What does Cruelty Free mean?
Cruelty free means that a finished product, including all of its ingredients, has not been tested on animals. Every year over 115 million animals are caged in labs and used for cosmetic testing and almost all of them will be killed. They are poked, probed, cut, burnt, have chemicals applied to their skin and poured into their eyes and holes cut into their skulls. It is absolutely disgusting and no animal should have to suffer for our vanity.

What types of animals are cosmetics tested on?
Some of the most commonly known animals include rabbits, mice, rats, birds and monkeys. But did you know that a lot of cosmetic animal testing is also conducted on Beagles? This loveable and sweet pooch is used for testing because they are small and docile. Next time you are shopping envision someone testing on your much loved pets - it is unimaginable right? Let that be a reminder to always choose cruelty free when shopping for makeup, skincare, haircare, sunscreen. perfume, deodorant, toothpaste, nail polish and household products.

If products aren’t tested on animals, how are Cruelty Free products tested?
Ethical brands care about animals and spare the lives of our innocent furry friends by testing cruelty free products on humans, including volunteer focus and trial groups, and on human cells and tissues to gauge is there is a reaction upon application.

What makeup and beauty brands still test on animals?
While more makeup brands are making the switch to Cruelty Free and getting certified by the Leaping Bunny Association, unfortunately there are still a lot of drug store cosmetics and designer beauty brands that still test on animals. Step inside and airport or department store and 80-90% of the brands for sale still test on animals. Drugstore brands that aren’t cruelty free include Revlon, L’Oreal and Maybelline and designer brands and fragrances that are not cruelty free include Armani Beauty, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Chanel, Dior, Elizabeth Arden, Estée Lauder, Fendi, Givenchy and many more.

What Australian makeup brands are cruelty free?
Some of my favourite Cruelty Free makeup and beauty brands in Australia include Eye of Horus, Ere Perez Cosmetics, Holme Beauty, INIKA Natural Makeup and Australis. All of these can be purchased online and from selected stockists.

How can I switch to Cruelty Free makeup?
Start by educating yourself on which brands are cruelty free and find product alternatives from brands that don’t test on animals to replace your existing products once you have finished them. A lot of people overthink the process of switching to cruelty free living but it is simple once you know which products and brands are doing the right thing by our furry friends. Start by consulting my Cruelty Free Brands Directory or do your own research by looking at the brands website or a quick Google search. If you are ever unsure if a brand is Cruelty Free or not go straight to the source and ask them. If they are don’t respond or provide an answer along the lines of ‘we don’t test on animals unless it is a requirement by law’ then it is safe to say this brand and its products are not cruelty free.

Be the voice for our furry friends and make the switch to cruelty free living today.