Welcome to the world of cruelty free living, where compassion meets glamour in the most beautiful dance!
Are you ready to dive into the world of cruelty free? but not sure where to start? It can be a bit overwhelming, especially when you walk into a cosmetics store and are faced with a sea of products sporting various symbols, logos, and labels. Trust me, I get it—I’ve been there too!
If you’re new to the game of cruelty free living, fear not. Consider this your VIP pass to a lifestyle that not only makes you look good but also makes you feel good. In this magical realm, we say no to animal testing and yes to a world where beauty knows no bounds—ethically speaking! Whether you’re a seasoned ethical enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the cruelty free pool, this space is your go-to guide for all things kind, chic, and conscious.
Join the movement, unleash your inner ethical pixie, and let’s paint the town green together! 💚✨
Related: List of 500+ officially certified Cruelty free brands
What does Cruelty Free Mean?
Before we dive in, let’s talk a bit about what all this buzz about cruelty free living. At its core, the term ‘cruelty free’ is more than just a label; it’s a commitment, a lifestyle, and a statement that says, “No animals were harmed in the making of this product.
“Cruelty Free Defined: Term “Cruelty free” means that a product and its ingredients were NOT tested on animals.
In simple terms, a product labeled as cruelty free signifies that it has been produced without subjecting animals to any form of testing during its development. Whether it’s skincare, makeup, or household items, these goodies have skipped the animal testing phase, making them guilt-free additions to your lifestyle.
Regrettably, the term “Cruelty Free” lacks regulation by the FDA and lacks a legal definition anywhere. Consequently, brands have the liberty to interpret and utilize these terms as they see fit. For instance, you might come across products bearing statements like “Not Tested on Animals” or “Final Product not tested on animals” along with the inclusion of arbitrary Bunny Logos, which can be misleading for consumers.
Read more: What does ‘Not Tested on Animals’ mean?
Unraveling the Mystery: What’s the Fuss About?
So, you’ve seen those adorable bunny ears or maybe a leafy green symbol on your favorite products. But what do they really mean? Let’s demystify the magic behind cruelty free and vegan certifications.
This article will provide a clear breakdown of the meaning behind each symbol and label. Additionally, I’ve included a concise overview of trustworthy logos at the beginning. Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the realm of ethical choices, dissecting those logos like a pro!
Logos and Labels Dissected
The image below provides information on the existing certifications for cruelty free and vegan products.
Cruelty free Logos:
When it comes to “Cruelty free” logos, there are 3 different certifications that can be trusted today. These certifications are given by different established organizations. Let’s go over each certification and clearly understand how they vary.
If you are unclear about what terms “Cruelty free” vs. “Vegan” vs. “Not tested on animals”, check out my blogpost here.
1. Leaping Bunny Certification
The Leaping Bunny Logo is the only internationally recognized symbol guaranteeing consumers that no new animal tests were used in the development of any product displaying it. The Logo can be seen on packaging, advertising, and websites for cosmetics and household products around the world. For more information, you can check out their website.
This is one of the stricter certifications compared to the ones below. So, you can fully trust a product when you see this exact symbol!
Leaping Bunny has a mobile app called “Cruelty free”, which is available on both App Store and Android play. You can download to find out which brands are part of the leaping bunny program.
2. Choose Cruelty Free (CCF)
2023 Update: Choose Cruelty Free (CCF), an Australian cruelty free certification program started in 1993, now merged with Cruelty Free International.
Choose Cruelty Free (CCF) is an independent, non-profit organization based in Australia, which since 1993 has produced the Choose Cruelty Free List (CCF List) for Australian consumers. They actively campaign for an end to animal testing of ingredients used in cosmetics, toiletries, household cleaning products, and animal care. For more info, refer to their website.
Choose Cruelty free Approved Brands
3. Beauty Without Bunnies:
PETA’s Bunnies without beauty program is not the most reliable source for knowing if a brand is cruelty free or not. Even though their cause is really ambitious, their certification requirements are not as stringent as Leaping Bunny or CCF. They recently certified Dove as a cruelty free brand which is clearly not the case as Dove is still testing in China. With that said, their Beauty without Bunnies’ database is still an excellent source for searching if a company DOES animal testing.
Beauty Without Bunnies Approved Brands
Vegan Logos:
Term “Vegan” means that a product doesn’t contain any animal ingredients or byproducts.
1. Certified Vegan
Certified Vegan Logo is a registered trademark for products that do not contain animal products or byproducts and that have not been tested on animals. This is verified by vegan.org. Companies are required to submit documentation on a product along with supplier verification that animal products were not used in the manufacturing of ingredients ie, no actual testing is performed but they need proof from the company’s suppliers too.
Cost for this certification is based on the annual revenue the company makes.
2. Vegan Society
Vegan Society logo implies a product should not contain any animal product, by-product or derivative and must not involve testing of any sort on animals by the manufacturers or on its behalf, or by any third parties. This is verified by Vegan Society.
The “Sunflower” accolade is granted by the Vegan Society, established in Great Britain in 1944. This symbol is applied to various products, indicating they are free from any ingredients of animal origin. Furthermore, products bearing this label must not have undergone animal testing or involve the use of genetically modified organisms in their production. It’s essential to note that the “Sunflower” label is exclusively bestowed upon individual products and not entire companies.
3. Vegetarian Society
The Vegetarian Society, a pioneering organization with roots tracing back to 1847 has been at the forefront of promoting vegetarian and vegan choices.
To earn this esteemed certification, products undergo thorough scrutiny. From ingredients to production processes, the Vegetarian Society ensures that everything aligns with their commitment to cruelty-free and plant-powered living. The certification extends beyond just food – it encompasses a wide array of products, making it a comprehensive guide for conscious consumers.
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Choosing your Ethical Adventure
Now that you’re equipped with logo knowledge, it’s time to embark on your ethical journey. Arm yourself with these symbols, and you’ll be navigating the aisles like a pro.
Thank you again for choosing Cruelty free! Remember, each purchase is a small step towards a cruelty free and vegan utopia. So go on, flaunt those logos, and let the world know – you’re an ethical rockstar! 🌱🌟
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