The true meaning of cruelty free: and are your favourite brands included on the approved list?
By Maddie Rolfe

In this day and age, you’d think it would be unanimous that animal testing isn’t used anymore for the purposes of cosmetics and skincare.

And no, we don’t mean putting lipstick on a pig. 

Animal testing can often involve intense laboratory environments in which small creatures such as guinea pigs or rabbits are subjected to chemical injections, force-feeding, and even killed, according to Cruelty Free International, who advocate against this practice.

Their website states that 80% of the world still allows animals to be used for cosmetic tests, but modern methods that don’t involve animals are actually statistically quicker, cheaper, and more reliable.

In 2018, they launched the Leaping Bunny initiative in the UK and China to counter this, which works with brands and governments to further aim towards creating cruelty free countries.

Companies which align with Leaping Bunny go through lots of testing and checks before being able to display their logo on its packaging – so you know they’re legit.

If something has this picture on it, it means they’re certified gold-standard by Cruelty Free International in truly committing to end animal testing.

However, despite the progress towards alternative practices, they say there is still more to be done to protect nature.

Also, just because a certain company does not display their logo doesn’t mean they’re not cruelty free, they could be on the way to gaining certification, but it’s always nice to see it.

Here’s a list of Leaping Bunny certified skincare brands – are your favourites on there?

Your budget bestie: Elf

For the basics: Byoma

Your lip-saver: Burt’s Bees

Your All-Rounder: The Body Shop

Your serum saviour: The Ordinary

Other Favourites:

  • Dermalogica – PETA approved
  • Burt’s bees
  • Drunk Elephant
  • Elf
  • Rhode
  • Bubble
  • Paula’s Choice
  • Bulldog
  • The Body Shop
  • Glossier
  • Saie
  • Liz Earle
  • Milk
  • Rimmel
  • The Organic

Happy shopping and be sure to tag is in any skincare pics or routines on our socials @radiancemaguk!

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