I know myself and many others who are now rocking with our COVID-19 vaccine and you know what that means… fewer restrictions, more fun, and responsible hanging out this summer. I’ve been thinking about the warm weather and good feelings summer brings more often than ever. Summer is my favorite season, that’s an opinion that many share and my favorite summer activity is tanning and hanging outside. I know, I know, bad for my skin. As someone with a history of skin cancer in their family, I am sure to be extra cautious. I wear sunscreen lotion every day, even in the winter, it is just part of my daily routine. So, just like any other day, I woke up this morning and put on my usual products but on the back of one of my makeup products the cruelty-free, no animal testing logo caught my eye. BOOM, my heart sank, animal testing- what! I totally forgot that was a thing. How out of touch am I to forget something like that happens every day? So, I begin in a half-panic looking at all of my products….no logo…no logo…no logo. I’m thinking “no way- not my CeraVe sunscreen face lotion that I love and use literally every day” so I begin googling every product in my bathroom and much to my discomfort as an animal lover and rabbit owner, many (and I mean surprisingly many) of my products were tested on animals. (Spoiler: My CeraVe is not cruelty-free) So after panic passes, the guilt comes in; I have supported these companies for so long and I was so upset with myself that I had become focused on what I wanted and less on the consequences of the things I do and the products I use. So, I have decided to let you all in on the products that still test on animals so that you can revamp your summer product collection with some animal testing-free alternatives that are still in the budget.
- CeraVe daily sunscreen face lotion | Alternative: SunBum SPF 50 Clear Zinc $9.99
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SunBum SPF 50 Clear Zinc sunscreen is the consistency of a lotion and can be worn every day, unlike the CeraVe this brand is vegan and cruelty-free and will put some extra protection against those harmful summer rays.
- Nivea Body Wash | Alternative: Dove Body Wash $3.97
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I have been using Nivea body wash since I came to Ohio University and have really enjoyed using their product, although they do not directly test on animals in the United States they do sell to mainland China where animal testing is required meaning they allow for their brand to be tested on animals if it will bring them more profit. Dove body wash is not only sensitive to the skin but it is also affordable, it will do the job as well as keep your skin healthy and clean. Most importantly it is cruelty-free!
- Crest Toothpaste | Alternative: hello toothpaste $4.99
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I am a lover of crest toothpaste, unfortunately, it is not only tested on animals but is also made with animal products, the alternative hello brand toothpaste is not only cruelty-free but also has a vegan formula. It actually comes in a lot of flavors too, not just varieties of mint!
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Cetaphil | Alternative: Derma E Sensitive Skin Cleanser $15.50
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Another favorite. Who would have thought that a product so good for your skin could be so bad for our little four-legged companions?! Derma E Sensitive Skin Cleanser contains some of the same healthy ingredients that Cetaphil does but it is a 100% vegan formula and is not tested on animals.
- Maybelline Products | Alternative: Elf Products
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As sad as it may be one of my drug store favorites allows for animal testing in other countries, thankfully Elf, another drugstore brand known for its good formulas and affordability is both cruelty-free and vegan. Meaning everyone can enjoy their products!
Summer is fun, I’m excited, you and I both need to have that fresh and healthy look. So like me, take this summer to reconstruct your product collection, I know I am. Even if it is just one product you are making a difference. Alternatives to your favorites are super easy to find and are occasionally, even more, cost-effective! You just have to know where to look, Cruelty Kitty is a great place to check out for these kinds of products, I definitely looked there a lot today! Fig (my bunny) and all the other animals in the world want you to do your part!! Sending you a happy and cruelty-free summer!