Why choose vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics?

More and more of us are concerned about animal welfare and many brands are taking the plunge to offer vegan and Cruelty-Free cosmetics . As a store committed to an eco-responsible approach , we are delighted to share with you our passion for these beauty products that take care of you while preserving the planet. Let's decipher together the nuances between all these terms, because it is sometimes not easy to understand all the nuances.

Let's start by defining the main terms:

What is the definition of a Vegan cosmetic product?

According to the regulations, a vegan cosmetic is a product that does not contain any ingredients of animal origin and no ingredients from animal production , either at the manufacturing stage of the product or in the packaging . Vegan cosmetics therefore do not contain ingredients such as honey, beeswax, milk, collagen, keratin, glycerin, carmine (pigment obtained by an insect, cochineal), gelatin, and anything of animal origin.

What is the definition of a cruelty-free cosmetic product?

A “Cruelty-free” cosmetic implies the absence of animal testing of the product, either in its manufacturing or in its sourcing of ingredients.

Good news: all cosmetics manufactured in the European Union have been cruelty-free since 2013 , the year regulations banning the testing of cosmetic products on animals came into force. Be careful, this is not necessarily the case for products manufactured outside the EU, despite the ban on their intra-EU marketing.

The rise of vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics

In recent years, we have seen a growing interest in vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics. More and more consumers are looking for beauty products that align with their ethical and environmental values . This trend can be explained by several factors:

An ecological awareness

Awareness of environmental issues has led many people to question their consumption habits, including in the beauty sector. Consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of their purchases on the planet and want to make responsible choices .

Animal welfare at the heart of concerns

The vegan movement and the fight against animal cruelty have also contributed to the rise of cruelty-free cosmetics. More and more people are refusing to buy products tested on animals or containing ingredients of animal origin .

A quest for authenticity and transparency

Consumers are also looking for transparency and authenticity in their purchases. They want to know where ingredients come from, how products are made, and whether they are truly beneficial for their health and the environment.

Often healthier formulations

The popularity of vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics is also explained by the fact that the products are generally made from natural ingredients , without potentially harmful chemical additives . Consumers are increasingly concerned about the composition of their beauty products.

The benefits of vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics

Choosing vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics offers many benefits, both for yourself and for the planet. Let's discover together the main reasons to turn to these more ethical and responsible beauty products .

Often more natural and healthy formulations

In addition to not causing animal suffering , vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics are distinguished by a more frequent use of natural , organic and plant-based ingredients . They rarely contain chemicals that are potentially harmful to health, such as parabens, sulfates or silicones.

Better preservation of the environment

By choosing vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics, you also contribute to environmental protection . Indeed, these products are generally manufactured in a more eco-responsible manner, with production processes that respect the planet. In addition, their packaging is often designed with waste reduction in mind.

Support for the local and ethical economy

Many vegan and cruelty-free cosmetic brands also often commit to local and more ethical production methods. They generally favor suppliers and manufacturers who respect strict social and environmental standards . By choosing these products, you support a fairer and more sustainable economy .

How to identify vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics?

Now that you know the many benefits of vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics, it's important to know how to identify them among all the beauty products available on the market.

Certification labels

Several certification labels guarantee the vegan and cruelty-free nature of a cosmetic product. Among the most well-known are:

• The Vegan Society label
• The Leaping Bunny Label
• The PETA label

These logos are generally affixed to the packaging of certified products. It's important to remember that a label comes at a significant cost, and some brands choose not to label themselves, even if they are vegan and cruelty-free.

Careful reading of labels

Even without an official label, it's possible to identify vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics by carefully reading the labels. Here are some things to look for:

• The absence of ingredients of animal origin
• The words “not tested on animals” or “Cruelty-free”
• The presence of natural, organic and plant-based ingredients

By definition, cosmetics labeled vegan are almost always cruelty-free when it comes to the European Union. But be careful! Outside the EU, the term "vegan" does not guarantee the absence of animal testing. In China, for example, animal testing is mandatory, particularly for cosmetics of foreign origin. To summarize: a European brand may be vegan and cruelty-free in the European Union, but if this brand is established in China, it is no longer so since it must comply with local laws.

At the same time, cruelty-free cosmetics may contain ingredients of animal origin. A cruelty-free product is therefore not necessarily vegan.

Brand websites

Finally, cosmetic brand websites can also provide information on their vegan and cruelty-free commitments. Don't hesitate to consult their "About" or "Our Values" pages to learn more. If a brand isn't clear about how it produces its cosmetics, I recommend doing some in-depth research, such as through articles or user reviews. If in doubt, personally, I wouldn't take the risk and would look for other alternatives.

Conclusion

For us, it is absolutely unacceptable to exploit animals and use them for cosmetic purposes. I don't understand how it is possible, even today, not to ban and punish these practices.

As you will have understood, choosing vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics means opting for beauty products that take care of you while preserving the planet and animal welfare.

At Le sens des choses , we only work with committed brands. We've chosen to offer you products from Vegan Fox, a Latvian brand (so Cruelty-Free!) certified by the Vegan Society. To discover their products in our shop, go here . We're always available if you have any questions.

Together, let's work towards a beauty that is more respectful of the environment and of living things!

 

Photo credit: Cover image by Aart Beijeman on Pixabay