I’m a cosmetic junkie, but I’m also an animal lover. When I realized a few years ago my 2 biggest passions were not supporting each other, I was devastated. I loved my makeup, but I couldn’t stand the fact that many cosmetic companies test products on animals.
Making the choice to go cruelty-free was initially hard, but I’m glad I did. In the past few years, a lot of companies have taken up the mission of offering cruelty-free products, making it easier to make the switch. Here are 8 reasons I went cruelty-free and the benefits of my choice.
1. The Beagle Freedom Project
This organization’s video started it all for me. Seeing the look on those dogs’ faces when they touched grass for the first time after being rescued… I lost it. I made the decision to support companies who didn’t test on animals.
2. Laboratory Chimps Released to Sanctuary Video
The first video got me interested in cruelty-free. This video solidified my stance against animal testing in general. Whenever I think cruelty-free is too hard, I just think of how hard the lives of these animals were. Spending more time choosing my products is not a major hardship compared to the hardships faced because of animal testing.
3. Overall Justice For Animals
I have always been obsessed with animals. Using products that support cruel practices toward them is unethical and goes against who I am at the core.
Supporting a mission doesn’t always mean you have to devote bundles of money or time. Sometimes it's just about being more conscientious in your day-to-day choices. Buying cruelty-free products is a small way I can help better the lives of animals.
4. Cruelty-Free Products Are Good For Your Skin
Many of the products I use now that are cruelty-free lack harsh chemicals. Many products are vegan, so sensitive skin sufferers can rejoice at the lack of harsh ingredients.I notice I suffer from less breakouts since making the switch.
5. Many Quality Brands Offer Cruelty-Free Products
The easiest way to find a cruelty-free product is to look for the leaping bunny symbol. Some companies use a different bunny symbol, but there are sometimes questions about the legitimacy of the claim.
Be sure to look for clear markings that the product is cruelty-free. Some products will spell it out for you.
Some organizations are trying to make it easier for consumers to know they are purchasing cruelty-free products. See this website for more information about the leaping bunny campaign.
Some of my favorite cruelty-free brands include: Urban Decay, It’s a 10 Hair Care, Paul Mitchell, and The Body Shop.
6. Beauty Subscription Box: Petit Vour
I love, love, love getting beauty boxes in the mail but had to stop my subscription when I realized I was getting products tested on animals. Enter Petit Vour. This beauty subscription service costs $15 a month. They send you a box with four beauty products that are cruelty-free and vegan.
7. Cruelty-free is Affordable
Initially, making the switch to cruelty-free was tough on the wallet, but many low-price products are now surfacing.
Sonia Kashuk, ELF, Pacifica, and NYX are my favorite bargain-priced product, but this article discusses several other affordable cruelty-free products as well as items to avoid.
8. Cruelty-free Products Promote a Better Global Vision
Once I opened my eyes to the realities of animal testing, I couldn’t put mascara on and pretend it was okay. I couldn’t keep buying brands that tortured animals while I was a self-proclaimed animal lover.
Buying cruelty-free products has helped me feel better about the way I’m living and about how I’m contributing to a better global vision. Isn't this a big part of what the beauty industry should be about?
Making the Switch to Cruelty-Free
Going cruelty-free is a big decision, and it does mean you’ll have to leave some brands behind. It will also mean you will make mistakes. I’m not perfect in my mission to go cruelty-free. I’ve struggled with abandoning some favorite brands.
However, making a conscientious choice to support cruelty-free brands will ultimately lead to more ethical relationships between beauty products and animals, a win-win for both areas. If we beauty junkies unite with the common mission of ethical products, perhaps the industry will listen to our goals and help us achieve them.
Have you gone cruelty-free? What are your favorite products?
Lindsay Detwiler is the author of three contemporary romance novels including Voice of Innocence, Without You, and Then Comes Love. She is also a high school English teacher in her hometown. She lives with Chad (her junior high sweetheart), their five cats, and their mastiff Henry. You can find out more about Lindsay at www.lindsaydetwiler.com, www.facebook.com/lindsayanndetwiler, or on Twitter @LindsayDetwiler.