16 Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands
Are you concerned about animal welfare? Do you try to live a compassionate life? Do you think that testing beauty products on animals is archaic and cruel? Join the club.
It used to be that people didn’t question how their products were tested. The beauty and cosmetic industries have been performing live animal testing to assure the safety of their products for humans for decades. At the cost of animal suffering.
I remember first seeing the images of bunny rabbits with red eyes in the early 80s and I was shocked. I started thinking that I didn’t want to be a part of that. Unfortunately, I enjoyed (and still do) wearing makeup. It wasn’t easy to get transparency from the companies back then.
Fortunately, many beauty brands have turned away from testing ingredients and products on animals. There is definitely a high demand for it as compassionate consumers demand change and better practices. Also, it is much easier to find out if a company, brand, or product tests on animals. I’ll get into that shortly.
Some of the brands we’ll cover in this article are:
- Dove – Dove is considered a cruelty-free brand, as they do not test their products or ingredients on animals. They are certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny as cruelty-free.
- Elf – e.l.f. Cosmetics don’t test their products or ingredients on animals, and they don’t sell their products in countries where animal testing is required by law. They are certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny as cruelty-free.
- Paul Mitchell – Paul Mitchell is considered a cruelty-free hair care brand. They don’t test their products or ingredients on animals or sell their products in countries where animal testing is required by law. They are also certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny as cruelty-free.
- The Body Shop – The Body Shop has a long history of advocating against animal testing in the beauty industry. They don’t test their products or ingredients on animals and they have been certified as cruelty-free by various organizations.
- Lush – Lush is known for their commitment to using ethically sourced ingredients and also reducing their environmental impact. Their products have been certified as cruelty-free.
- Bare Minerals – BareMinerals is committed to using natural and sustainable ingredients in their products as well as sustaining cruelty-free practices. Their products and ingredients are not tested on animals and they have also been certified as cruelty-free by various organizations.
- Too Faced – Too Faced doesn’t test their products or ingredients on animals, and they don’t sell their products in countries where animal testing is required by law.
- Tarte – Tarte is also known for their vegan-friendly and eco-friendly beauty and makeup products. One of my personal favorite makeup brands.
- Urban Decay – Urban Decay doesn’t test their products or ingredients on animals or sell their products in countries where animal testing is required. They have been certified as cruelty-free and are known for their vegan-friendly and sustainable products.
- PUR Cosmetics – PETA and Leaping Bunny approved, PUR Cosmetics is also known for their vegan-friendly and gluten-free products.
- Dermablend – Dermablend is cruelty-free and committed to using high-performance and dermatologist-tested ingredients in their products.
- Dr. Teal’s – Dr. Teal’s is known for their natural and therapeutic bath and body products that are made with essential oils and Epsom salt that are not tested on animals.
- Herbal Essence – Herbal Essence is committed to using renewable energy and sustainable practices in their manufacturing process as well as offering cruelty-free products.
- Physicians Formula – Physicians Formula uses natural and hypoallergenic ingredients in their products that are never tested on animals.
- The Ordinary –The Ordinary does not test on animals and offers affordable and science-backed skincare products that are free from harmful ingredients.
- KVD Vegan Beauty – A fully vegan and cruelty-free brand that does not test their products or ingredients on animals. KVD Vegan Beauty offers a range of high-quality and long-lasting makeup products.
Why Test Beauty Products
Obviously, as consumers, we expect the products that we buy not to harm us. Ingredients are constantly being created for the beauty industry and these have to be tested and vetted before using them to make products.
As people became more aware of the torturous practices that the beauty and cosmetic industry was inflicting on helpless animals, more people started voicing their concerns. Including celebrities and high-profile people.
Dear intelligent people of the world, don’t get shampoo in your eyes. It really stings. There. Done. So f***ing stop torturing animals.
—Ricky Gervais
When choosing to develop or use new ingredients in their cosmetic products, some companies conduct tests on animals to assess the safety of these new ingredients. This practice is both cruel and unnecessary because companies can already create innovative products using thousands of ingredients that have a history of safe use and do not require any additional testing. Plus, modern testing methods (such as human cell-based tests and sophisticated computer models) have replaced outdated animal tests with new approaches that are often faster, less expensive and more reliable.
—Humane Society
How to Find Cruelty-Free Beauty Products
Luckily, it has never been easier to find cruelty-free ingredients and products. I mention ingredients AND products because you may buy a product that was not directly tested on animals, but that may contain ingredients that were in the supplier chain that was. Brands may also get away with going undetected because they use third-party companies to do the testing.
To make sure that the product is 100% cruelty-free (with no ingredients that were tested on animals) look for labels like these on the packaging.
Terms and phrases to look for on labels:
- Cruelty-free
- Leaping Bunny Certified
- 100% Vegan
You can also:
- Check a company’s website for information about their animal testing policies.
- Contact a company’s customer service department to ask about their animal testing policies.
- Look for information provided by beauty bloggers and influencers who specialize in cruelty-free products.
While doing the research for this article I went down a rabbit hole (no pun intended) and found that many brands that are labeled cruelty-free are owned by parent companies that are not necessarily cruelty-free. Some beauty brands are certified cruelty-free but are owned by larger corporations that possess several other brands that sell to countries that still require animal testing. It’s important to note that all the brands on this list are technically cruelty-free and refuse to sell to countries that require animal testing, they may be associated with other brands through a parent company that is not.
Cruelty-Free Apps
You can download one of these mobile apps and use it when shopping. They have extended databases of cruelty-free products that are regularly updated.
Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands
Here is our curated selection of beauty and cosmetics brands that have received certifications affirming their commitment to cruelty-free practices, ensuring that animal testing is not involved in any stage of their supply chain and manufacturing processes. These brands prioritize ethical beauty and offer a wide range of products that align with values of compassion and conscious consumption.
We chose brands that are easily accessible and some are already household established brands.
Dove
Dove is considered a cruelty-free brand, as they do not test their products or ingredients on animals anywhere in the world. They are certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny as cruelty-free.
It’s important to note that Dove is owned by Unilever which does still do some animal testing in countries where it is required by law.
The Soothing Care Beauty Bar for Sensitive Skin is a gentle cleansing bar designed to soothe and nourish the skin. It cleanses effectively while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture balance.
Soothing Care Beauty Bar for Sensitive Skin
Elf
e.l.f. Cosmetics, also known as Eyes Lips Face, is a well-known and affordable cruelty-free beauty brand. They have a strong commitment to not testing their products or ingredients on animals, making them a popular choice for conscious consumers.
e.l.f. Cosmetics has obtained certifications from reputable organizations such as PETA and Leaping Bunny, which validate their cruelty-free status. They also uphold their commitment by refraining from selling their products in countries where animal testing is mandated by law.
With their extensive range of makeup and skincare products, e.l.f. Cosmetics offers an accessible cruelty-free option for those seeking affordable and compassionate beauty choices.
Paul Mitchell
Paul Mitchell is a widely recognized and respected hair care brand that is committed to being cruelty-free. They have a strong stance against animal testing and do not test their products or ingredients on animals.
Paul Mitchell also refuses to sell their products in countries where animal testing is mandatory, further reinforcing their dedication to cruelty-free practices.
They are cruelty-free certified by both PETA and Leaping Bunny. By obtaining these certifications, Paul Mitchell ensures that their commitment to animal welfare is recognized and verified by third-party entities.
With a diverse range of hair care products, Paul Mitchell offers consumers the opportunity to choose hair care solutions that align with their values and respect for animal rights.
Platinum Blonde Purple Shampoo
The Body Shop
The Body Shop is a cruelty-free brand that has taken a strong stance against animal testing. They have obtained certifications from PETA and Leaping Bunny solidifying their commitment to cruelty-free practices.
The Body Shop has been a long-standing advocate against animal testing, actively working towards creating awareness and promoting alternatives in the beauty industry.
Their dedication to cruelty-free values makes them a popular choice for consumers seeking ethical and animal-friendly beauty products.
Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream
Lush
Lush is a well-known beauty brand that has received certifications from PETA and Leaping Bunny, affirming their cruelty-free status. Beyond being cruelty-free, Lush is renowned for its dedication to the ethical sourcing of ingredients, ensuring fair trade and sustainable practices.
Lush also places a strong emphasis on minimizing their environmental impact, using minimal packaging and actively supporting various environmental initiatives.
Their commitment to cruelty-free and sustainable practices has garnered them a loyal following of conscious consumers.
Bare Minerals
Bare Minerals is a cruelty-free brand that places a strong emphasis on the well-being of animals. They ensure that none of their products or ingredients are tested on animals, as validated by certifications.
Bare Minerals also takes pride in utilizing natural and sustainable ingredients, aiming to minimize their environmental impact while delivering high-quality and conscientious beauty products to their customers.
AGELESS PHYTO-RETINOL FACE CREAM
Too Faced
Too Faced is a cruelty-free brand that strongly opposes animal testing. They have taken a proactive approach by refusing to test their products or ingredients on animals.
They do not sell their products in countries where animal testing is mandatory, ensuring their commitment to cruelty-free practices is upheld. By adhering to these principles, Too Faced offers beauty enthusiasts compassionate choices without compromising on quality or style.
Born This Way Flawless Coverage Natural Finish Foundation
Tarte
Tarte has gained recognition not only for being a cruelty-free brand but also for their commitment to vegan-friendly and eco-friendly practices. They offer a wide range of products that are free from animal-derived ingredients, making them a go-to choice for vegan beauty enthusiasts.
Tarte also emphasizes eco-friendly packaging and incorporates sustainable materials whenever possible, showcasing their dedication to reducing their environmental footprint.
tartelette™ in bloom Amazonian clay palette
Urban Decay
Urban Decay is a renowned cruelty-free brand that upholds a strong commitment against animal testing. They refuse to test their products or ingredients on animals and do not distribute them in countries where animal testing is mandatory.
They are celebrated for their extensive range of vegan-friendly and sustainable products, offering ethical choices without compromising on quality or style.
QUICKIE 24HR MULTI-USE CONCEALER
PUR Cosmetics
PUR Cosmetics is another cruelty-free brand that has obtained certifications from PETA and Leaping Bunny, ensuring their commitment to ethical practices.
PUR Cosmetics is celebrated for their vegan-friendly and gluten-free formulations, catering to diverse beauty needs.
Their dedication to providing high-quality, inclusive products that are free from animal-derived ingredients and gluten has garnered them a loyal following.
4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Powder Foundation with Skincare Ingredients
Dermablend
Dermablend is a cruelty-free brand that prioritizes the use of high-performance and dermatologist-tested ingredients in their products. They are dedicated to providing effective and safe solutions for various skin concerns.
By ensuring that their formulations meet rigorous standards, Dermablend has gained a reputation for delivering quality products that are both cruelty-free and backed by dermatological expertise.
Their commitment to cruelty-free practices and dermatologist-tested ingredients makes them a trusted choice for individuals seeking reliable and skin-friendly beauty solutions.
Dr. Teal’s
Dr. Teal’s is a renowned household brand known for their natural and therapeutic bath and body products. Their formulas are crafted with essential oils and Epsom salt, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Dr. Teal’s takes pride in their commitment to cruelty-free practices, ensuring that their products are not tested on animals. With their focus on natural ingredients and cruelty-free values, Dr. Teal’s offers a range of products that promote wellness and self-care.
Herbal Essence
Herbal Essence is another household brand that not only offers cruelty-free products but also demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices. They prioritize using renewable energy in their manufacturing process, reducing their environmental impact.
By aligning their values with cruelty-free and sustainable initiatives, Herbal Essences provides consumers with hair care products that promote both personal care and eco-consciousness, making it a choice for those seeking beauty products that support a greener and kinder future.
Physicians Formula
Physicians Formula is a brand dedicated to crafting products with a focus on natural and hypoallergenic ingredients. They are known for their commitment to avoiding animal testing, ensuring that their products are cruelty-free.
Physicians Formula offers a range of cosmetics that are both gentle on the skin and aligned with ethical values, making it a trusted choice for individuals seeking effective and animal-friendly beauty solutions.
THE ESSENCE OF HEALTHY TONER & SETTING SPRAY
The Ordinary
The Ordinary is a brand that prides itself on being cruelty-free and dedicated to providing affordable skincare solutions. They uphold a strict no-animal-testing policy throughout their product development process.
The Ordinary is renowned for their science-backed approach, formulating products with effective and proven ingredients while avoiding harmful substances.
With their commitment to cruelty-free practices and accessible skincare, The Ordinary has gained popularity among skincare enthusiasts seeking reliable and affordable beauty options.
KVD Vegan Beauty
KVD Vegan Beauty is a brand that proudly offers a complete range of vegan and cruelty-free products. They are committed to not testing their products or ingredients on animals, ensuring their ethical standards are upheld.
With a reputation for high-quality formulations, KVD Vegan Beauty offers long-lasting makeup options, including their highly acclaimed tattoo liner and Everlasting Liquid Lipstick.
Beauty enthusiasts can enjoy the brand’s extensive range of cruelty-free and vegan products without compromising on quality or style.
Everlasting Hyperlight Transfer-Proof Liquid Lipstick
Be Kind
I don’t intend to start a debate on opinions about animal welfare and animal testing here. I simply want to give a researched list of easily accessible brands that are cruelty-free for our readers that are interested in shopping cruelty-free for their beauty products.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you use cruelty-free products? Is animal testing a concern for you? What are your favorite cruelty-free brands or products? Tell us in the comments below.
