First things first. Details matter, so here’s a quick look at what these beauty buzzwords actually mean, because honestly, it can get pretty confusing out there. So there you are, standing in Sephora, staring at labels that say "cruelty-free," "vegan," and "not tested on animals" thinking they just all mean the same thing said different ways. Plot twist…they don't!
Cruelty-free means no adorable bunnies (or any other animals) were harmed in making it, but it might still contain animal-derived ingredients.
Vegan products? They're completely animal-free, ingredient-wise, but they might still be tested on animals.
And that "not tested on animals" label? They're technically telling the truth but not the whole story. While the final product wasn't tested on animals, some ingredients might have been, and the term isn’t legally regulated.
For this list, we’re focusing on two of the most trusted certifications when it comes to cruelty-free products: PETA-Approved and Leaping Bunny certified. You've probably spotted those cute little bunny logos while shopping, but what's the actual scoop behind them?
PETA-Approved
PETA is the OG animal advocate. The friend who’s been fighting the good fight forever, so when they give a brand their stamp of approval, you know it's legit. Their certification means zero animal testing. Not on the finished product, not on the ingredients, not ev-er.
PETA-Approved
PETA is the OG animal advocate. The friend who’s been fighting the good fight forever, so when they give a brand their stamp of approval, you know it's legit. Their certification means zero animal testing. Not on the finished product, not on the ingredients, not ev-er.
Leaping Bunny Certified
Leaping Bunny is like the CIA of cruelty-free beauty. These folks don't just take a brand's word for it, they're out there doing regular surprise checks, checking everything from the brand, their suppliers, their suppliers' suppliers... you get the picture. When you see that little bunny hopping on a product, you know it's passed some seriously strict standards.
Now, as promised, our list of some pretty awesome cruelty-free products!
Too Faced - Born This Way Foundation: A buildable, natural-looking foundation with great coverage that will make your skin look so flawless you’ll feel like you're channeling Lady Gaga (minus the meat suit…unless that’s your jam).
The Body Shop - Body Butter: Pamper your skin with a rich, ultra-moisturizing treat that smells so good you might mistake it for dessert (the coffee scrub smells sooooo delicious you’re going to want to eat it. Don’t.)
CoverGirl - LashBlast Volume Mascara: For bold, clump-free lashes that stand out all day long, opt for this iconic, easy, breezy, beautiful mascara that always delivers.
All About Men - All About Men Beard Oil: Keep your beard soft, shiny and healthy while treating your skin to some TLC while you're at it.
Black Moon Cosmetics - Orb of Light™ - Full Moon Palette: For when the full moon is making you feel a little bold and saucy, this highly-pigmented palette lets you create the most stunning looks with colors that really pop.
Urban Decay – All Nighter Setting Spray: Set it and forget it isn't just for slow cookers anymore! This cult-favorite spray locks your makeup in place, so you can go from AM to PM with a flawless finish that won’t budge.
E.l.f. Cosmetics – Poreless Putty Primer: Bye, bye pores. This magical primer smooths everything out and gives you the perfect canvas for your makeup to glide on like a dream.
Milk & Honey – Body Polish, Nº 18: This scrub, that sounds like it could be in James Bond's bag of tricks, uses sugar and sea salt to gently buff away dead skin, leaving you with soft, glowing skin that feels as good as it looks.
Burt's Bees - Beeswax Lip Balm: A classic favorite that nourishes and protects with the magic of beeswax and vitamin E, leaving your lips soft, smooth and totally non-sticky.
Poise Makeup Professional - Liquid Matte Lipstick Notorious: Channel your inner T Swift with this bold, classic red with a matte finish that lasts all day and is perfect for making a don’t mess with me statement.
Whether you're restocking your holy grails or experimenting with new brands, remember that every purchase sends a powerful message to the beauty industry. So go ahead and rock that stunning highlight, perfect that bold lip, and feel extra beautiful knowing your beauty routine is as kind as it is fabulous.