There are numerous advantages of choosing cruelty-free products when purchasing budget drugstore finds or luxury skincare – not least its positive impacts on animals, the environment and your skin!
But what exactly does “cruelty-free” mean, and how can you tell which products truly qualify as such? Read on to gain more insight into cruelty-free skincare.
What is Cruelty-Free Skincare?
By choosing cruelty-free skincare brands, you’re supporting brands who make ethical decisions that go far beyond profit. Not only will they avoid animal testing but they’ll also adhere to stringent safety standards and use natural ingredients that won’t harm both you and the planet – this commitment may even be marked with certification logos such as Leaping Bunny on ingredient lists!
With social and environmental consciousness becoming ever-more widespread, more brands are turning to buzzwords like vegan, organic and sustainable to market their products to socially aware shoppers. Unfortunately, these terms are unregulated and may mislead shoppers looking for ethical products; cruelty-free is an industry standard that guarantees all stages of production were free of animal testing during development and manufacture.
Why Choose Cruelty-Free Skincare?
Every year, millions of animals are subject to scientific experiments that endanger both their physical and mental wellbeing. Many such tests are conducted for cosmetic testing companies; if you choose cruelty-free skincare products you are supporting an initiative which promotes kindness and respect towards all living things.
Cruelty-free brands also tend to use plant-based ingredients that are better for both your skin and the planet than harsh chemicals found in many skincare products. This allows them to craft natural and effective skincare solutions that nourish both you and your environment simultaneously.
Cruelty-free certification ensures both finished products and individual ingredients have never been subjected to animal testing, making cruelty-free beauty a leading advocate of ethical, compassionate skincare practices. By selecting cruelty-free options you are sending a signal to both manufacturers and legislators that there may be better methods of doing business.
How to Know if a Brand is Cruelty-Free
The cruelty-free movement is a powerful symbol of compassion and responsibility. By selecting cruelty-free skincare and beauty products, consumers can help stop needless animal testing in laboratories where toxic chemicals are administered with potential to maim or even kill for cosmetic use.
Being a knowledgeable consumer and understanding what constitutes cruelty-free is of vital importance, yet there is no legal definition of “cruelty-free.” Many cosmetic companies use buzzwords such as eco-friendly, all-natural and sustainable to attract ethical shoppers; these terms however remain unregulated and could mean absolutely nothing at all.
Truly cruelty-free brands can be identified via third-party certification programs like Leaping Bunny Program and PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies, and must recertify annually to meet high accountability standards. Furthermore, these brands should also be transparent about their testing policies and ingredient suppliers; checking ingredients, comparing certification details on product websites, and cross-referencing trusted databases are all essential steps towards identifying genuine cruelty-free products.
Which Brands Are Cruelty-Free?
There are a number of cruelty-free beauty destination options that provide both extensive selection and easy discovery. Sephora stands out by seamlessly incorporating cruelty-free standards into its vast makeup selection, enabling shoppers to easily build entire routines from multiple brands at one convenient place. Furthermore, Sephora features robust filters and reviews in order to find their ideal shade match and formula.
Amazon is another popular cruelty-free makeup destination, and their extensive search functionality perfectly integrates cruelty-free makeup. Their selection ranges from drugstore staples to prestige brands for any beauty need imaginable and their Prime shipping and subscription discounts offer exceptional value.
For a curated shopping experience, consider brand-focused beauty destinations such as Herbivore or Thrive Causemetics. Both prioritize clean, cruelty-free products that are both effective and sustainable – something highly-praised by top beauty editors as well as having strong commitments to digital accessibility (WCAG 2.1 Level AA). They make an ideal solution for anyone seeking an integrated makeup wardrobe.
