Did you know that some of the most popular cleaning, skin-care, and makeup products come from brands that test on animals? It seems safe to say that most people don't want animals to be hurt or killed as a part of the manufacturing process of their favorite stuff, especially since many of these products are cosmetic rather than satisfying a base need. Knowing a few simple facts can make us more informed consumers, allowing us to support companies that do not test on animals and be conscious of the ones that do. In our helpful cruelty-free guide, we will review what animal testing is, what companies test on animals, and how to stop animal testing.
"Cruelty-free" refers to products not tested on animals in any part of the manufacturing process. But let's step back a minute: What is animal testing, exactly? Basically, scientific tests that experiment on animals in a way that may lead to the creature's pain, suffering, or harm can be considered by the cruelty-free community to be animal testing. In many of these tests, skin and eye irritation experiments in which chemicals are rubbed on shaved skin or dropped directly into the eyes are done without pain relief on small rodents like bunnies, guinea pigs, and mice. Naturally, an animal cannot tell us when it's hurting, and in some cases, the animal may even die or suffer permanent physical damage. These types of experiments, given current technologies, are often outdated, cruel, and completely unnecessary, at least within the United States.
Do you like wearing makeup? Testing on animals doesn't have to be a part of that equation at all. Let's take a look at the cosmetic brands that test on animals as well as the best cruelty-free makeup brands 2019 has to offer! We're going to be focusing mostly on cruelty-free drugstore makeup brands as well as others that are commonly available. Many think that to go cruelty-free, one must spend a ton of money or go far out of the way to find good options, but it's just not true! While you're shopping for makeup, you can save on many of these better brands online using CouponFollow's deals, like getting coupons for the vegan, cruelty-free e.l.f. makeup brand, which is already pretty cheap to begin with!
Here are some of the top cruelty-free makeup products we've found:
Of course, those in the beauty and cosmetics industry aren't the only companies that test on animals. Toothpaste, shampoo, and first-aid supplies are all products tested on animals frequently, as upsetting as that fact may be. Here are some other products to keep in mind as well as the readily available cruelty-free drugstore brands you can swap them for.
Cruelty-Free Face Wash
Common brands including Clean & Clear, Clearasil, Olay, Aveeno, Avon, Kiehl's, and Neutrogena are all on PETA's list of companies that test on animals. Cetaphil, while not being on the official PETA list, has been reported as being part of a pharmaceutical company that does use testing. Biore, CeraVe, Fresh, GlamGlow, and Soap & Glory are also in a gray area.
Cruelty-Free Moisturizer
Lubriderm is on PETA's bad list. Jergens and Bath & Body Works reportedly may sell in countries where testing is required.
Cruelty-Free Body Wash
Ivory, Dial, Olay, and Johnson & Johnson products are all on PETA's list for testing on animals.
Cruelty-Free Sunscreen
Bain de Soleil and Coppertone are on PETA's bad list. Nivea sells in China. Other companies, like Banana Boat and Le Tan are in the gray area.
Cruelty-Free Perfume
Perfume companies like Calvin Klein Cosmetics, Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger, Vera Wang, Versace, Victoria's Secret, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Estée Lauder are all on PETA's list for using animal testing.
Cruelty-Free Deodorant and Antiperspirant
Common deodorant brands often do animal testing. Old Spice, Secret, and Arm & Hammer area all on are PETA's bad list.
Cruelty-Free Lip Care
Two of the most common brands of lip balm - eos and ChapStick - are not cruelty-free.
Cruelty-Free Shampoo and Hair-Care Products
Another thing to keep in mind is that shampoos, sprays, dyes, and gels are rarely cruelty-free hair products. But don't worry! We've done the research for you.
Shampoos That Don't Test on Animals
Brands like Head & Shoulders, Aussie, Garnier, Suave, Pantene, L'Oréal, and Redken, are all on PETA's list for animal testing. None of these companies can be considered for cruelty-free hair-care products.
Cruelty-Free Hairspray
As we mentioned in the shampoo section, many of the most common brands of hair products have and do test on animals, like Redken, L'Oréal, Aussia, Pantene, and Garnier.
Miscellaneous Bathroom Products
When shopping for simple things like spray cleaners or bandages, keep in mind that many of these companies test on animals. These are some of the worst offenders, as many of these tests can be extremely hurtful and abrasive.
Cruelty-Free Toothpaste and Oral Care
It's somewhat absurd that this is even a part of the conversation, but most of the most common toothpaste brands are specifically on PETA's list for testing on animals: Crest, Equate, Aquafresh, Sensodyne, and Colgate all test on animals. Mouthwash products like Listerine, Scope, and Biotene are also on the bad list.
Cruelty-Free Cleaning Products
Frebreeze, Fantastik, Mr. Clean, OxiClean, Tide, Kaboom, Finish, Drano, and many other Procter & Gamble brands are on PETA's list.
Being mindful of which products use testing as a part of their manufacturing process can help us avoid making the process worse and protect the lives of innocent creatures. Start making the switch to cruelty-free, and remember that you can save on dozens of these brands with CouponFollow!
