Cruelty-free cosmetics are made without animal testing, but the label is voluntary and not externally reviewed. Animal rights groups dispute the need for animal testing and encourage consumers to choose verified cruelty-free products to influence companies to adopt more ethical practices. Many companies also incorporate environmentally sustainable practices.
Cruelty free is a label adopted by many cosmetic manufacturers who wish to indicate that their products have been made without the use of animal testing. This is a voluntary label and not subject to external review or inspection. Many consumers seek out cruelty-free products because they believe animals should not be used for cosmetic testing.
Animals have been used for centuries to test cosmetic products, in a variety of ways. Rabbits are perhaps the most infamous because they have delicate eyes and membranes that are used in the Draize test, a cosmetic test in which products are applied directly to the surface of the eye and the effects are documented. However, a variety of other species are employed in animal tests, which cosmetic companies say ensure the safety of their products.
This claim is disputed by the animal rights movement, which argues that there are cruelty-free ways to test cosmetics to make sure they aren’t harmful to humans. Extensive education campaigns by animal rights organizations have made consumers aware of the extent of animal testing and have encouraged consumers to think about the hidden price of their cosmetics. As a result, customer demand has caused companies to think about and use alternative test methods.
Many companies that market cruelty-free products also incorporate environmentally sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials for their packaging, organic botanical ingredients, and other similar measures. Others also refuse to use animal products in their cosmetics, making the body care items vegan totally without the use of animals. Not everyone chooses to do this, however, and it is often possible to find inexpensive and cruelty-free cosmetics and body care products.
Some animal welfare organizations publish lists of companies they’ve vetted, endorsing their cruelty-free claims. Many progressive companies seek third-party approval to assure their customers that the products they sell are, in fact, responsibly manufactured. Others refuse to respond to inspection requests, raising questions about their business practices. An increasing number of cosmetic companies, including international giants, are adopting cruelty-free cosmetics testing standards thanks to the increase in demand.
Animal welfare groups suggest that consumers should buy verified cruelty-free products whenever possible, because it encourages companies that haven’t been approved to seek approval and suggests that there is a market for such products. Market demand has a strong influence on the types of products that are sold and every single buyer can make a difference by voting with their wallet for a more animal-friendly lifestyle.
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