is generally free of them.
03Are the ingredients in equion natural?
equion products use scientifically tested ingredients without harsh chemicals—free of fragrances and colorants. Suitable for horses prone to allergies.
04Why do some care products have hazard symbols on them?
Hazard symbols are required when a product contains substances in concentrations that are classified, for example, as irritating, corrosive, or hazardous to aquatic life. You won’t find any hazard symbols or warning labels on the tube of equion Hoof & Skin Gel.
05Is gentle care enough?
Gentle doesn’t mean weak: equion soothes and revitalizes powerfully—without acids or harsh chemicals. Power comes from consistency: Apply a thin layer 1–2 times daily.
Power through consistency
See for yourself—in the 10-ml size.
The sample shows you just how powerful gentle care can be. No acids, no fragrances, and no dyes. Made in Germany.
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