Why Choose Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands?

Posted by Thrive Causemetics on May 28th, 2018

For the last few years, the cruelty-free movement has been sweeping the beauty and skincare industries. Cruelty-free means that during the product design and development process, cosmetics are never tested on animals. While animal experimentation might seem like an outdated and inhumane process, it is still regularly practiced by cosmetic brands and companies around the world.

Since animals cannot consent to makeup testing, why are they subjected to it? The cruelty-free movement points out this crucial flaw in the cosmetic industry that has existed for over a century. From your favorite lipstick to popular bronzer makeup, you might be using products that were developed using animal testing practices. Here are a few ways to identify cruelty-free products and how to find easy alternatives to your long-term favorites.

Vegan versus Cruelty-Free

A common mistake people often make is confusing vegan with cruelty-free standards. Here’s an easy way to remember the difference: vegan is the formula, and cruelty-free is the development process. Vegan makeup products are all about the elements, often harnessing the power of natural ingredients and oils that are safer for skin than traditional makeup formulas. Cruelty free makeup reflects how cosmetic products are made, never using animals to experiment or test product sensitivity.

It is possible for vegan makeup not to be cruelty-free, and vice versa. Look for makeup products that have clear labeling on the packaging or on the brand’s website. Vegan labeling differs from brand to brand, but the generic USA-based symbol for humane and ethical testing is a pair of pink bunny ears with the statement “cruelty free” underneath. The leaping bunny is the international symbol of cruelty-free brands on a global scale.

Laws Around the World

Depending on your location, there are different laws in place related to animal cosmetic testing. Animal testing practices are outlawed across the board in the European Union, and many countries in the European region that are not members of the EU follow the same standard. The United States does not currently have laws related to animal testing processes. Therefore, it is technically legal to use animals to test cosmetic toxicity and sensitivity.

Unfortunately, animal testing is still required by Chinese law. Therefore, companies that are based in the United States but sell makeup and cosmetics to China test on animals. Watch out for these companies that are quiet about cruelty-free practices that differ depending on location. A quick internet search will provide information about where brands and companies sell their products.

“Green” Beauty Standards

The ideal green beauty standards have been easier to achieve over the last few years. Since the late 1990’s, animal cruelty and artificial ingredient practices have been frowned upon by experts and consumers alike. True green makeup and cosmetics have vegan formulas and never test developing products on animals.

Note: Parent companies of cruelty-free brands can be culprits of animal testing. “If a cruelty-free brand is owned by an animal testing company, is it still cruelty-free?” is a commonly asked question in the cruelty-free community. This is still being debated amongst companies and organizations like PETA. For now, make the distinction for yourself and what you believe to be ethical.

Choosing makeup and cosmetic products means supporting whatever mission or purpose that brand stands behind. Selecting cruelty-free makeup supports humane practices in the beauty industry, and companies around the world are enthusiastically joining the movement by the minute. From bronzer makeup to voluminous mascara, it’s easy to find cruelty-free products that outperform animal tested alternatives.

Thrive Causemetics develops 100% cruelty-free cosmetics, producing vegan makeup developed with humane practices and clean ingredients. Choose cruelty-free makeup and help the movement maintain its growing momentum towards achieving animal-friendly practices worldwide.

About Thrive Causemetics

Thrive Causemetics create vegan, 100% cruelty free cosmetics that contain proven ingredients without the use of parabens or sulfates. A beauty brand and philosophy that beauty goes beyond skin deep, for every product purchased one is donated to help a woman thrive.

To browse high-performance cosmetics, go to Thrivecausemetics.com