You take a good look in the mirror and admire your flawless makeup before removing it. The eyeshadow colors are perfectly blended on your eyelid and your winged eyeliner is sharp. You then begin your evening routine by using your favorite face products to clear your face, removing all traces of makeup to reveal your bare skin.
These products make your skin feel fresh and smooth but as you continue your facial routine, you start to wonder where they came from or if they’re cruelty-free. That thought becomes daunting, as you begin to think about cute, innocent little rabbits trapped in cages ready to be tested for the cream your holding in your hand.
Now you’re left with a pang of sudden guilt inside your chest, making you not even want to touch your beauty products anymore.
You would think that by 2020, animal-testing would become a rare thing to hear of. Sadly, however, over 100 million animals are tested and abused in labs all over the United States every year. It’s heartbreaking to think that this industry continues to thrive and that even some of our favorite brands support it.
Perhaps you made some innocent purchases because you heard fantastic reviews of an excellent night cream. Or you fell in love with the colors of a particular eye shadow palette and you just had to have your hands on it without thinking it twice. We’ve all been there.
Some of the most beautiful, most effective beauty products out there might look and feel great on your skin but they might also have tortured an animal before. Knowing that now, however, it won’t feel as great on your skin.
1.Lookout for cruelty-free logos
If something is cruelty-free, chances are you can find a small logo on the back of the product that states it. The logo tends to resemble a bunny, but they’re not all the same. If you do find a logo, research it.
There’s a variety of different companies that certify their products as cruelty-free but, each company has its own standards. Dig deep on what those standards are and do the same with the other logos. They each stand up for something different and you want to make sure you’re standing up for what you agree with.
These logos basically represent the fact that neither the brand nor the suppliers or any other third parties were paid or were involved in animal testing.
Another thing to keep in mind is that in order to have the logo printed on the back of its products, the company has to pay for the license. So there could be a high chance that the company has already been recognized as a cruelty-free brand but because they cannot afford the license, the logo doesn’t appear on the products. Therefore, research will be required.
Watch out though. Some companies try to sneak a bunny logo that is highly similar to the original. That way they can trick buyers into thinking that their brand is cruelty-free.
2.Do Your Research
Something to keep in mind is that some cruelty-free products won’t have the bunny logo. It could be they have been certified and officially known as cruelty-free but simply can’t afford to have the license on all their products. Investigate reliable sites that speak about cruelty-free brands.
And just because something says cruelty-free, doesn’t mean it is.
I mean, famous blogs could be a great source of information too but at the end of the day, you’ll be reading about someone’s opinion on the products instead of a certified webpage. You want an assurance that what you’ll be reading is accurate.
Some of these websites might even include a good list of cruelty-free brands that cover a wide variety of cosmetics. Like haircare, starting from SugarBear Hair to anti-aging creams. A list like this can speed up the entire research process and give you a good place to start.
3.Attention to Ingredients
Keep an eye out for certain ingredients included in your products, as some might actually be vegan-unfriendly. Here are a few examples:
- Glycerine- Originates from animal fats and is used in soaps, moisturizers, hair products, or even makeup.
- Carmine- This is a highly pigmented material that comes from the shell of the cochineal beetle. They crush it and use it for nail polishes or even lipsticks.
- Lactic Acid- Comes from milk and is used for face moisturizers as well as for anti-aging products.
- Guanine- This is what you get when you scrape off scales of dead fish and is usually made for glitter eyeshadow, highlighters, or different kinds of nail polish.
4.Ask The brands
Reaching out to the company directly is always a great choice. You want to be sure to speak with a customer service representative, so go onto their homepage and find the “contact us” section. Emailing is always the best way to go.
Don’t use social media platforms to contact them, such as Instagram, Facebook, etc. Not only will it take longer to get a reply but, once you do, chances are you’ll be speaking with a social media representative and they probably won’t have the answers you’re looking for.
If you decide to email them, make sure you thoroughly think out your questions. Make them brief but always keep a warm tone.
What should you ask exactly?
Well, the biggest question of all would be, “do any of your products get tested on animals?” Most companies don’t but, this question is vital. It could be that they don’t test their finished products on animals but, on the other hand, they might be testing their ingredients on them. You never know.
You also want to ask about the suppliers. Animal testing happens a lot during this stage. Maybe the brands themselves don’t test but they do collaborate with suppliers that do. Ask them and if they say no, respectfully ask them to ensure this.
Ask them about any third parties that might be testing on their behalf. Third parties that are not suppliers, could be doing so when the product is sold in different countries. For example, in mainland China.
China’s law requires animal testing when it comes to foreign beauty products. If a specific brand doesn’t test on animals here but begins to sell its products in China, then you know this brand approves of animal testing. You want to make sure to include in your questions if they will test on animals when it is required by law.
Just keep in mind that your questions should be brief and concise. Yes or no questions are always a professional approach. Be friendly and show interest in their brand regardless if you’ve never tried them out before or if you’ve been a loyal client for years.
5.Download cruelty-free apps
Another great way to find out whether a brand is cruelty-free or not is by downloading an app that will scan your product through the barcode and give you the answer instantly. It’s easy to use and you’ll obtain results much quicker.
This comes in handy when you don’t have much time to conduct some deep research. Maybe the product is right in front of you or you’re in a rush and you need a quick assurance that it hasn’t been tested on animals before purchasing. Apps will do the trick.
6.Selling in China
Getting in touch with the companies themselves can be tricky. Getting a reply is even tricker. A little shortcut on discovering whether or not they test on animals is checking if their products are sold in mainland China.
Whether it’s a makeup brand, perfume, or any other cosmetic, research, and find out if they sell their products in China. Whatever they sell there, then you instantly know the brand’s products are not cruelty-free. Keep in mind that Hong Kong does not follow this law, so don’t worry if the products are sold there.
7.Read What Other Bloggers Have To Say
There are many bloggers and makeup artists out there who make sure the products they use are 100% cruelty-free. Check out what they have to say and see what products they’re using. Knowing that they support certain brands thanks to their cruelty-free reputation gives you that extra assurance that it’s ok to purchase from certain brands.
Start Putting Your New Knowledge To Use
Get a head start on this new lifestyle by checking the products you already own to see if they’re cruelty-free and next time you make a cosmetic purchase, not only will you look great but, you’ll feel great as well knowing that no animal was hurt in the process.
For more helpful tips, keep browsing our website.