Going cruelty-free can be an overwhelming process in the beginning especially if you are new to cruelty-free and even vegan beauty products. You may just be starting off or you’re currently in a transition to using and purchasing cruelty-free, non-toxic beauty products. Whenever you are starting something new there is always going to be a bit of a learning curve, especially if you have no idea where to start.
For example, what do I buy for cosmetics and/or skincare? Where do I buy? Is this product cruelty-free? How do I know if the product is cruelty-free? Believe me these were all the questions that I came across before making the big leap to a lifestyle shift when it came to buying beauty products. I’ve been there! Just know you’re not alone.
When you make a commitment to start using non-toxic, eco-friendly and cruelty-free products, don’t feel as if you need to toss everything you have and start over. Instead, make the change gradually so that you don’t waste anything. After all, if you toss it, it’s still in a landfill, and if you give it away it’s still being used. You may as well use it, then replace it over time.
How to Determine If A Product Is Cruelty-Free?
There are several ways to figure out which beauty brands do not test on animals and are cruelty-free but this will depend on the accuracy. There is no easier way to eliminate the bad and dangerous brands to find products that are not only ethical but also safe to use. You’ll have to decide which method works best for you and your overall lifestyle.
This will solely depend on your situation and/or preference depending on how you want to use these various options I am providing you. The nice thing about having more than one option is that you can combine these methods to find out which products are the most reliable and accurate before purchasing online and/or in store.
1. Read the labels. One thing to keep in mind is that even if you bought something last month that was fine, they might change their formulation if they’ve not sought any cruelty-free or vegan certification. Read the labels every single time.
2. Check the PETA website. When you’re not sure about something, the PETA.org website is an excellent place to look. Some things there may be controversial, but they do keep updated information on products.
3. Go with vegan brands. Most vegan brands are also cruelty-free, so if it’s vegan, you can be sure that it’s going to be considered cruelty-free too. A lot of times you’ll see the vegan symbol with the leaping bunny symbol.
4. Shop where they promise to only sell cruelty-free and get to know stores and brands so that you can shop only where they promise to sell items that are cruelty-free. Then you don’t have to worry as much.
5. Look for a certified logo on the package. When you’re shopping there are only three logos that you should be looking out for. The Cruelty Free logo, Leaping Bunny and Not Tested on Animals. Make sure to have a lookout for one of the three certified bunny logos on the product’s packaging. One of the fastest and easiest ways to find out if the product wasn’t tested on animals is to look on the back of the product and find the bunny logo displayed. A company needs to apply for cruelty-free certification to receive it. They must adhere to stringent rules to comply. Again, look for the leaping bunny symbol for internationally recognized cruelty-free products.
6. Use a cruelty-free mobile app. Let’s face it, nowadays people don’t really print out a list and bring it to the store with them. Hence phone app comes in handy. You can download a cruelty-free mobile app and instantly know whether or not the product is tested on animals. Just scan the product’s barcode. You can probably find one on the Leaping Bunny site along with shopping guides and other information to help you buy cruelty-free products. Other free apps include Bunny Free App (PETA), Cruelty Cutter App (Beagle Freedom Project), and Happy Bunny.
7. Reference an online list of certified cruelty-free brands. You can also use a certified online list of cruelty-free brands. In order to be listed, companies are required to meet all of the cruelty-free standards. If you are using this method, you won’t be missing out on any important details from brands. Find a shopping guide and sites as well as organizations which have guides to help you find cruelty free products. Other certified cruelty-free brands lists include Leaping Bunny, and Beauty Without Bunnies. The good thing about these guides is that they typically are good about keeping them up to date as well as ensuring they send out a newsletter if a company changes. You can even visit my cruelty-free list of organic, natural & cruelty-free brands where I include almost every single brand listed.
8. Double check your essentials and remember that things like toothpaste, dental floss, and so forth can also be a problem when it comes to cruelty-free products, not just your makeup. Try to move toward cruelty-free in everything you buy, and it’ll also be great for the environment.
9. Email or message the company. You will achieve the most up-to-date results; however, this method is quite time consuming. Drafting your own animal testing questions to brands, you can decide what you choose to be considered cruelty-free. The company will personally answer any of your questions and concerns if you directly email or message them.
Shopping for cruelty-free products is not difficult today. There are so many great brands and choices, with more coming out every single day. Long gone are the days you had to just do without. Nowadays you can even find bee-free honey made from apples and makeup made from fruit. Plus, finding the ingredients to make your own is no longer hard either. For this reason, you can be picky, shop cruelty-free, and still be spoiled and look fabulous.
Author’s Bio:
Mara Lerner is the founder and clean beauty blogger of Pure Cake Face providing women informative beauty information and natural beauty tips on how to protect your inner health by avoiding chemical latent products while enhancing your outer beauty with organic and cruelty-free makeup, skincare, body care as well as hair care products.
