CRUEL AND KIND FACTS ABOUT CRUELTY-FREE BEAUTY PRODUCTS

While searching for the the trust-worthy certifications for being cruelty-free, I came across this blog from the Contentspa I wanted to share:

Beauty products can make us feel all kinds of beautiful, but are they really worth the torture that animals have to face on a daily?

Over 115 million animals are used for testing globally and are subjected to various ‘experiments.’ While we can’t change the past, we can very well shape the future. Most brands are pledging to go cruelty-free and have boycotted animal testing altogether.

Today, making a switch to cruelty-free skincare and beauty products is best for both the customer and the manufacturer.

Negligence of Humans

Two of the many disadvantages animals have to humans are their intelligence, or lack thereof (as compared to humans), and the inability to vocalize their concerns. These are scientific facts and cannot be neglected.

What is also a scientific fact (and is definitely neglected) is the animals’ susceptibility to pain, which just seems to get lost in translation. 

In a generation where empathy is a striving factor, many are against animal cruelty, and the beauty industry happens to be one of them.

This has given rise to a new movement: beauty companies against animal testing. To confirm their solidarity, each day a new brand declares itself cruelty-free and offers animal-friendly products.

As beauty brands are striving to offer the best cruelty-free skincare and makeup products, as consumers, it is time we are educated about the horrors of animal-cruelty and opt for cruelty-free products.  

What are some cruelty-free skincare and makeup brands?

The last decade has been the decade for change. It brought illuminating and enlightening perspectives to the masses; the concern of the people for the future has lifted the veil of ignorance on many.

One of the significant movements of the last decade has been in the realm of animal cruelty, which has encouraged many cosmetics corporations to become cruelty-free. 

And, here are some brands that offer the best cruelty-free skincare and beauty products:

A more comprehensive list of cruelty-free brands 2020 is available on the internet, and a piece of advice to all the cosmetics customers would be to do a little bit of research before investing your hard-earned money.

Why do some big companies still test on animals? 

For some multinational, billion-dollar companies, deciding to offer only cruelty-free products means abandoning the Mainland Chinese beauty market, as animal testing was a legal mandate for some cosmetics products.

Hence, it is not surprising that most companies ultimately tested their products on animals to not lose out on the Chinese market. 

As of today, China has implemented several reforms to end animal testing that could save thousands of lives. As per the new reform, special use cosmetic products, domestically produced or imported, such as deodorants and sunscreens, still require animal testing.

However, ordinary cosmetics such as makeup and perfumes no longer require animal testing. Along with the new regulations, alternatives for animal testing has also been approved by the Chinese government.

Breaking down the myths and facts about cruelty-free products

Myth 1

One of the most prevalent myths about cruelty-free products is their cost. It is often believed that all animal-friendly products are expensive.

However, there are many drugstore and affordable brands like CoverGirl, LA Girl, Elf Cosmetics, Makeup Revolution, ColourPop, and Flower Beauty, among other cruelty-free brands 2020 that perform exceptionally well.  

Myth 2

Some people believe that cosmetics and personal care products are legally mandated to go through animal testing, which is 100% untrue. The advancements in cosmetic technology have proven animal testing obsolete and unnecessary.

Myth 3

Another myth about cruelty-free products is that they aren’t safe; this has been refuted many times as there are alternatives to animal testing. Some beauty products are inherently cruelty-free, an example would be any sugar lip scrub, this is 100% natural and cruelty-free.

Myth 4

Some people believe that cruelty-free products aren’t good or effective. However, many brands refute this misconception, one of them being Fenty Beauty, the 2017 market disruptor.  

There are many cruelty-free products available in the market that are sold at an affordable price. As consumers, we must opt for cruelty-free products and support beauty companies against animal testing. 

Alternatives to animal testing

As with any circumstances, there are alternatives to animal testing, some being human cells and tissue cultures, computer models, and in vitro human clinical studies to determine the safety of a new product.

A willing brand can easily test its products on actual humans (indirectly) via cells and tissue cultures in the lab. 

The 3R method is the new alternative to animal testing that comprises of Replacing, Reducing and Refining. 

• Replacing: Animals are replaced with biochemical or cell-based models or with a less-developed species such as a worm.

• Reducing: This method reduces the number of animal subjects traditionally required for testing. 

• Refining: Lab conditions are made better for animals to help reduce their pain or distress. 

How can a startup be cruelty-free? 

Animal testing is expensive, and unfortunately, the cost is a more significant deterrent for some brands, upcoming or otherwise than the cruelty and horror the unsuspecting animals have to go through.

While there are many animal-friendly alternatives, one of the easiest and most efficient ways to declare that your products are cruelty-free and safe for human consumption would be to develop the product(s) from ingredients that have already been declared safe.

We always look at PETA website when we would like to know whether something is Vegan and Cruelty-Free. A lot of other information is misleading, unfortunately.

At EpiLynx, we made it our mission to make our Skincare and Cosmetics Vegan and Gluten-Free.