In the past, many cosmetic companies experimented and tested their products on animals. But after the world saw the devastating truth behind this practice, several organizations fought to raise awareness and prohibit animal testing. Thankfully, these initiatives yielded positive results, and different countries implemented animal protection laws. Furthermore, these changes prompted the cosmetic industry to evolve, eventually leading to the rise of cruelty-free makeup brands.
Because of these laws and restrictions, consumers now enjoy the privilege of purchasing cosmetic products without being overly conscious. However, being selective with the products and brands that you want to be a part of your beauty regimen is still a good move. Some companies place higher priority on animal welfare more than others, and shopping for cruelty-free products allows you to help further the cause that these brands are championing. To give you an idea of where to start, here are some established skincare and cosmetic brands that specialize in cruelty-free products:
Acure
Founded on principles of sustainability, Acure aims to make vegan, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free skincare products available to everyone. They’re rather famous for their facial scrubs, oils, and serums. Aside from providing high-quality skin and hair care products, Acure supports Unite for Her, a breast cancer non-profit organization, and Turning Green, a student-led movement advocating for the environment and making socially responsible choices.
Deep Steep
Founded by Paul and Peggy Liber, Deep Steep aims to elevate the way people do their self-care routines. They do this by providing their customers with products that nourish their bodies inside out. To keep on delivering consistently high-quality products, Deep Steep uses USDA-certified organic food extracts and has an FDA-registered manufacturing facility.
EO Products
From its humble origins, EO Products has grown immensely over the years. Yet, the company continues to bring to the table effective personal care products that are made from the finest organic, non-GMO ingredients. Their products don’t have parabens, sodium laurel sulfate, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, or artificial colors and dyes. The brand has the Leaping Bunny logo and is also EWG VERIFIED, which means that their products are cruelty-free and don’t have harsh or harmful ingredients.
Lush
Lush is a cosmetics and skincare company well-known for their handmade and organic products, such as their bath bombs. Even though Lush is an established brand in the skincare industry, they continue to honor their commitment to care for the environment and provide customers with the freshest, most effective skincare products. They’ve gotten rid of unnecessary packaging, their products are not tested on animals, and they also make sure that their suppliers don’t do animal testing.
E.L.F.
The popular makeup brand ELF has made cruelty-free cosmetics more accessible to the public. The company offers affordable eye, face, and lip products that are free of problematic ingredients like phthalates, parabens, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone. Among their bestsellers are eye palettes and liners.
The Body Shop
Since it was established in 1976, The Body Shop has focused on becoming a force for good. More than 40 years and 20 countries later, the brand stays committed to this vision—they’re one of the companies that worked with cruelty-free organizations to ban animal testing. In addition, their products are made from the finest ingredients using traditional skills, empowering small communities in the process.
Urban Decay Cosmetics
A brand with attitude, Urban Decay Cosmetics is known for their trendy and highly pigmented makeup. They steer clear of animal testing and only work with suppliers who have made the same commitment to staying cruelty-free.
This is just a small sampling of the popular brands that champion ethical beauty. Explore a bit more and you’re sure to find many others out there that can suit your preferences and budget without compromising your principles and standards of quality.
