Is Cruelty Free and Vegan The Same?
There is a common misconception that if a product is cruelty free it automatically means it is vegan and this couldn't be further from the truth.
Let's break it down and look at some examples of Cruelty Free and Vegan products.
What MAKES A PRODUCT CRUELTY FREE?
If a product is Cruelty Free it means the finished product and all of its ingredients have not been tested on animals at any point in production or by third parties or suppliers.
Some brands claim that their products are Cruelty Free but still sell into countries where animal testing is a legal requirement (eg. Mainland China).
When a brand is aware that animal testing is going to happen in order to sell products then it does not make the brand or their products truly Cruelty Free.
What MAKES A PRODUCT VEGAN?
If a product is Vegan it means that the product is free from animal by-products and animal-derived ingredients.
For example, if a lip balm contains beeswax or lanolin it is not vegan because beeswax is derived from bees and lanolin is derived from sheep.
IF A PRODUCT IS VEGAN IT HAS TO BE CRUELTY FREE, RIGHT?
Wrong. Just because a product is Vegan does not necessarily mean it is Cruelty Free.
In order to determine if a product is Cruelty Free, Vegan or both, it is important to do your research, become familiar with Cruelty Free and Vegan logos which are displayed on the packaging and then consult my Cruelty Free Brands Directory for clarity.
EXAMPLES OF CRUELTY FREE PRODUCTS
Below are some of my favourite Cruelty Free beauty products.
Remember, while these products are cruelty free they are not vegan as they contain animal derived ingredients.
EXAMPLES OF VEGAN PRODUCTS
Below are some of my favourite Vegan beauty products.
As vegan products they are free from animal by-products and animal derived ingredients.
I hope this has helped you better understand the difference between Cruelty Free and Vegan products. Be sure to consult my Cruelty Free Brands Directory if you are ever in doubt.
If you have any other questions feel free to reach out to me here or on Instagram @marisarobinsonbeauty
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