What Cruelty-Free Is and Isn't

You've probably noticed the term "cruelty-free" popping up more and more. You may have seen it on your favorite makeup brand's website, or in an article about what products to buy for your new vegan lifestyle. But what does it really mean? What is cruelty-free makeup? Is all vegan makeup cruelty-free? What are the benefits of a cruelty-free life? At Giving Palette, we're here to answer these questions and more!

Cruelty-free means that the product was not tested on animals. This is usually indicated with a bunny logo or an "F" near the ingredients list, sometimes both! Products may also be labeled as vegan if they don't contain any animal byproducts like honey, beeswax, collagen from cow bones and other common materials in beauty products. There are many benefits to using cruelty-free cosmetics: you're supporting ethical companies who care about their customers' health; many of these brands use eco-friendly packaging instead of plastic which can endanger marine life; some celeb makeups artists have been known to refuse working for noncruelty cosmetic lines because it goes against their personal beliefs--but what does this mean for your favorite brands?

Since the term ‘cruelty-free’ is not regulated, any brand can make these claims whether they’re true or not. A company may claim "We do not test on animals," but it could still contract other companies and suppliers to do the testing for them. You should always check with a verified cruelty-free organization like PETA or Leaping Bunny before making your decision!

Cruelty-free products can be found in most drugstores, grocery stores and specialty shops. You may need to do some extra research or ask knowledgeable staff for certain brands that are not carried locally.

Bunny Free by PETA is an app you can get to determine is a brand is cruelty free. Leaping Bunny's website lists their partners in a database of vegan and cruelty-free brands.

Natural and "non-toxic" products are not always cruelty free. These terms refer to the ingredients, but do not tell you how they were tested.

Testing on animals is still legal in the United States, but many other countries have banned it. China requires all imported cosmetics to be tested on animals so a lot of brands make their products there and sell them domestically with cruelty-free claims.

The Humane Cosmetics Act aims to end animal testing in the US. Whether you're an activist or just someone who wants a cruelty-free lifestyle, there are many ways you can take action on this issue: Write letters and emails to your government representatives with information about why banning animal testing is important for our society. Share posts on social media indicating that it's time we put animals out of their misery by sharing what beauty brands do not test products on animals. And choose only those verified as being cruelty-free.

Cruelty-free. PETA certified, Leaping Bunny Approved; Giving Palette is 100% against the use of animals for any testing whatsoever. We are cruelty free and vegan company who will never participate in anything that causes harm to a living creature!