Can a product be cruelty-free but not vegan?

Yes. Cruelty-free refers to the absence of animal testing, whereas vegan means the product contains no animal-derived ingredients. A mascara might not be tested on animals but could still contain beeswax or lanolin, making it cruelty-free but not vegan.

What does the “required by law” exception actually mean?

This loophole usually refers to brands that sell in mainland China, where animal tests were once required for all cosmetics and, according to PETA, are still required for many products. Brands that utilize this exception are generally not considered truly cruelty-free by advocacy organizations.

Is "cruelty-free" a legally protected term in the US?

No, the term is not currently regulated by law. This means companies can use the phrase on packaging for marketing purposes without meeting specific government standards, which is why look for third-party certifications is essential.

What does the Leaping Bunny certification check?

It is highly regarded because it requires brands to implement a rigorous supplier monitoring system. This ensures that every individual ingredient, not just the finished product, is free from animal testing throughout the entire supply chain.

How does PETA’s cruelty-free list work?

Companies verify that they and their suppliers never test on animals anywhere in the world, now or in the future, and are listed as “global animal test-free”, or “animal test-free and vegan” when the whole line has no animal-derived ingredients. The list has grown from a dozen companies in 1987 to thousands.

Are there mainstream drugstore brands that are certified cruelty-free?

Yes, COVERGIRL and e.l.f. Cosmetics are major examples. COVERGIRL is Leaping Bunny certified, while e.l.f. is cruelty-free and 100% vegan, making ethical options highly accessible.

Which luxury makeup brands prioritize animal welfare?

Rare Beauty and Charlotte Tilbury are top-performing luxury options that have earned certifications. Makeup by Mario is another Leaping Bunny-certified luxury option.

Should I throw away my non-cruelty-free makeup immediately?

No, the most sustainable approach is to use what you already have to avoid waste. As you finish a product, simply research and replace it with a cruelty-free alternative.

How can I check a brand's status while shopping in person?

You can use mobile apps like Bunny Free (PETA) or the Leaping Bunny App. These allow you to scan a product's barcode at the store to instantly verify its cruelty-free status.

What should I consider if a cruelty-free brand is owned by a non-cruelty-free parent company?

This is a personal choice. Some shoppers support these sub-brands to show parent corporations that cruelty-free products are profitable, while others prefer to only buy from 100% independent, cruelty-free companies.

What are the most important things to check on a makeup label?

Prioritize the Leaping Bunny or PETA logos over unregulated marketing claims. Additionally, check the ingredient list for animal byproducts like carmine if you are also looking for vegan options.

How can I help end animal testing beyond my own purchases?

You can advocate for legislative changes, such as the Humane Cosmetics Act. Supporting such laws helps move toward a federal ban on animal testing for all cosmetics produced or sold in the country.

Go Cruelty-Free: A Simple Guide to Choosing Animal-Friendly Makeup

Skincare note: this article was written by AI. People can correct it, but it remains automated and has not been reviewed by a dermatologist, so treat it as general information, not medical advice. Patch-test new products, and see a dermatologist for any skin problem.

For years, the beauty industry relied on traditional animal testing to ensure the safety of cosmetics. However, modern science and shifted consumer values have changed the landscape. Today, choosing animal-friendly products is no longer a niche lifestyle choice; it is a mainstream standard supported by 70% of Americans who prefer brands that prioritize animal welfare [1].

Transitioning to a cruelty-free makeup bag can feel overwhelming due to confusing labels and “humane-washing.” This guide provides a clear roadmap to navigating certifications, identifying authentic brands, and making the switch without sacrificing quality.

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Written with AI from the sources listed at the end.

Decoding the Labels: What “Cruelty-Free” Really Means
- Cruelty-Free vs. Vegan
- The “Required by Law” Loophole
Trusted Cruelty-Free Certifications
Recommended Cruelty-Free Brands by Category
- High-End & Luxury
- Affordable & Drugstore
How to Make the Switch: A 3-Step Action Plan
Action Plan
Sources

Decoding the Labels: What “Cruelty-Free” Really Means

The term “cruelty-free” is not legally regulated in the United States or many other regions, meaning companies can use the phrase on packaging without meeting a specific legal standard. To shop effectively, you must understand the distinction between animal testing and animal-derived ingredients.

Cruelty-Free vs. Vegan

A product can be cruelty-free but not vegan, and vice versa.

Cruelty-free means the final product and its individual ingredients were not tested on animals at any stage of development [1].
Vegan means the product contains no animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax, lanolin, or carmine.

If you are looking for products that are both kind to animals and free of potentially irritating animal byproducts, it is also wise to cross-reference your choices with our chemicals to avoid in your makeup bag to ensure your routine is truly clean.

The “Required by Law” Loophole

Many brands claim they do not test on animals “except when required by law.” This often refers to brands that sell in mainland China, where the government once required animal tests on all cosmetics; since 2014 and 2021 some ordinary cosmetics can avoid them [7], but PETA says tests are still required there for many products [2]. To be truly cruelty-free, a brand must either bypass these markets or prove they utilize alternative, non-animal testing methods recognized by local authorities.

Trusted Cruelty-Free Certifications

Identifying authentic animal-friendly products is easiest when you look for third-party certifications. These organizations audit supply chains to verify that no new animal testing is occurring [3].

Leaping Bunny (Cruelty Free International): More than 2,300 certified companies, free of animal testing at all stages of product development and anywhere in the supply chain, ingredients included [1].
PETA’s Ultimate Cruelty-Free List: Kept since 1987 and now counting thousands of companies, each verifying that it and its suppliers never test on animals, now or in the future [2] [4].
Choose Cruelty Free (CCF): Australia’s former accreditation merged with Cruelty Free International on 1 June 2021, and many of its brands moved to Leaping Bunny approval [6].

Recommended Cruelty-Free Brands by Category

The performance of cruelty-free makeup now matches or exceeds that of traditional brands. Whether you are looking for drugstore steals or luxury splurges, there are vetted options for every type of makeup product.

High-End & Luxury

Rare Beauty: Founded by Selena Gomez, this brand is both Leaping Bunny certified and 100% vegan [3].
Charlotte Tilbury: A luxury favorite on the Leaping Bunny list, proving high-performance glamour doesn’t require animal harm [3].
Makeup by Mario: Another luxury name on the same Leaping Bunny list [3].

Affordable & Drugstore

e.l.f. Cosmetics: A leader in the budget space, e.l.f. is cruelty-free and 100% vegan [3].
COVERGIRL: In 2018, COVERGIRL became the largest makeup brand to earn Leaping Bunny certification, making cruelty-free options accessible in almost every grocery store [5].
NYX Professional Makeup: Certified by PETA, this brand offers a massive range of professional-grade products at drugstore prices.

Table: Top Rated Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands by Price Point
Brand Type	Brand Name	Top Certification
Luxury	Rare Beauty	Leaping Bunny
Luxury	Charlotte Tilbury	Leaping Bunny
Drugstore	e.l.f. Cosmetics	Cruelty-free, 100% vegan
Drugstore	COVERGIRL	Leaping Bunny

How to Make the Switch: A 3-Step Action Plan

You do not need to throw away your entire collection overnight. Follow these steps to transition sustainably.

1. Use What You Have

The most ethical choice is to avoid waste. Finish the products currently in your bag. As you run out of an item—be it a foundation or a mascara—replace it with a cruelty-free alternative.

2. Use Technology to Verify

Download apps like Bunny Free (PETA) or the Leaping Bunny App. These allow you to scan barcodes in the store to instantly see if a brand is on a “Do Not Test” list [2].

3. Check Parent Company Status

Some cruelty-free brands (like Urban Decay or NYX) are owned by larger corporations (like L’Oréal) that may still test other brands on animals. Some consumers choose to support these sub-brands to show the parent company that cruelty-free products are profitable, while others prefer to support only 100% independent cruelty-free companies.

Action Plan

Audit: Identify which products in your current routine are tested on animals.
Research: Use the Leaping Bunny database to find replacements for your “must-have” items.
Replace: Swap out items one by one as they expire or run out.
Advocate: Support legislation like the Humane Cosmetics Act to ban animal testing on a federal level [7].

Switching to cruelty-free makeup is a powerful way to use your purchasing power to protect animals. By prioritizing verified brands and utilizing technological resources, you can build a beautiful routine that fully aligns with your ethical values.

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