5 Brands You Think Are Cruelty-Free (But Really Aren’t)!
There’s a huge difference between beauty brands not gaining cruelty-free status – and flat out lying (or at least omitting the truth) about it.
Let’s dive into 5 popular brands you’ve heard of, and probably think are cruelty-free…but sadly, totally aren’t.
Warning for vegans; this is probably going to disappoint you.
What does “Cruelty-Free” Really Mean?
The definition is a little more complicated than you think.
Currently, there are NO GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS for exactly what is considered “cruelty-free.”
Meaning that brands can literally use this phrase however they wish, leaving it up to interpretation by the consumer.
The phrase could be used to say ingredients were never tested, or never will be. Which, isn’t factual since before animal testing was considered taboo, literally everyone did it on everything.
While a Manufacturer can claim they don’t do animal testing, it also doesn’t mean their suppliers of ingredients also don’t test on animals.
It’s also important to note that many ingredients come from countries with no limits on animal testing, as it can actually be required by law for safety.
One way to ensure that your products really are “cruelty-free” is to use Leaping Bunny.
We will go more in-depth on what Leaping Bunny logos are, but first, let’s go ahead and get into the list of Popular brands that aren’t Leaping Bunny certified.
Meaning, they aren’t truly Cruelty-Free!
Mary-Kay
I wish this was the only MLM on this list…but it’s not.
Yes, Mary Kay might at one point, been at the forefront of ending animal testing for cosmetics.
However, they actually sell products in over 30 countries! One being, China.
China, by law, does animal testing. Instead of pulling products to maintain cruelty-free status, Mary Kay hasn’t done so.
Any information on this brand actually being cruelty-free, isn’t exactly true. While they do not test on animals themselves or ask anyone else to, they are allowing their products to be sold (and tested) in countries that require animal testing by law.
Very sad for a company that could have just walked away and refused to sell to these countries, but hey, MLMs do some shady things.
Neutrogena
Say it isn’t so…but alas, it is.
Neutrogena is owned by parent company, Johnson & Johnson.
Johnson & Johnson sells multiple brand products to China as well, which also strips them of real cruelty-free status, just like Mary Kay.
While products here in the US aren’t tested on animals, if you’re adamant about not supporting brands that sell to countries that test, this is one to avoid.
Pantene
Pantene is owned by parent company, Proctor & Gamble.
While Proctor & Gamble is trying desperately to work on alternatives to testing, using non-animal methods, they still haven’t pulled from countries that require them.
Which means while your shampoo wasn’t used on Bunnies here in the US, it doesn’t mean that testing is still going on in China.
When so many other brands totally pull product and cease production in countries that allow animal testing, it’s sad to see the ones who decide not to.
Aquaphor
This brand claims to be working with the Chinese government to end animal testing.
Now, while a brand can claim this all they want, again, the claims are really up to interpretation. Again, instead of refusing sales, they’ve still allowed their products in this country that requires animal testing by law.
Younique
The second MLM on the list, this one is actually worse than the previous brands.
They claim cruelty-free status they never tried to obtain.
Younique themselves will tell you they are totally cruelty-free BUT they haven’t done the research required to ensure all their ingredients and suppliers are actually cruelty-free.
This doesn’t stop them, or their representatives, from claiming, advertising, and gloating that they are a “cruelty-free” brand.
Even though they have not one certification to show for it. Nor have they put in the effort to try to only source ingredients from suppliers who are certified.
Remember this the next time someone begs you to host a party…they only want your money. They don’t care enough about ethics to even try to verify their own claims.
Leaping Bunny Certification
It’s not enough to check labels and just look for some bunny ears. If you want to make sure the brand isn’t misleading you with fake labels (which a lot do!), you need to look for Leaping Bunny certification.
Leaping Bunny holds brands to a high standard – ensuring that not only will the brand have never tested on animals, but agree to never test also.
They also hold suppliers of ingredients accountable, as well as taking a pledge to never sell products in countries that require animal testing.
If you see a bunny ear logo, check the leaping bunny website to make sure it’s legit-before you fall for false claims by a shady brand!
What if my favorite brand isn’t cruelty-free?
Going totally vegan, or cruelty-free isn’t for everyone.
Not everyone can totally change their lifestyle and buying habits.
It’s one thing for brands to not be cruelty-free certified…but it’s another entirely to claim that they are knowing they really aren’t.
I’m not throwing shade to anyone who just realized their shampoo might have been tested on naked mole rats. That is not what this post is for.
This post is just to shine a light on some popular brands we all think is cruelty-free but aren’t.
You should always make the best choices for you when purchasing products, and make informed decisions based on facts….not marketing buzzwords, deceit, and truth omissions.
One of my friend’s was a Mary Kay consultant and always pitched the brand to me as cruelty free. What a scam!
I’m surprised to see a lot of these brands on the list and sadly I use a lot of them too.Thank you so much for sharing!
I didn’t know that Neutrogena was going to be on this list. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing about this products and helping people to know of the risks of using them.