The cosmetics industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with a growing demand for ethical, animal-friendly products. Choosing cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics has become a priority for many conscious consumers.

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Choosing cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics is a step towards a more ethical and responsible lifestyle. By being informed and knowing where to look, you can make choices that reflect your values and contribute to a cosmetics industry that is more respectful of animals and the environment.

Understanding the terms “Cruelty-Free” and “Vegan”.

Before delving into the practical details, it’s essential to understand what the terms ‘cruelty-free’ and ‘vegan’ mean.

Cruelty-free: a product is said to be cruelty-free when it has not been tested on animals at any stage of its production. This includes not only the finished product, but also the ingredients used.
Vegan: a vegan product contains no ingredients of animal origin. This goes beyond the absence of animal testing and excludes substances such as honey, beeswax, lanolin (derived from sheep’s wool) and carmine (a red dye derived from cochineal).

Labels to look for

The most reliable way of ensuring that a product is cruelty-free or vegan is to look for recognised labels and certifications. Here are some of the most reliable:

Leaping Bunny: this label is managed by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) and guarantees that the product has not been tested on animals. It is widely recognised and respected.
PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies: PETA certifies products that are not tested on animals. They also have a list of vegan products.
Vegan Society: this label guarantees that the product contains no ingredients of animal origin. The Vegan Society is a respected organisation worldwide.
Cruelty Free International: this organisation certifies that products are not tested on animals and offers an additional guarantee for consumers.

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Deciphering ingredient lists

Even with labels, it’s useful to know how to decipher ingredient lists. Here are some ingredients of animal origin to avoid:

beeswax (INCI name: cera alba),
lanolin,
carmine,
gelatin,
squalane, which may be derived from sharks,
collagen,
keratin.

Looking for plant-based alternatives to these ingredients is good practice to ensure that the product is vegan.

Search for committed brands

Many brands are now committed to offering cruelty-free and vegan products. Doing a little research on brands can help you find those that match your values. Some popular brands include:

Lush: this British brand is known for its handmade products and commitment to animal welfare.
The Body Shop: this brand is a pioneer in the fight against animal testing.
Kat Von D Beauty: this brand, created and launched in 2008 by the famous Kat Von D, offers a complete range of vegan and cruelty-free products.
Pacifica: this American brand is known for its 100% vegan and cruelty-free products.

Using online applications and resources

There are several applications and websites that can help you identify cruelty-free and vegan products. For example :

Cruelty Cutter: this app lets you scan product barcodes to check whether they are cruelty-free.
Think Dirty: this app breaks down ingredients and assesses the safety of cosmetic products, including their cruelty-free and vegan status.

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Avoiding greenwashing

Finally, it’s important to remind you to be aware of greenwashing. This term refers to companies that use marketing methods that consist of communicating in a misleading way using the ecological argument in order to appear more ethical than they really are.

Words like “natural”, “animal-friendly” or “eco-friendly” do not necessarily guarantee that the product is cruelty-free or vegan. It’s essential to always check labels and do your own research!