Everything You Need To Know About Cruelty-Free Beauty Products
A cruelty-free product is a product that is not tested on animals. This is different from products that contain animal ingredients but do not involve the use of animals in any way.
In recent years, more and more companies have committed to producing cruelty-free products. According to PETA, an estimated 51% of people in the US say they support the idea of cruelty-free beauty products, and more than 76% of people in the US would be willing to buy cruelty-free products in order to support the cause. While this is great news for the environment.
It is also important to be aware of what kind of companies are making and distributing these products so that you can avoid buying them and support companies that are truly committed to doing the right thing.
What Are Cruelty-Free Products? And Why Are They Important?
A cruelty-free product is a product that is not tested on animals. This is different from products that contain animal ingredients but do not involve the use of animals in any way. For example, lotions made with oils and essential oils such as almond, coconut, and castor are not cruelty-free because they contain animal fats or oils that have come from animals.
Chemical Free
However, the term "cruelty-free" can also refer to products that do not use harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and phthalates that are used to protect against mold and mildew in some cases, or fragrances that are synthetic in nature. Some companies that use chemical ingredients are certified with the Cruelty-Free Certification Council or the Vegan Society so that you can be assured that they are not using products that contain any animal-derived ingredients.
Natural Ingredients
It is also important to remember that the term "cruelty-free" can also refer to products that are made from natural ingredients but are not necessarily vegan-friendly. This means that if a product is made with an animal-based ingredient, it will not necessarily be considered to be cruelty-free even if it contains no animal products in its formula at all.
For example, a lipstick that contains cocoa butter and wheat flour would not be considered cruelty-free despite being vegan and gluten-free in other respects. So, while it is always preferable to buy products made with cruelty-free ingredients whenever possible, there are a few occasions when a non-cruelty-free product is perfectly acceptable.
What Is Vegan?
Many brands claim to be "vegan" but in reality they are using products that contain animal products or ingredients such as carrageenan, which is an extract from seaweed and is used to produce gel-like substances that are sometimes used as a replacement for gelatin in making cosmetics. It can be found in many food products, and it is thought that carrageenan causes some mild digestive problems in some people. Products that contain this ingredient should be avoided as it can also irritate the skin if used on a regular basis.
Most cosmetic companies are now certified as "vegan" and they don't use this controversial ingredient at all in their products. So if you're looking for a vegan-friendly product, then it may be worth checking the labels carefully to make sure that they do not contain carrageenan or any other ingredient that is derived from animals.
Photo by Ashley Piszek / Unsplash
Does Vegen means Cruelty-Free and Vice Versa?
Yes! Vegan means that the ingredients are not derived from animals and do not contain animal products, so it can be used to differentiate products that contain animal ingredients from those that do not. But the definition of cruelty-free can also include products that contain animal products but are not made using animal ingredients.
For example, the term "cruelty-free" can refer to a gelato that contains gelatin derived from animals but is made using non-human ingredients such as wheat flour and dairy instead of gelatin. This is not the same as using cruelty-free animal products in a formula without adding other ingredients that are not animal derived. For example, many vegan lipsticks are produced using shea butter and coconut oil, which are both derived from animals, but the companies are still considered cruelty-free because the shea butter is produced by removing the meat from animals and making the shea butter into a paste using manual techniques instead of using machines.
So a vegan product that contains animal ingredients such as gelatin can still be considered cruelty-free depending on the other ingredients in the product.
Companies - Practising What They Preach
Daughter Earth
The company are well known for their vegan skincare range. Their Shimmering Drops of Gold BB Cream contains a mix of plant-derived ingredients and is vegan and cruelty-free. The other products in their range are also vegan and made from sustainable ingredients and do not contain animal products.
FAE Beauty
The FAE Beauty range contains some of the most luxurious vegan skincare products on the market. All of their products are designed for vegans and are cruelty-free. They also offer a wide range of unique skincare products that are designed to cater to all skin types and concerns. Their Tea Tree Face Wash is one of their most popular products, as it is effective in clearing acne and clearing pores. If you are looking for a luxurious skincare product that contains no animal products, then this is the product for you.
Earth Rhythm
Earth Rhythm is a highly sought-after brand that specialises in luxurious skincare products that are cruelty-free and vegan. They sell a wide range of unique skincare products that are designed to cater to all skin types and concerns. Their Rockslim Light Firming Sleeping Mask contains plant-based ingredients that help to firm the skin and eliminate the appearance of blemishes. Their Rockslim Plumping Eye Cream contains high-quality oils and butters that help to plump and hydrate the delicate skin around the eyes. Their Rockslim Concentrate serum contains antioxidants and plant extracts that help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. If you are looking for a luxurious skincare product that contains no animal products, then this is the product for you.
Conclusion
The term 'cruelty-free' is often used to describe products that are made from ethical and sustainable sources. Products containing animal ingredients can still be considered cruelty-free depending on the other ingredients in the product. However, many companies are now starting to introduce more ethical and sustainable ingredients into their products. For example, some companies are now introducing plant-based ingredients into their products instead of animal-based ingredients.
So, if you are looking for a cruelty-free skincare product that contains no animal products, then you should look for products that contain natural ingredients rather than animal-based ingredients.
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