If you’re looking for cruelty free products, in some cases you have to read through the labels to find out if the product has not been tested on animals. In other cases, the packaging may include a “not tested on animals logo.” For example, makeup products that have not been tested on animals will carry the leaping bunny logo or it will read “Not Animal Tested” or “This Finished Product Not Tested On Animals.” These products are safe for vegetarians. “Not Animal Tested” makeup is safe for vegetarians and vegans alike. It is important to note that the “This Finished Product Not Tested On Animals” labels means the finished product may not have been tested on animals, but some of the ingredients might have been. These products are not considered 100% cruelty-free by animal activists and vegans.
If the “not tested on animals logo” does not appear on the packaging, but the ingredients list appears to be safe for vegans and vegetarians, you may contact the product company and request the ingredients list and/or the company’s policies on animal testing. The vast majority of product manufacturers will send the information to you via email or snail mail.
If you want to be sure you are using products that have not been tested on animals, stick to vegan product manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers. Vegan product manufacturers never test on animals nor do they use ingredients that have been tested on animals. For a list of product companies that do not test on animals, visit Caring Consumer. Caring Consumer is sponsored by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta.org).