Animal testing is when a company or organization performs procedures on living animals to test the health and effectiveness of products like cosmetics or medicine. The procedures are not kind and usually cause a lot of suffering for the animals. At the end of the experiment, the animals are either killed or ‘spared’ for subsequent experiments.
Many animals are used in the experiments from cats and dogs to hamsters and monkeys. It is estimated that “more than 115 million animals worldwide are used in laboratory experiments every year.” Besides the ethical issues, animal testing is wrong because it is not always accurate. Reactions from the products can differ between animals and humans so when something is be deemed ‘safe’ it might just mean safe for the animals being tested.
There are over fifty other methods of testing products that do not involve hurting animals. These methods are safe, ethical, and use processes like in-vitro (cell-based, in a test tube) or artificial human skin to prove accurate results.
I know that this was a lot of information and some of it was not pretty but if you read on you will find out about ways to help and some products that are tried and tested (by me, not on animals) and that you will love!
First things first, know what to look for! When you are shopping or looking at any cosmetics or any products look at the back of the product. Look for these three symbols:
Photo credit: Cruelty Free Kitty
If you see these symbols, then you are safe! But beware; some companies will put fake bunnies on their products to make it seem like they are cruelty-free when they are not. Or they might be cruelty-free in the United States but if they sell products outside of the US, for example in China, where animal testing is mandatory for all products, then they are not completely cruelty-free. Also, some products are still cruelty-free even if they don’t have the bunny symbol so you might have to look it up. My advice is to go to https://www.crueltyfreekitty.com because there are complete comprehsneive lists of products and brands that are cruelty-free.
Now onto the fun part, the products!!!
Photo credit: Into the Gloss
Personally, I only use products that are cruelty-free which means this list will include all of the things I use from makeup to toothpaste to soap.
Makeup:
To be honest, I do not know what I am doing when it comes to makeup so this list won’t include every possible cruelty-free product. So, this section will cover the basics (but these brands have other products that are more glam too).
- Primer
- BB Cream
Physicians Formula Organic Wear BB Cream SPF 20
- CC Cream
Physicians Formula Organic Wear CC Cream SPF 20
- Foundation
NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation
NYX Mineral Stick Foundation (had been using this as a concealer up until I was writing this article, what a beauty pro)
- Concealer
NYX HD Studio Photogenic Concealer
NYX Color Correcting Concealer
- Mascara
e.l.f. Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara
- Eyebrows
- Blush
tarte (in paaarty)
- Highlighter
tarte twinkle stick highlighter (in skylight)
- Lips
The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture-Protect Lip Care
tarte Matte Liquid Lip Paint (in birthday suit)
The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick Lip Crayon (in guava nice day)
- Makeup Remover
The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Makeup Remover
Skincare:
Boy oh boy do I love my skincare! Give me a face mask over an eyeshadow palette any day! Everyone’s skin is different so you have to find the best products for you. For me, I need products that help with dry and sensitive skin. Luckily for me, (and now for you!) products that are not tested on animals are also more likely to have no chemicals or harsh materials (like parabens, dyes, sulfates, etc.) so the products are going to be more gentle and perfect for sensitive skin!
- Cleanser
Botanics Hydration Burst Dual Action Cleanser
- Moisturizer
Pacifica Berry Matcha Recharge Face Lotion
Yes to Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturizer
- Toner
Thayers Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera
Lush Breath of Fresh Air Spray
MyChelle Quick Clean Micellar Water
- Exfoliator
Derma-E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub
- Face Mask
Lush Cosmetic Warrior Fresh Face Mask
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
The Body Shop British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask
- Serum
Lush Full of Grace Facial Serum
Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Booster
For the Shower/Bath:
- Shampoo
Derma-E Nourishing Shampoo (with Apricot Seed & Argan Oils)
- Conditioner
Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Conditioner (for Dry, Damaged Hair)
- Body Wash
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Body Wash
Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Lavender Liquid Soap
- Body Soap
Lush (any soap is great!)
Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Bar Soap
- Bath Bombs
The Basics:
- Hand Soap
method Waterfall Foaming Hand Wash
- Sunscreen
Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30
Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 50
- Deodorant
Certain Dri Extra Strength Clinical Solid Antiperspirant
- Toothpaste
Desert Essence Wintergreen Tea Tree Oil & Neem Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
Eco-Dent Sparkling Clean Mint Natural Daily Rinse
- Perfume
- Body Lotion
And that’s it! Gosh, when you write it all down you really notice how much stuff girls have to buy (and this list is only a fraction of it). Besides using the previously listed products, another easy way to be cruelty-free is to make your own products. Do a DIY face mask with avocado and honey or make your own bath bomb with wild colors!
If you want to learn about more products, here are some cruelty-free brands that you can check out or you might find that you already have them:
- Anastasia Beverly Hills
- bareMinerals
- Essence
- Glossier
- Marc Jacobs Beauty
- Orly
- Ouai
- Smashbox
Most of the time I find my products at Target, Ulta, or drugstores. When I am feeling a little fancy, I might go to Lush or the Body Shop because I know that whatever I buy will be amazing and cruelty-free!
Now, go! Go get those face masks and lipsticks!
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