It can be a bit of a shock to find out some of your most loved cosmetic company’s are not cruelty-free. Unfortunately, there are plenty of companies that still allow animal testing. The good news is there are plenty of companies that are cruelty-free.
By choosing to go cruelty-free, you are opening up your options to find sustainable skincare with healthier alternatives for not only the environment but for you! We’ll explore what it means to be cruelty-free below, and also highlight some of the cruelty-free labels to look out for.
Shop our entire range of cruelty-free toiletries here
What is Cruelty-Free?
Cruelty-free refers to when a company develops and creates products without testing on any animals. For a company or product to be cruelty-free certified, the company does not conduct any form of animal testing at any point during product development.
This includes all the ingredients used, and also means that all suppliers and third parties are cruelty-free, too.
Laws and regulations on animal testing are different around the world, and unfortunately, many companies still allow for animal testing in some of their products. Animal testing is particularly used on any products that are used on our skin, including cosmetics and toiletries.
More and more companies recognising the vital importance of cruelty-free products. Animal testing is in no way needed in the 21st Century, and many companies have already pledged to be cruelty-free.
What is the Difference between Cruelty-Free and Vegan?
People can tend to get confused about the difference between cruelty-free and vegan products. There is a difference between the two, although both are focused on reducing contact with animals. Vegan products do not contain any products or ingredients that are derived from animals. This includes by-products such as milk, honey, beeswax, and lesser-known products such as carmine (red dye sourced from the shells of cochineal beetles).
A product can be cruelty-free, but that doesn’t mean it’s automatically vegan. There are plenty of ways to check that products are cruelty-free and vegan, and many companies include logos on their products. These include logos from certified companies such as PETA and The Vegan Society.
CRUELTY-FREE vs. VEGAN
Cruelty- Free Products
- Have not been tested on animals
- Do not contain any ingredients tested on animals
- May contain animal by-products
- Are not sold in China
Vegan products
- Do not contain animal by-products
- Have not been tested on animals
- Do not contain any ingredients tested on animals
- Are not sold in China
Did you know…
From 1st May 2021, China will remove the mandatory animal testing requirements that were mandatory for imported ‘general’ cosmetics. This isn’t where it ends, but it’s a big step forward in animal rights in a country that previously requested testing on all products;
How to Go Cruelty-Free?
It is easier than ever to be cruelty-free, and many companies are investing time and money into developing long-lasting cruelty-free products either to replace or improve existing products that aren’t cruelty-free.
If you are trying to stick to cruelty-free products and toiletries, there are few symbols you can look out for to help you get there:
Cruelty-free accredited symbols
Cruelty-free products should come with accredited symbols that are certified by a reputable company. Some of the most well-known and accredited companies for cruelty-free products are as follows:
- PETA’s Beauty without Bunnies Program
- Leaping Bunny Certification Via CCIC
- Leaping Bunny Certification via Cruelty-Free International
- Choose Cruelty-free (CCF)
What Does It mean To Be Cruelty-Free Certified?
To be cruelty-free certified, certain conditions need to be met. They are the following:
- Finished products – Finished products are not tested on animals at any stage
- Ingredients – Ingredients are not tested on animals by the company or any other company
- Suppliers – Suppliers do not test ingredients, raw materials, or finished products on animals.
- 3rd Parties – No 3rd parties test their finished products or ingredients on animals.
- The company also will not test on animals, even where the law requires it, and are not sold in Mainland China.
Law against Animal Testing in England
Laws on research using animals are set out in the ASPA Act of 1986, otherwise known as ‘Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act. The law regulates the use of animals in scientific research and has helped ensure that animal testing for domestic or cosmetic products has been prohibited since its enforcement.
In 2013, the EU joined the pledge in reducing animal suffering by completing the prohibition of the sale of cosmetics that are animal tested on, anywhere in the world.
In addition, the prohibition applies to cosmetics and ingredients and has ensured that animal testing is far less common practice than it ever used to be.
Despite efforts from some countries to reduce animal suffering, unfortunately, some cosmetics companies that are not ‘Leaping Bunny’ approved can still test their products on an animal if they remain out of the EU in terms of trading and testing.
Until very recently, in China, it was a legal requirement to test all imported products on animals. However, as of May 2021, this is no longer a legal requirement in the case of some types of cosmetics, namely, ‘Non Special Use Cosmetics’.
In what is seen as a seismic shift in animal rights, it is no longer a legal requirement for companies to test products on animals in order to import to China.
Our cruelty-free pledge:
The Somerset Toiletry Company is proud to sell cruelty-free toiletries, and are a completely cruelty-free company. The Somerset Toiletry Company never test on animals, and all of our products are tested in-house.
Cruelty-Free Hand Cream
It feels good to do good. That is why all of our hand creams are cruelty-free and guaranteed to moisturise and protect your skin. Our unique blends are paraben-free and have been crafted with care to form the perfect formula to protect your hands and lock in moisture after regular hand washing.
The perfect addition to any hand care routine, our cruelty-free hand creams are available in a variety of enticing scents and blends, so you can find your perfect match.
Our moisture-rich formula contains shea butter, and with blends of 10% and 20% shea butter, you can find the hand cream for you, free from parabens and leaving your hands smooth and silky.
Cruelty-Free Body Wash
Explore our range of cruelty-free body wash, with a formula developed by skincare experts to leave your skin feeling soft, supple and luxurious. Our body washes are available in a range of scents and styles, so whether you want to pamper yourself, kickstart your day or help you wind down, or bring a little fresh excitement to your morning, we’ll have a scent for you.
Cruelty-Free Hand Wash
Why should caring for your hands be cruel? Our cruelty-free hand wash has been developed right here in the UK, offering a soft and enriched formula that works hard on germs but not on your skin. Suitable for all skin types, our paraben-free range is great for those with sensitive skin. What’s more, we’ve also developed a range of vegan hand wash, that’s kind to your skin and the planet.
Cruelty-Free Body Lotion
Finish your skincare routine with our luxurious, moisture-rich beautifully scented body lotion. Developed for sensitive skin and enriched with shea butter, find the perfect blend for your bathroom, from zingy and fresh tropical fruits to calming lavender or delicate rose. Our body lotions are developed to protect your hands and skin, leaving you feeling nourished and protected after every wash.
Why Go Cruelty-Free?
1- Animal testing is unnecessary and cruel
This reason is arguably the most obvious reason why you would go cruelty-free. Testing on animals is not only completely unnecessary, but it is incredibly cruel, and sees animal suffer needlessly without pain relief.
They are kept in bad conditions and treated cruelly for their whole lives, and are often, horribly, killed after they are no longer needed for experiments. There is no need to test on animals, so why buy products that test on them?
2- There are plenty of safer alternatives
The good news is, you can still find plenty of great quality, expertly crafted products that haven’t been tested on animals. Many companies have already joined the pledge to be cruelty-free and/or vegan, meaning that you have plenty of options when it comes to finding the right product for you.
Many companies create premium, great quality and non-toxic cosmetics and toiletries without testing on animals. What’s more, many of these companies work at different price points, so whatever your budget, you can find something to your liking.
3- You can influence others to go cruelty-free
By making this choice, you can help educate and influence others about the importance of going cruelty-free and the positive impact it can have. By spreading awareness and demonstrating how easy it is to go cruelty-free, you can help others make a conscious decision to stand against cruelty to animals with a simple lifestyle choice.
With so many other products available to suit skin types, price ranges and shopping lists, it’s an exciting opportunity to find some new companies that tick all the boxes and make you feel great.
4- You will be supporting a better business
By deciding to go cruelty-free, you are supporting a business that takes a far more ethical approach. Companies against animal testing will likely strive to do good with every product they make and sell.
Being in line with a company’s ethics means you will be supporting a company that shares the same values as you. Supporting such business is good for their brand awareness, and can help support the wider movement to go cruelty-free, for the planet and the many animals who call it their home.
5- You are promoting a greener planet
Cruelty-free companies are likely to be eco-conscious and aware of how their actions can harm the wider world. It’s important to support and find companies that are in line with your own values and ethics, and you can do a little digging to easily find out how sustainable, ethical environmentally conscious a company is.
Over the last decade or so there has been a significant shift in opinion and the importance of sustainability, which only looks to increase. Bu refusing to buy from brands that test on animals, you are helping that movement and going one step further in benign kinder to the planet.
6- You won’t be funding companies who practice animal testing
By choosing not to buy products from companies that test on animals, not only are you taking a stand but you are actively reducing their funding to carry on practising in this way. You are voting with your money; every refused purchase can make a difference.
What’s more, if you can influence and encourage others to do the same; just think about the difference you can make.
7- There are budget-friendly alternatives
Just because you are going cruelty-free, does not mean you have to pay a premium! There are plenty of brands out there suiting all kinds of budgets, meaning that you can pick up your firm favourites for a good price, all the while knowing you’ve avoided supporting companies that test on animals.
All of our toiletries are cruelty-free. If you were looking for cruelty-free cosmetics this handy list of cruelty-free cosmetics can help you find the perfect fit!
8- Other products will be less toxic and more natural
Switching to cruelty-free and vegan products is not only kinder to animals, but kinder to your skin! If products have had to be tested on animals, they are likely going to contain many non-natural elements.
Conventional, mass-produced skincare products that have to be tested on animals will likely have harsher chemicals and toxins; the fact that they have to be tested before use is a testament to that.
The Somerset Toiletry Company was founded in 1999 and has been developing beautiful body care and gifts ever since. Please read our about us page to find out more, or explore all our scented toiletries, home fragrances and more on our website.