What does it mean to be cruelty free?

In a world where people care more about what they buy, "cruelty-free" is an important label for shoppers. But what does it truly mean to be cruelty-free, and why does it matter?

You've probably heard the term "cruelty free" before. Maybe you've seen it on product labels or online, and thought it was just another way to label yourself as a good person. Being cruelty free is actually pretty important for lots of reasons.

In this blog post, we will explain what it means. We will also discuss why you should think about it when choosing cruelty free beauty products.

Key Takeaways

• Cruelty-free products are never tested on animals at any stage of production, ensuring ethical manufacturing practices.
• The Leaping Bunny and PETA certifications are reliable indicators of a product's cruelty-free status.
• Cruelty-free and vegan are not the same. A product can be cruelty-free but still have animal ingredients. It can also be vegan but tested on animals.
• Animal testing is cruel and not needed. It harms animals and often does not predict results for humans well.
• Many common ingredients in beauty products, such as collagen, lanolin, squalene, and carmine, come from animals. They are not vegan-friendly.
• Switching to vegan cosmetics, skincare, and hair products helps lower the need for animal testing. It also supports sustainability.
• Supporting initiatives by organizations like Cruelty Free International helps encourage brands to adopt better practices for animal welfare and sustainability.

Animal testing is cruel and unnecessary

This is cruel because animals feel pain just like we do, but they can't tell us how they feel. They don't have the words. When researchers put chemicals in animals' eyes or make them breathe toxic fumes, it causes great pain.

PETA stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. They say that animal testing is "the only way to hurt animals legally."

Testing on animals is inhumane. It also fails to predict how products will impact human beings. This is because biology is different for each species. We look different, act differently and our bodies process things in different ways as well.

That's why we created Sassy Organics - vegan and cruelty free shop. At Sassy Organics, we sell products made with ingredients from sustainable suppliers. You can feel good about your choices every time you shop with us. To learn more, read our previous post on animal testing.

The Leaping Bunny symbol is the best indicator of a cruelty free product

The Leaping Bunny logo is the best indicator of a cruelty free product. The Leaping Bunny program is the most recognised certification for personal care and household products worldwide. The Leaping Bunny certified means companies do not conduct additional animal testing. To get this certification, companies must follow these rules:

• They cannot test on animals.
• They cannot hire others to test on animals.
• They must have third-party audits every year.
• They cannot sell in countries that require animal testing by law.

PETA's cruelty-free certification helps ensure that your cosmetic products are vegan and safe for you and animals.

PETA's certification means the company has not tested on animals at any stage. They also do not buy animal byproducts or use animal ingredients in their formulas.

The PETA certification ensures that companies replace all animal-derived products or ingredients with plant-based alternatives.

Cruelty Free International is important for animal welfare. They encourage brands to use sustainable practices. These practices help protect animals and the environment. Their commitment inspires businesses globally to prioritise ethical and eco-friendly approaches.

Using cruelty free products is one way to help stop animal testing

A cruelty-free product does not undergo testing on animals. This means the company does not test its products on animals. They also do not sell their products in countries that require animal testing. They avoid selling in countries that do not require animal testing as well.

I've been a fan of cruelty free brands for a long time, but I've always had a hard time finding good ones. I am always searching for new brands. I want beauty brands that make natural, vegan, and cruelty-free products. These products should be affordable and effective.

The issue is that many of the best brands are overpriced. I decided to open my own online store to share my favourite products.

Cruelty free cosmetics

The term "cruelty-free" means no animal testing. However, many people also think it means products without animal ingredients. A product that fits this description is better called vegan.

Cruelty-free and vegan are different terms. A product can be vegan if it has no animal ingredients. However, researchers may still test it on animals. Choosing a vegan product which has the cruelty free logo ensures no animal by products or animal testing.

Typical animal by-products in skin care products include collagen, lanolin, squalene, and beeswax.

Collagen comes from animal tissues and bones. Lanolin is made from sheep’s wool. Squalene is sourced from shark liver oil. Beeswax is also used.

Toothpaste, deodorants, and perfumes usually do not have animal products, but some do. However, animal testing on these products is still common.

Cruelty free hair products

Along with sourcing vegan skin care, hair products are just as important. Keratin is the protein found in hair fibres. This is a common animal byproduct in hair products. Non-vegan keratin comes from the horns and hair of animals.

Keratin is often in strengthening products. To find a cruelty-free shampoo, look for vegan sources like soy or almond oil.

For a hair spray, avoid products with shellac. Shellac is often used to harden hair and nails. Cruelty free nail polish should not contain shellac. 

Stearic acid is a common ingredient in hair products. It often comes from animal sources like pigs, cows, and sheep.

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Cruelty free makeup brands

Carmine is an ingredient you might not know about. It comes from crushed beetles, so it is not vegan or cruelty-free. Companies use carmine for its red colour, and many makeup and nail products contain it.

As a vegan online store, we stock only vegan and cruelty free make up brands so that you can be a conscious shopper. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality skin care and make up brands that tick all the boxes.

We do not sell products tested on animals or made with animal derived ingredients. This choice helps improve the industry.

FAQs

1. What does "cruelty-free" mean?

Cruelty-free means that a product and its ingredients were not tested on animals at any point. It also shows that the brand does not support animal testing. This includes tests done by others or in places where the law requires them.

2. Does 100% vegan mean cruelty-free?

Not necessarily. While 100% vegan products do not have any animal ingredients, they may still be tested on animals. This depends on the brand's policies. For a product to be both vegan and cruelty-free, it must not use animal testing or animal ingredients.

3. Are there any 100% cruelty-free brands?

Yes, many brands are 100% cruelty-free. They avoid animal testing at every step. They also make sure their suppliers do the same. Look for certified logos like the Leaping Bunny or PETA’s certification.

4. Are skin care brands truly cruelty-free if they use animal products?

A brand can be cruelty-free even if it uses animal-derived ingredients, as long as it avoids animal testing entirely. However, some consumers prefer skincare brands that are both cruelty-free and vegan

Final thoughts

We hope that we've helped you understand what it means to be cruelty free and why it's so important.

Many consumers now choose and support cruelty-free and vegan products to match their values. By supporting these initiatives, you help a movement. This movement wants to ban animal testing everywhere.

We believe it's important to look for brands that avoid animal testing at every step of production.