Beauty and skincare products don’t have to be tested on animals
By Katrina Caruso
Have you ever wondered whether your favourite cosmetics are tested on animals? While more and more brands are pledging to become “cruelty-free,” companies aren’t required to tell consumers whether they test on animals.
There are a couple of basic things to know about cruelty-free cosmetics. Many companies don’t test on animals in North America, but China requires animal-testing, so a company that sells its products there would have to comply. In addition, while some companies don’t test on animals, it’s possible that they’re owned by a parent company that does.
Here are some of the cruelty-free cosmetics available in Canada:
The Body Shop
The Body Shop is known for cruelty-free, community-trade products that smell delicious. Find them at The Body Shop.
Burt’s Bees
Burt’s Bees, which has recently been expanding its makeup offerings, offers products certified by PETA’s Caring Consumer Program as cruelty-free, though they are not vegan because they contain beeswax. Find them at most drugstores.
Kat Von D
Tattoo artist Kat Von D made waves when she launched her makeup collection, which is all-vegan as well as cruelty-free. Find them at Sephora.
Lush
Lush is a vegetarian and cruelty-free company offering handmade skincare, haircare, and body products. They’re great for the environment, as most of their products have little packaging, and those that do come in pots are made of recycled plastic; in addition, when they’re empty, they can be traded in for free products. Find them at Lush.
Soap & Glory
Soap & Glory offers a range of affordable body products that are all cruelty-free, and they come in cute retro packaging! Find them at most drugstores.
Tarte
Tarte is well-known in the beauty world for natural products with many vegan options. Find them at Sephora.
Photo: iStock/vtmila (background) and venimo (cruelty-free stickers).
