Is Your Makeup Truly Cruelty-Free?
Q&A on Cruelty free Cosmetics
7/3/20261 min read
Many people think vegan means cruelty-free but it isn't. Know more in this blog about terminology, certifications and brands in India which are PETA certified.
What does Cruelty-Free mean?
Cruelty-free mean ingredients and products are not tested on animals - be it in initial stage or final stage. But Cruelty-Free doesn't mean vegan. It can still include ingredients like beeswax, honey etc.
Why are products tested on animals?
Products are tested on animals to determine safety and efficacy. While doing test, they expose to different concentrations and environmental conditions to evaluate safety profile. (But how cruel it is to test on animals? Sometimes they go through harsh conditions which leads to the death.)
Is there an alternate way to test products?
Recent developments include in-vitro testing and lab based testing where cells from human are exposed to same conditions and studied for the reactions.
Is animal testing still allowed?
Animal testing is banned in 45 countries including India, UK and some parts of US. It is still allowed for products made in China and products imported to China. Good thumb rule to identify is products made in India and UK are highly regulated for animal testing.
Are there any certification bodies which indicate Cruelty-Free(CF) cosmetics?
Many brands put rabbit and other animal logos to indicate cruelty free. But it doesn't indicate certified CF. There are only three certification bodies.
Note: COSMOS/ ECOCERT isn't a cruelty free certification.
1) Leaping Bunny ( Cruelty Free International)
Gold standard and Globally recognised. It requires brand and its suppliers to have no animal testing with fixed cutoff dates and audits on regular basis.
2) PETA
Globally recognised. Company provides a declaration that the suppliers and products have no animal testing. No audits. It is kind of mutual declaration.
3) Choose Cruelty Free (CCF)
Australia based and is not international certification.
Parents company should also be cruelty free. CCF certifies through a detailed questionnaire, kind of self-declaration model.
What are the brands certified as CF?
Since there is a ban on animal testing in India, many brands may be CF. But here are few which are PETA certified.
Aqualogica
Pilgrim
Earth Rhythm
Ruby's Organics
Bare Necessities