A Beginner’s Guide to Cruelty Free Beauty

It’s so exciting to try out new beauty products, experiment with trending items and buy well known brands. Unfortunately, what most people do not realize is the external costs to these trends that goes beyond dollar signs. Many leading brands in the beauty industry currently test animals in their laborato ries or pay companies to test their products for them in separate factories.

According to the Humane Society International, it is estimated that over 115 million animals worldwide are used in laboratory experiments every year. Specifically for cosmetics, these tests are not putting cosmetics on bunnies or brushing their teeth. Laboratories are performing skin and eye irritation tests and dose tests to see how toxic chemicals are, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

The FDA regulated policy, The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, is not requiring cosmetics to be tested on animals to be distributed in the US because of alternative methods of ensuring safety. Yet, some countries currently offer restrictions on sale of cosmetics in their country if not tested on animals.

But don’t worry! There are plenty of cruelty free cosmetics available, especially if you search around for products certified by Leaping Bunny, which has an extensive guide to consumer products that are cruelty free. Cruelty Free Kitty is another resource that can be helpful for this. For now, I can offer you some of me and my friend’s personal favorite alternatives.

by NICOLE FITZSIMMONS art by WADE WEIDEMANN layout by IVY JAEP

1. L’Orèal’s Telescopic Mascara → e.l.f Mascaras

L’Orèal’s products are in the “gray area,” meaning it is completely unclear if they test on animals because the company claims to be cruelty free. It is difficult to know with certainty because it is not certified by PETA or Leaping Bunny. But according to the Cruelty Free Kitty databases, “L’Oréal is not cruelty-free. They may test on animals, either themselves, through their suppliers, or through a third party. Brands who fall under this category could also be selling products where animal testing is required by law.” e.l.f products are always a great, inexpensive drugstore cosmetic alternative that is 100% cruelty free AND vegan! Additionally, they offer so many types of mascaras: volumizing, lengthening, etcetera.

2. Coppertone Sunscreen → Supergoop! Unseen Screen or Sun Bum Original Sunscreen

Coppertone is a classic sunscreen that unfortunately is not certified cruelty free by any organizations, and according to Cruelty Free Kitty, “Coppertone is owned by Bayer, a company that tests on animals. Not only is Coppertone not cruelty-free but neither is their parent company.”

Supergoop! recently became a brand that follows cruelty free guidelines and is certified according to Cruelty Free Kitty, alternative certified by Leaping Bunny and PETA. completely free of laboratory testing on animals for their continued any products tested on animals and expanded cruelty free policies to their suppliers. They also said, though, that “exceptions to this principle will apply however, if animal testing is required or bound by local governments or laws.” Meaning, there are some instances their products are not cruelty free.

Despite being moved to the gray area a few years ago, Burt’s Bees is back to being certified by Cruelty Free Kitty and Leaping Bunny, although they are not all100% vegan. Burt’s Bee’s is inexpensive and accessible, too!

5. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer → e.l.f’s Camo Concealer

Maybelline is owned by L’Oreal, and according to Cruelty Free Kitty, the brand “inherits their animal testing policy. Not all brands owned by a company that tests on animals inherit their policy, but in this case L’Oréal’s policy is displayed in the FAQ (see below).” others to do so except where it is required by law.” So, unfortunately, the famous lip is a no-go in terms of its 100% cruelty free status.

Again, a great drugstore alternative is e.l.f products! Their camo concealer is comparable to Maybelline’s Fit Me concealer.

Switching to a cruelty free lifestyle is difficult, and certainly no one is perfect. Try your best, swap stuff times you are ready or able and try not to waste products you already own. In the meantime, activists are continuing to formulate policy to prevent cruelty on numerous species. For more information, search up products on Cruelty Free Kitty’s website to see if your favorites are cruelty free, or, to search for alternatives.