What Does Cruelty Free Mean?
What Does Cruelty-Free Mean?
Skimming the label of your self-care products should be second nature by now, so you’re likely familiar with the term “cruelty-free.” Seems straightforward enough, but do you know what cruelty-free actually means, or better yet, what it doesn’t?
Cruelty-free means that no animals were harmed or tested on during the creation of a product.
It’s easy to see why conscious consumers would be attracted by items labeled cruelty-free. But there may be more to this moniker than meets the eye. Continue reading for a critical look at the quality control measures that earn a product the coveted cruelty-free designation.
What are cruelty-free products?
It’s always reassuring to read a product label and learn it hasn’t been tested on animals and is deemed cruelty-free. However, despite being federally regulated, the phrase “cruelty-free” can be used pretty loosely without consequence.
For starters, cruelty-free only applies to the finished product itself, not individual ingredients. In other words, a body wash brand may label their cleansers cruelty-free, but that doesn’t mean that on the ingredient level, particular components weren’t animal tested.
Additionally, while a brand may claim not to conduct animal testing at their own warehouse, there’s no telling whether that testing has been outsourced to a third party.
Initially, the term was intended to distinguish brands that refuse to kill animals in order to harvest their resources. Over time, however, the definition has evolved to encompass animal testing, as the issue has been increasingly pushed to the forefront of the conversation.
Moody Sisters Skin and Beauty is proud to only use leaping bunny certified cruelty-free / no animal testing ingredients in all our products.
Does cruelty-free mean vegan?
No cruelty free does not mean vegan. For a product to be considered truly vegan, it must be completely free of animal byproducts, including on the ingredient level.
It’s easy to mistake items labeled “cruelty-free” as vegan. In fact, the terms are often used interchangeably, despite them meaning different things. Brands that boast that their products are “cruelty-free” and many assume that they don’t use any animal derivatives, though this isn’t quite the case.
In general the Moody Sisters avoid all animal by products, but our lip balms include beeswax which is not vegan.
Does cruelty-free mean no animal testing?
It should. However due to the lack of regulation an item can be marketed as cruelty free because the finish product was never tested on animals. However, it may be formulated with ingredients that are animal by products or have been tested on animals. Always ask the company if their ingredients are cruelty free.
Moody Sisters is proud to only use leaping bunny certified cruelty-free / no animal testing ingredients in all our products.
Why use cruelty-free products?
Encourages mindful beauty practices - Getting in the habit of buying cruelty-free products often motivates consumers to make other mindful purchases. Before you know it, you just might be driving a Toyota Prius, using cloth paper towels, and composting your food waste.
They tend to contain fewer ingredients - Cruelty-free cosmetics and beauty products are more simplistic than those that you’ll find on the shelf of your local Target. Instead of being formulated to last years on a shelf, they’re produced in smaller batches, and contain ingredients that are more likely to spoil. That’s because these ingredients aren’t filled with preservatives but instead are sourced directly from Mother Nature herself.
Testing extends beyond just mice - Despite the misconception that most animal testing occurs on mice and rats, that’s far from true. Rabbits, cats, dogs, and primates are subjected to painful procedures in the name of product development. If you’re a self-proclaimed animal activist, it’s best to avoid products that openly test on our furry friends.
Packaging is often sustainable - It seems somewhat counterintuitive to opt for cruelty-free products without considering your impact on the environment. After all, the health of our earth’s ecosystem does dictate the well-being of several animal populations. Materials like bamboo, glass, and silicone are considered eco-friendly and are just as effective at keeping your most beloved beauty products safe.
Cruelty-free brands can be affordable - Fewer ingredients plus eco-friendly packaging equals fewer costs required for the production process. Those savings are in turn passed on to the consumer, so you actually end up paying less for products that are more purely made.
Which beauty products are cruelty-free?
The Moody Sisters are proud to offer cruelty free skincare and beauty products that are not tested on animals. We only buy from and use leaping bunny certified vendors and ingredients.
