Opting for cruelty-free natural skincare supports ethical production, transparency and environmental preservation. In addition, choosing cruelty-free natural skincare helps create alternative testing methods and creates a more compassionate industry landscape.
Products labeled cruelty-free will typically state this, along with certification logos from PETA or Leaping Bunny.
ELF
Branded for its affordable makeup products, the brand recently unveiled a line of cruelty-free skincare. Their products contain no more than 1,600 restricted ingredients and come double certified as cruelty-free with Leaping Bunny and PETA.
Switching to cruelty-free skincare products can also be healthier. Conventional products contain harmful and toxic ingredients like sulfates, oxybenzone, octinoxate, formaldehyde and triclosan which could have negative side effects for health.
ELF stands apart from many brands considered cruelty-free because its parent companies do not test on animals; on the other hand, ELF does not own any parent company that conducts animal tests and sells none of its cosmetics in mainland China, where such testing procedures are mandatory for beauty products sold there.
Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Botanicals prides themselves on creating products from non-toxic and premium quality ingredients to deliver results you can see and feel. Their packaging materials and shipping practices aim to minimize environmental impacts wherever possible.
Herbivore Botanicals was established by a husband-and-wife team in Seattle with the belief that natural ingredients combined together in the right combinations can create safe, non-toxic skincare. They use food-grade oils and raw botanicals that are as pure and concentrated as possible for maximum efficacy.
Leaping Bunny and PETA Beauty Without Bunnies have certified them cruelty-free and vegan (no animal ingredients), and do not conduct animal tests or sell in countries that require it. Furthermore, Mind Over Mango endorses these products.
Dr. Dennis Gross
Established by a New York City dermatologist and skin cancer researcher, this line (and especially its popular at-home alpha beta peel pads) are popular with Sephora customers and A-list celebs alike. Though the price tag might seem higher than typical moisturizers, its value compared to treatments is more reasonable than you might think.
As well as skincare, the brand also offers cutting-edge devices (like its blue light mask that helps clear acne by killing off bacteria that causes it) and supports Memorial Sloan Kettering’s groundbreaking research on melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer.
As with many brands on this list, Dr. Dennis Gross is owned by an organization (Shiseido) that does not strictly adhere to cruelty-free principles – although their products remain cruelty-free due to not undergoing animal testing or selling within China where animal testing laws dictate it.
OSEA
OSEA was established in 1996 and remains one of the pioneering clean beauty brands. They focus on using non-toxic, safe ingredients that nourish skin while drawing inspiration from nature’s ocean elements in their products.
OSEA’s Seabiotics line aims to restore equilibrium to skin by supporting its microbiome. Formulated with pre and probiotics to nourish natural microbiomes in addition to other skin-nourishing ingredients, Seabiotics aims to bring balance back into skin care routines.
Their products are free from harsh chemicals like dyes, synthetic fragrances, heavy metals, phthalates, phtalates, parabens, SLS and sulfates – plus cruelty-free; signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics to prove this and do not test on animals or use any animal ingredients; Leaping Bunny certified and PETA approved!
Radical Skincare
Radical Skincare was founded by two sisters with the goal of crafting effective skincare that is paraben free, clinically tested, and suitable for all skin types. Their anti aging products contain only top quality ingredients to achieve amazing results like reduced fine lines and wrinkles as well as even skin tone and pigmentation.
Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads are made up of pre-soaked pads soaked with AHA and BHA multi-fruit extracts to gently exfoliate, smooth, soften skin, reduce pores and fine lines, improve complexion and provide other treatments additional benefits! Plus they leave skin more receptive for other treatments!
Although not certified by Leaping Bunny or PETA, this brand does not conduct animal tests of their products and only utilize natural, plant-based ingredients. Their wide selection of sets makes creating tailored routines easier than ever based on your individual needs and concerns.
