Every consumer has a unique set of preferences when shopping. Some choose certain brand names while others go for what’s affordable or follow the latest trend. Others also check the label if the product is considered “cruelty-free”.
The term “cruelty-free” has no exact legal definition according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That is why there are several meanings associated with it. But perhaps the most common meaning behind this term is that there is no animal harmed or killed during the production or testing of a product. Cruelty free makeup brands, personal care, and even household items are among the known types of products sold in the market.
How do you know if a product is not tested on animals?
Always check the label. Companies may include verbiage such as “cruelty-free”, “This Product Has Not Been Tested On Animals”, or something similar. However, since “cruelty-free” is not clearly defined by the law, any business may claim their product to be as such. A company may also commission a third-party laboratory to conduct animal testing of their products.
To be sure, check the packaging for certified bunny symbols from cruelty-free organizations namely PETA, Leaping Bunny, and Choose Cruelty-Free. These organizations have different high standards when it comes to certifying products. In addition to these standards, PETA even requires a one-time licensing fee of $100 so companies can use their logo. Watch out for fake symbols on cruelty free makeup brands, personal care, and other items while shopping.
If you’re not sure about the logo or you currently don’t have the product in front of you, check out an online list of certified cruelty free brands. You can visit the websites of the mentioned organizations above or reliable blogs online for an accurate list. A cool tip: download a cruelty-free app so the next time you’re at the store, you can easily scan the barcode and know whether or not it is tested on animals.
The best authentic cruelty free makeup brands in 2020
Unfortunately, many brands still practice animal testing on their products. But don’t fret. There are still a lot of other companies that support cruelty-free advocacy. Here are the top five picks of the best cruelty free makeup brands to try out this 2020.
RMS Creator and celebrity makeup artist, Rose Marie Swift, focus more on health and wellness. That is why she has formulated highlighters, concealers, and lipsticks using the safest organic ingredients. The company’s key ingredient in their cream-based products is coconut oil. See the list of all the other natural ingredients they use on their website.
This collection line looks tempting and delicious but surprisingly, it’s not food. Beauty Bakerie is a food-themed makeup brand. They are the hottest talk of the town, with more than 1 million Instagram followers, including Queen Bee “Beyonce”. It just shows that many customers trust this brand. What’s even sweeter is that they don’t use toxic ingredients and chemicals, and are certified 100% cruelty-free.
Melissa Butler started The Lip Bar to change the way people think about beauty – that there is no standard needed to be followed. Because of this, they created a makeup collection available in a wide range of colors you can imagine at a price anyone can afford. She also believed that good makeup doesn’t necessarily require chemicals. That is why you can be sure no animals are harmed during their production.
The Ramos sisters, owners of Rituel de Fille, compare their makeup formulation process to potion-making. The sisters select their ingredients carefully and together they make magic. They are certified cruelty-free by PETA and only test their creations on themselves and their human friends. One of their must-try products is their highlighter which leaves a super natural-looking finish.
Founded in Portland, Oregon – a city that is dedicated to eco-friendliness. This is an assurance that their products are free from harsh chemicals, such as paraben, petroleum, sulfate, and more. Furthermore, they never test on animals. With their products, you get your desired look with makeup that is formulated using minimal ingredients.
Benefits of supporting cruelty-free products
Brands that produce cruelty-free products use natural and more sustainable ingredients and materials. They contain less toxic ingredients compared to other products in the market. This means that buying items that are not tested in animals are cleaner and better for your skin as these are free from bad chemicals. Do you know that there are many cruelty-free companies that offer their products at economical prices? This means you also get to save more money when you choose cruelty-free cosmetics.
Switching to cruelty-free products is not only beneficial for us but also to our beloved animals. It saves these poor animals from being abused in medical experiments. Moreover, it sends a message to the industry and society that animal testing is wrong.
Animals are living beings and not test subjects. They deserve love and care too. We don’t need animals to test the quality of products for human use because science and technology have so far evolved. As a result, alternative methods are already available for product testing. Make the smart choice when it comes to buying cosmetics. Brands that care for animals also care for humans.