Going Cruelty Free

• By Allie
• 13 January, 2013
• 1 Comment

Kimberly Wyatt, for PETA (Courtesy: www.peta.org)

Courtesy of www.peta.org

Majority of Companies test on animals for cosmetics while a small percent test for medical research (Infographic: Allison Perez)

All around the world, animals are misused, mistreated whether it be for entertainment purposes or for science. It is horrifying to know that the shampoo you use or the foundation you recently purchased was made by first being scientifically tested on a defenseless animal so that scientists could prove their theories and make these products safe for the sale and use of humans. But is it fair that animals are harmed in order for us to benefit? That is up to you to decide. However, you can help by taking the pledge to be cruelty free and purchasing items that have been labeled cruelty free, meaning scientists did not test these items on animals prior to being released and sold to the general public.  PETA founded in March 1980 by Ingrid NewKirk is an animal rights organization whose slogan is “Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment.” Kenneth Montville, PETA Representative said “PETA’s Compassionate Consumer program works with companies and have them sign a statement of intent to never test on animals, use exotic skins, etc. In some cases truly compassionate companies will get our bunny logo to use on their products to show that they are entirely vegan friendly.”

Below is just some of the companies that are cruelty free and do not do any product testing on animals.

Since beginning this research, more attention has been paid to which products bear the cruelty free logo or bunny logo. Tarte Cosmetics has the cruelty free logo on the side of all products from make-up brushes to foundation. Other companies such as Urban Decay or Bare Escentuals are listed on PETA’s cruelty free shopping guide but do not bear the cruelty free logo.  The photo of the pamphlet below lists all the companies that are listed by PETA as those that do not test on animals. They vary from cosmetics to clothing to food to personal care items. This list is also available on www.leapingbunny.org .

Cruelty-Free Shopping Guide (Photo: Allison Perez)

In the images shown below are examples of companies that are cruelty free and bear the cruelty free logo. Tarte Cosmetics bears this logo on the side of all of their packaging.

Tarte Cosmetics Mascara Front View of Packaging (Photo: Allison Perez)

Side view of Tarte Cosmetics Mascara packaging bearing cruelty free logo (Photo: Allison Perez)

Below are two companies that are cruelty free as indicated by the cruelty free shopping guide, however, as seen below only the Urban Decay product bears both versions of the cruelty free logo. Unfortunately, Too Faced does not include this on their packaging. However, do not fear, their products are cruelty free based on the shopping guide.

Urban Decay Smoked Palette and Too Faced Natural Face Palette (Photo: Allison Perez)

Urban Decay Smoked Palette Advert which bears both cruelty free logo’s (Photo: Allison Perez)

Too Faced Cosmetics Natural Face Palette that does not bear logo (Photo: Allison Perez)

Kim Anderson, President  of Ava Anderson Non-Toxic stated her company was started shortly after Ava Anderson, at the age of 14 saw a Teen Study done by the Environmental Working Group where it was revealed that “adolescent girls across America are contaminated with chemicals commonly used in cosmetics and body care products and Ava realized that she would need to create her own line.  Kim further states that their methods of testing is that first, they are aware that the ingredients used are safe and the products are tested on themselves, staff and consultants in order to ensure that everyone loves it. However, she further states, that manufacturers do challenge this method of testing to ensure that the products have an 18-month shelf life and can defend themselves against bacteria.

MAJOR DIFFERENCES

 Are there differences when using cruelty free cosmetics versus those that are not cruelty free? Kim Anderson stated as an example, the ingredients used in the Olay Night Cream, if used daily adds to your body burden of toxic chemicals and that the Ava Eye Cream which is used by her on a daily basis, contains the following ingredients: “is very healthy for you and your skin and your body burden of toxic chemicals and is  formulated with a perfect selection of skin beneficial ingredients: BULGARIAN ROSE helps to regulate sebum, has antibacterial properties (can be helpful in the prevention of acne), chosen for anti-wrinkle properties. It is also known for its ability to help cool sunburn. ROSEHIP OIL is high in bio-available vitamin C as well as other components and offers many excellent benefits to the skin – boosting regeneration of the skin and making the skin more elastic as well. Research has found that daily applications of rose hip oil helped with wrinkle reduction, as well as fading sun damaged areas of the skin. Due to the high levels of the fatty acids it helps the skin to heal and speeds up regeneration. It penetrates the skins very quickly, making it a good moisturizer and with all the other positive properties, and its tissue regeneration action, it is described as the “oil of youth”. EVENING PRIMROSE OIL provides many benefits to skin – helps to lighten dark circles under the eyes making them appear younger and less tired, evens out the skin tone and helps the skin to produce new skin cells, and makes the skin firm. It softens and hydrates extremely dry skin. It is especially great for sensitive skin and is a good anti aging product that decreases fine lines and wrinkles. CALENDULA is recommended for chapped, dry or damaged skin. It has great therapeutic properties for skin care and strong wound healing applications. Research data supports significant anti-inflammatory effect and potent wound healing activity. ITALIAN EVERLASTING is known for its strong anti-inflammatory and skin-rejuvenating properties, has remarkable effects on sensitive and inflamed skin, and is antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. One of the most ancient and valuable healing substances, known to aid in tissue regeneration and wound healing. APRICOT KERNEL OIL is great for all skin types as an acting emollient and is best known for its ability to soften, soothe, and re-condition the skin. Natural expeller pressed oil from raw almond kernels and exceptionally rich in fatty acids. VETIVER OIL is excellent for skin cell rejuvenation, healing and skin conditioning. It is beneficial for dry skin.”

While some consumers such as Ms. Anderson are conscientious about products origins, Stacy P. is a consumer who does not look for cosmetics that are cruelty free but rather is very specific on her brand and only uses Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. She says that she keeps going back to Bobbi Brown because she likes how these products work with her skin and that she has no intention of utilizing a cruelty free company.  For your information, Leaping Bunny does not have Bobbi Brown listed as a cruelty free company.

WHAT ARE COMPANIES DOING TO GO CRUELTY FREE?

Mary Kay, a company considered cruelty free was caught quietly ordering animal testing on their products however at this time is currently taking steps to consider non-animal testing alternatives.  Other companies such as Estee Lauder continue to utilize animal testing. At this time, it appears that there is no plan to stop animal testing.

ANIMAL TESTING VS. NON-ANIMAL TESTING

Companies that do test on animals use the following test:

The Draize rabbit eye and skin test for irritation, where substances are placed in animals’ eyes or directly on their skin to test for redness, ulcers, or irritation.

Companies that do not utilize animal-testing however opt for testing uses cultured, human-derived cells to test for skin irritation.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

As a consumer, you can do the following to help companies opt for cruelty free by doing the following:

1. As previously mentioned, take the cruelty free pledge;
2. Go here to urge companies to not test on animals;
3. Look for the bunny logo!;
4. Head over to www.leapingbunny.org and use their searchable database for companies that do not test on animals;
5. Familiarize yourself with the ingredients and frequently check for new ingredients to see if this changse the products testing methods.

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