2018 was an amazing year for cruelty-free beauty, with the demand for cruelty-free brands rising higher than ever.
"A new report suggests that there is still a lot of life in consumer appetite for cruelty-free product claims, with the market set to grow by 6.1% in the period 2017-2023." (Source)
I believe that the internet and social media have played a big role in this growing demand, and it makes me so hopeful to witness the positive aspects of these platforms. Like most things, social media can be used for good or for evil. It can bring positive communities together and help individuals and causes, or it can have a destructive effect. These same communities can become toxic and ruthless.
Let's stay kind in 2019, so we can continue to create a positive space to bring people together, be open to discussion, and strive for change!
What Really Surprised Me In 2018
The biggest "cruelty-free news" of 2018 to me was Covergirl becoming cruelty-free last November. Covergirl is one of the biggest global makeup brands, and they pulled out of China, got audited by Leaping Bunny, and received their cruelty-free certification.
If Covergirl can manage all of that, so can other brands, and it sets a great standard to follow. I was happy to finally try a few products from Covergirl and show support for the brand after their policy change. We do need to show brands that the effort to go cruelty-free has a positive return on their investment.
But remember that you don't have to spend-spend-spend to support the cruelty-free movement. You can also use your voice and write to brands that test on animals, informing them why you refuse to purchase from them and letting them know that you'll only consider their products once they go cruelty-free and pull out of China.
Animal Testing Is Still A Cruel Reality
While many brands are truly cruelty-free, we unfortunately still live in a world where animal testing is not only practiced, but mandatory in some places. China still requires most foreign beauty products to be tested on animals, which is the biggest obstacle to the cruelty-free movement right now.
As I'm writing this post in January of 2019, there is still no way for companies to sell cosmetics in China without the possibility of these products being tested on animals. This is why no company that sells cosmetics in China is on my cruelty-free list.
I don't stand for companies who use clever wording and false advertising to deceive us. Brands can either go cruelty-free, or lose their cruelty-free customer base; they can't have both.
One last word for you...
Whether you've been purchasing cruelty-free products for years, or your resolution is to go cruelty-free in 2019, thank you for being compassionate.
Animal testing has always existed in the beauty industry, and they tried to keep it hush-hush. Now that the secret's out, thank YOU, dear reader, for choosing not to support this unnecessary cruelty against the defenceless.
Thank you for supporting cruelty-free brands, thank you for using my website as a reference, and thank you for for reading this post and simply caring! I hope you have a wonderful year ahead filled with love, kindness, and everything you wish for. Take care!
Which Brands Are Cruelty-Free?
Download our list of 600+ verified cruelty-free brands straight to your device. Bring it with you everywhere you go, and never worry about supporting animal testing again. Click here to download
Thanks so so so much for your dedication and taking the time to do this kind of thorough research and information sharing, which helps those among us who are against animal testing! You’re performing a great service for compassionate consumers and ultimately for the animals we love!
Cover Girl is a subsidiary of Coty, Inc. So are Wella, Rimmel, Max Factor, OPI, Clairol, we al. Coty Inc. ships and sells products in China, therefore none of its subsidiaries may be considered cruelty free–audited or verified by Leaping Bunny or not. It’s guilt by association and the money still ends up in the hands of a company that tortures animals. If you support Cover Girl or any of Coty Inc. subsidiaries, you are supporting the utilization of animal testing.
How can Covergirl be given this status as cruelty free when their parent company Coty still sells in China. Not sure if these products can truely be considered cruelty free.
My sister’s bottle of OGX shampoo says Not Tested on Animals. Why aren’t they on your list?
You literally help me so much have been cruelty free for almost 4 years have researched everything but I always end up looking on your website as I love and trust the research you have done. Your passion to push cruelty free on to all companies is amazing #crueltyfreeforlife
I still wonder whether VERSION DERMA sold in pharmacies is cruelty free!
Thank you for this information. I am from Croatia so most of this products can bot be found there but it motivated me to use google to serach for cf products that can be found here. Some of them like elf cosmetics, i can buy online but most of them dont ship to Cro. But this page made me more carefull and i want to thank you for that. ?
Greetings from Croatia
Thank you so much for doing this! I love knowing what to buy and what to stay away from and it’s great way to steer my friends towards cruelty free products.
Thank you for spreading the word!
Thank you for the time, dedication and most importantly, the compassion it takes to maintain a site like this! I’ve tried going cruelty-free for years and it feels impossible at times to find truthful information about companies (especially with parent companies involved). This is definitely a reliable and up-to-date resource that I have come to utilize a lot! So, thank you, and keep up the good work! xoxo
Thank you so much for your support!!