If you carefully examine the labels on your makeup items, you might notice that the term “cruelty-free” has been more prevalent recently. Additionally, if you’re curious about the business practices of the beauty companies from whom you buy your goods, you’ll want to understand more about the term “cruelty-free.”
If you’re concerned about animals, you’ve probably noticed how frequently the phrase “cruelty-free” is used. The phrase is occasionally printed on product packaging, and beauty bloggers frequently refer to it. But what exactly does “cruelty-free” mean? Simply put, “cruelty-free” refers to a product’s ingredients not having undergone animal testing.
Table of Contents
What does cruelty-free mean in cosmetics?
Cosmetics developed without using animals are referred to be cruelty-free. In fact, the United States has a long history of testing goods on animals to assess their suitability for human consumption. The United States Food, Drug & Cosmetics Act, which required cosmetic companies to demonstrate that their goods were safe for customers to use, was the catalyst for its beginning in 1938.
Although the FDA does not expressly require animal testing, businesses have chosen to do so in order to prove the safety of their goods. The Draize irritancy test has been a de facto industry standard for decades. Animal rights organizations have long pushed for alternatives to animal testing because these experiments may be seen as cruel by the animals used as test subjects.
To ensure that their products are safe for human consumption, many businesses today exclude the conventional usage of animals and instead rely on alternatives like computer modeling and in vitro lab studies. The selling of cosmetics tested on animals has even been outlawed in some nations and states; California became the first state in the United States to do so in 2018. Additionally, until recently, China mandated that all cosmetics tested on animals before being allowed for sale within its borders.
Does cruelty free mean vegan?
No, being vegan and cruelty-free are not synonymous. Vegan items are created without materials originating from animals, such as honey, beeswax, lanolin, and keratin. This includes skin care, makeup, and hair care products. If cosmetics are not tested on animals and don’t include any animal products, they can be classified as vegan and cruelty-free.
How can I find cruelty-free cosmetics?
Cosmetics created without using animals are frequently marked on the package as “cruelty-free” or “not tested on animals.” Additionally, keep an eye out for The Leaping Bunny Logo, which is a universally recognized mark for cruelty-free personal care and household goods. By utilizing the filter tool to check the “cruelty-free” box under Preferences on the left-hand side of our category pages, LovelySkin makes it exceptionally simple to shop for cruelty-free goods. Additionally, Beauty Without Bunnies, a searchable online directory of businesses that don’t test their products on animals, is run by PETA, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, so you may explore it to find which brands offer cruelty-free cosmetics.