What Is The Difference Between Cruelty-Free And Vegan Brands?
If it’s a lifestyle change you are trying to make, and you want to start one step at a time, going cruelty-free is an easy first step. Cruelty-free, as the name suggests, means not testing the products on animals for iterations and finally arriving at the end product to understand if there are adverse or mild reactions from the ingredients. It is a cruel and torturous procedure for animals, and that itself should make us all go cruelty-free. Cruelty-free brands do not test their products on animals or cause harm during formulation. They conduct experiments through other procedures in artificial lab environments – to an extent where they test it on synthetic skin. Each brand does it differently, but no animals are involved.
On the other side, vegan is predominantly a lifestyle, where vegans use products that are 100% natural, plant-based, and usually organic too. None of the products they use have any animal products or byproducts like fats, beeswax, bone powder, etc. But you do not have to follow a vegan lifestyle to use vegan products. Remember, vegan products are, obviously, cruelty-free, but the reverse is not true.
10 Best Cruelty-Free And Vegan Skin Care Brands
1. Paula’s Choice – Cruelty-Free
Paula’s Choice is a big name in the cosmetic industry. But most of us do not know that their products are cruelty-free, i.e., not tested on animals. They do not claim that their products are vegan because different ingredients are sourced from varied vendors, which might not be 100% vegan at all levels. But, they only source their ingredients from cruelty-free suppliers and ensure their products are cruelty-free end to end. They hope to turn completely vegan as technology advances and when there’s more control over the entire supply chain. Paula’s Choice is extremely honest and transparent, which is what makes it trustworthy.
2. Drunk Elephant – Cruelty-Free
Drunk Elephant’s merchandise tops the list for most products we use daily. However, not many of their customers know that their products are 100% cruelty-free. They do not test their products on animals nor use ingredients from suppliers that test them on animals. Plus, they go one step ahead and do not sell products in Mainland China because, by law, products have to be tested on animals before anything can be launched in the markets. Most of their products are vegan too, but not all of them, which is why they are not labelled as vegan products. Whether it is a regular sunblock, or something more specific like glycolic acid or other serums, toners, or cleansers, Drunk Elephant is one of the best right now.
Whether it is skincare or cosmetics you are looking for, Tarte is a leader in the beauty industry right now. All their products are sourced ethically and formulated after thorough research. They use cruelty-free ingredients, derived naturally, and without parabens, synthetics, gluten, or sulfates. The brand strongly believes in giving back to the community, protecting the environment, and making a difference while maintaining the impeccable quality of its products. They range from medium to premium in terms of their pricing because there’s no compromise at any step of the way.
4. Lush Cosmetics – Cruelty-Free
Lush Cosmetics has renewed the concept of handmade products over the years. The brand has been consistent at fighting against animal cruelty throughout the years while being green, giving back to the community. The brand focuses on naked packaging and using fresh ingredients in its products through ethical practices. Their shampoos, lotions, bath bombs, creams, etc., have well-labelled ingredients to make it easy for a customer to make buying decisions hassle-free. They are a proud 100% cruelty-free brand, and 80% of their products are vegan.
A brand that is predominantly known for changing the way we understand sunscreen in more ways than one. Their sunscreen formulations are anything but generic. They have a range of products that combine unique ingredients with a broad spectrum of options. Their body butters, moisturizers, hand creams, lip balms, and, of course, sunscreens are best in line.
6. The Body Shop – Cruelty-Free And Mostly Vegan
Everybody knows The Body Shop. When we say everybody, we mean everybody. But what most of us do not know is that they are cruelty-free, and most of their products are vegan. They pledged and took it upon them to ban testing on animals forever. While we hope that it happens, we have many reasons to not look away from our favourite brand for any reason.
A common notion that the world has been made to internalize is that natural products do not deliver results with the same efficacy as chemically formulated products. But, thanks to a few brands, this notion is changing. This brand has gone a step ahead in making products that are vegan, gluten-free, and without any artificial fragrances.
If you are on the lookout for the most sought-after skincare ingredients on the market right now, you likely stumbled upon Pai Skincare. If you are a vegan or inching towards cruelty-free, plant-based products, Pai Skincare is a great place to start. It is an underdog rapidly taking up market share because of its quality standards. Here are some of its bestsellers.
Luxury skincare products are usually loaded with chemicals, steroids, and other heavy-duty toxins that are marketed in a highly convincing tone. But here’s a brand that stands out. With 100% natural and high-performing ingredients, Tata Harper promises and delivers sustainable, environmental-friendly, and cruelty-free business practices.
10. Nourish Organic – Cruelty-Free And Mostly Vegan
A brand that proved that being small or big is not important – but being right is. This is why they went on to become pioneers in being USDA approved for being entirely organic and chemical-free. Most of their products are vegan, and all of them are organic and cruelty-free. If you are very particular about not only what goes into your products but also how they are made and procured, look no further than Nourish Organics.