Cruelty-Free Cosmetics
We should all be passionate about non-animal testing
By Claudia Bensimoun
One of the biggest challenges that consumers face is how to distinguish between cruelty-free products and ones that have been tested on animals. Adding to the frustration and confusion, when it comes to cruelty-free products are terms most commonly used such as “not tested on animals,” “greenwashing,” “vegan,” “organic” and “natural.” You may think that you’re purchasing a brand that’s cruelty-free, yet many of these “cruelty-free” brands have parent companies that test on animals, and indirectly support them. Being cruelty-free means that nothing from the product has been tested on animals, neither the ingredients, nor the product.
“As consumers, we all have the power to help put an end to animal testing. Every time you go shopping, it’s an opportunity to vote with your dollars. By purchasing products that are cruelty-free, you send a powerful message to corporations that can’t have your money as long as they test on animals. We ask everyone to please buy only from companies that have banned all tests on animals,” explains Amanda Nordstrom, Esq. Company Liaison, Beauty Without Bunnies, Office of the President, People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals. (PETA)
As a concerned consumer it’s necessary to study the product labels and confirm that nothing was made in China. China law requires that all products sold in China have to be tested on animals. “In the United States, tests on animals are permitted, but not required, for cosmetics,” says Nordstrom. To further complicate an already tricky labeling debate, if a product is selling in China like many of the larger cosmetic brands, you will know that your product has been tested on animals. People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), The Humane Society of the United States, (HSUS) and the National Anti-Vivisection Society, (NAVS) all have an updated list of cruelty-free products. An easy way to spot these products is to look for the Leaping Bunny logo.
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