Have you watched Legally Blonde 2? Do you remember when Elle Woods found out one of her favourite brands tested on animals? Well, a friend of mine recently had that experience and I thought I would write an article to not only raise awareness to the fact that animal testing still exists, but to celebrate the various brands in beauty, and in fashion (like H&M), that refuse to test their products on animals.
Unfortunately, there are still companies in the industry that do test their cosmetics on animals. This has a lot to do with the laws governing animal testing around the world. In 2013, the EU took a stand and prohibited any company from testing on animals and many countries have followed suit. However, there are other places in the world, like China, where animal testing is accepted and in some cases “necessary” under Chinese law.
So what do we do? Which brands and companies should we support?
Let me introduce you to the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) index. PETA made an entire list showing which brands aren’t cruelty free and the brands that are. It is also important to note that there are several cruelty free brands that are owned by companies that PETA has blacklisted for animal testing. L’Oreal happens to be one of these. However, their children brands like The Body Shop, NYX Cosmetics, and Urban Decay are all recognized as cruelty free.
After some research, I compiled a short list of popular brands that are absolutely cruelty free. I should mention that PETA’s index is non-exhaustive as there are some Canadian brands that are not included in this list. The following list includes brands that are recognized by PETA as cruelty free and have stated on their websites that their products have NOT been tested on animals. Check it out!
1. LUSH
LUSH is known for its amazing bath bombs and vegan friendly products, so it’s nice to know that they are also cruelty free.
2. Cake Beauty
Cake Beauty is one of my favourite Canadian brands and knowing they’re cruelty free makes me so happy to support them.
3. Urban Decay
Although Urban Decay is owned by L’Oreal, the brand is recognized by PETA as cruelty free and promotes their cruelty free policy on their website as part of their commitments.
4. Bite Beauty
Bite Beauty is another Canadian brand to be proud of for their cruelty free policy and their products are fabulous!
5. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics
If you check out OCC’s about page you’ll see that they are also against animal testing. It’s even written on their nail polish!
6. Marc Jacobs Beauty
Not only is Marc Jacobs fabulous, the designer also creates beauty products that haven’t been tested on animals. Just take a look at the FAQs.
7. Too Faced Cosmetics
There is nothing two-faced about this brand. They are 100% against animal testing!
8. Cover FX
Cover FX is known for their bestselling foundation collection.
9. ColourPop
I’ve been dying to try out ColourPop for months and I definitely will now that I know they refrain from animal testing.
10. Wet n Wild
Last but not least, we have Wet n Wild Beauty. The PETA-certified brand has never and will never test on animals!
I don’t know about you but it makes me feel a little more relieved knowing my money is supporting brands that do not support animal testing. If we were more conscious of this, I think we could really make a difference in terms of how beauty products and even clothing are made and tested before they are sold.
Do you have a favourite cruelty free brand? Snap a pic and tag us on Instagram or send us a tweet on Twitter!