Cruelty-Free Makeup: What Does It Mean?

Credit: Mioie Kwok

Cruelty-free means that a product and its ingredients have not been tested on animals; animal tests are painful to animals, and have led to the suffering and death of 100,000-200,000 rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and rats each year (source: Humane Society International). Similarly, vegan makeup means that a brand does not use animal products or ingredients in them; these vegan products would opt to create synthetic products, and use plant-based or organic ingredients. 💄💅🏻

While animal testing is legal in some countries, it is required by law in others for a company to be permitted to sell their products. It is important to keep this in mind, as some companies don’t conduct animal tests unless it is required by laws in a particular country.

As consumers, we have the power to purchase from, hence support cruelty-free brands as their practises tend to be much more humane and eco-friendly. Natural ingredients have fewer chemicals and toxins, and produce less waste that will be released into the atmosphere; not only are these ingredients better for our planet, they are often safer to put on our skin too Moreover, we can help ensure that more animals will be left unharmed in their natural habitat, and we can contribute to our environment by protecting its ecosystem 😌

So, how can you tell if a makeup product is cruelty-free? 🐰 Look for the 3 certified cruelty-free bunny logos listed below, from ‘Choose Cruelty Free (CCF)’, ‘Leaping Bunny’ and ‘Beauty Without Bunnies’. Remember to look out for unofficial cruelty-free logos that cannot be trusted! 👀 Search online for cruelty-free brand lists on trusted websites, such as: - Beauty Without Bunnies: https://features.peta.org/cruelty-free-company-search/index.aspx - List of K-Beauty Brands: http://www.ethicalbunny.com/kbeauty/ 📱Download cruelty-free mobile apps such as ‘Leaping Bunny App’, ‘Bunny Free App (PETA)’ AND ‘Cruelty Cutter App (Beagle Freedom Project)’ 👩‍💻 Do online research before purchase an item, including the ingredients used in a product and the company’s ethical policies and environmental track record! Some popular cruelty-free brands that you can consider supporting include: The Body Shop, NARS, Burt’s Bee, E.L.F., Lush Cosmetics, Tarte, NYX, Wet N Wild, Glossier, Smashbox Cosmetics, Aveda, Physician’s Formula etc.

Beauty does not have to come with a detrimental price to our planet, so help protect our beloved animals and make the world a better place! ❤️

Credit: Mioie Kwok

Article written by: Mioie Kwok