As more laws prohibit animal testing and ethical beauty trends take hold, more consumers are turning to cruelty-free skincare. We’ve witnessed searches for cruelty-free products rise year over year.
However, “cruelty-free” can mean different things to different consumers. To be certain you’re purchasing truly cruelty-free products, look for third-party certifications such as Leaping Bunny or PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies.
Animal testing
Animal testing is an outdated and inhumane practice that subjects animals to harsh chemicals and procedures that cause physical discomfort, pain and distress. Cruelty-free skincare products do not go through this rigorous testing process and contain no ingredients or methods that would harm animals.
Unfortunately, some cosmetic companies continue to utilize animal testing as an evidence for product or ingredient safety. While animal-based tests such as carcinogenicity testing on rats or skin allergy testing on guinea pigs may seem effective and precise enough, they can often result in inaccurate conclusions that do not translate directly to real world hazards for people.
As consumers demand cruelty-free beauty brands, there has been an emerging movement towards cruelty-free products. 45 countries, such as Europe and Australia have banned cosmetics testing on animals; California and several other states in America have passed laws banning animal testing while the Humane Cosmetics Act works its way through legislation for nationwide ban.
Ingredients
Vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics may often be confused, yet each represents different aspects of ethical formulation. Vegan cosmetics do not use ingredients derived from animals such as honey, beeswax or lanolin (an oily exudate of wool-based animals). Cruelty-free products do not conduct animal tests on final products but may use animal-derived ingredients in manufacturing process such as lecithin derived from egg yolks or glycerine (an animal or plant source) during production.
Good news is that more suppliers are providing cruelty-free versions of many ingredients, and reputable companies verify them through third-party verification processes. To make an ethical choice, look for organic or natural ingredients sourced responsibly; search platforms may also be helpful; Covalo provides access to over 40,000 suppliers!
Labeling
When selecting skin products, it’s essential to read labels. Most labels will indicate whether or not a product is cruelty-free; however, just because something labels as vegan or cruelty-free doesn’t guarantee natural or organic ingredients; for this reason it is wise to consult the ingredients list on packaging. Furthermore, just because a company hasn’t tested on animals lately doesn’t mean that it won’t in future; many import companies that sell cosmetics test their imported ingredients on animals too.
Deciphering skincare and cosmetics aisle can be dauntingly complex. To make life simpler, look for cruelty free beauty products using Cruelty Free International’s Leaping Bunny Program or PETA’s “Beauty Without Bunnies” database as a starting point.
Verification
No matter your skincare or makeup needs, it is crucial to find cruelty-free options. These products will protect the environment as they do not contain harsh chemicals that could dry out skin, exacerbate preexisting conditions and lead to environmental degradation.
As more countries join the EU and UK in banning animal testing for cosmetics, it has never been more important to select vegan brands. Cruelty-free claims may be confusing; if in doubt about which label to look out for, Cruelty Free International provides strict criteria throughout their supply chains that you should look out for.
To qualify for Beauty without Bunnies certification, brands must sign a declaration confirming that neither they nor any suppliers conduct, commission or pay for animal testing on ingredients or formulations. In addition, all raw material suppliers must submit declarations annually and be independently audited against strict standards set forth by Beauty without Bunnies.
