Hi there! I want to thank the lovely lady behind this blog for having me as a guest poster I’ve always wanted to share my love of vegan AND cruelty-free products, so what better place to do it than on Kasia’s site?
Before I dive into it, there’s a little bit of background that I found helpful before I started my cruelty-free beauty journey a couple of years ago. I’m breaking it allll the way down.
First of all, “vegan” does not necessarily mean “cruelty-free.” Although it certainly is a start, “vegan” just means that the ingredients used in the company’s products are not animal-derived. Items that claim to be ‘vegan’ may actually be tested on animals.
“Cruelty-free” means that the product was never tested on animals during any part of the development process. However, products that are “cruelty-free” can have animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax or gelatin. So, obviously, the best option for products is to have both labels!
Cruelty-free certification is done on a voluntary basis, so do your research! Just because some of your favorite brands might not be certified, this does not mean that they aren’t cruelty-free.
Also, don’t be fooled by companies using their own logos to abide by their ideas of “cruelty-free.” Make sure you know what you’re looking for and, as always, do your research!
If you find conflicting reports while researching, you can always email the company with direct questions about their animal testing practices, if any.
Being certified as “cruelty-free” can come up in a variety of labels, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for! From my research over time, I’ve found there are three main logos that you should look out for to be certain a company is cruelty-free.
PETA
(from www.peta.org)
For a company or business to certified under the “Beauty without Bunnies” campaign through PETA, they are verifying that they do not conduct or commission any animal tests. This includes any tests on ingredients, formulations, or finished products during the development process. They are also pledging not to do so in the future. You can find all of the information here (https://www.peta.org/about-peta/how-is-a-company-certified-as-cruelty-free/)
Choose Cruelty-Free
To be Choose Cruelty-Free certified, you must be a company that has never had any of its products or the ingredients which make up the products (whether by the company itself, on the company’s behalf by a third party, or the suppliers of the company’s ingredients) tested on animals. A business can also be CCF certified if this is the case within a period of five years immediately preceding the date of application for the certification.
They are also very strict on animal-derived ingredients. The finished product cannot be sold in an area in which local jurisdiction requires animal testing (such as China.)
More information can be found here (https://choosecrueltyfree.org.au/)
Leaping Bunny
https://www.leapingbunny.org/about/the-standard
Leaping bunny is the best bet since they have the most strict criteria in order to become certified, and this certification must be reapplied for annually.
Their criteria is the same as the aforementioned options, but with more strict rules. Feel free to reference the website for a total breakdown of what it means to be Leaping Bunny certified!
The Products
Without further ado, here is my list of my favorite vegan AND cruelty-free beauty products!
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
https://www.urbandecay.com/shop/featured/bestsellers
LUSH Celestial Face moisturizer
https://www.lushusa.com/face/moisturizers/celestial/9999900407.html
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick
https://www.katvondbeauty.com/lip/liquid-lipstick
It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product plus Keratin
It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin
Dr. Bronner’s Soap
Butter London Nail Polish (polish with silver caps are vegan)
I am slowly learning to research before I buy and swap products out for alternatives that are better for the environment, animals, and myself! It’s a long process and it doesn’t happen overnight, but being an educated consumer is important. Just start somewhere!
Until next time,
Lauren
About the Author
Lauren is one of three women behind the blog MyLifelines. She calls Richmond, Virginia home with her rottie mix, Basil. After attending the University of Virginia as a Biology major and landing her first “big-girl” job of working in a lab, she realized she needed a creative outlet amidst all that science. Pair that with two great friends, a love of writing, and a desire to help and inspire others, and you have MyLifelines! She’d love for you to come visit and say hello on the site!
Blog: mylifelines.co
Twitter: twitter.com/my_lifelines
Facebook: facebook.com/mylifelines/
Instagram: instagram.com/mylifelines_/
Pinterest: pinterest.com/mylifelines_/
Beauty For The Brain 
Great post! I’ve been trying to go more Cruelty Free this year as well. The hardest part for me is companies who claim to be CF but sell in China
LikeLiked by 1 person
I 100% agree with you there, Christopher! If fact, that gives me a new post idea 😉
LikeLike
oo I didn’t realize that this was the case until I read this post! I was only aware of the one from peta.org. Great post xx
LikeLike