Photo: Instagram/marcjacobsbeauty, hourglasscosmetics
Another buzzword that’s frequently used in the beauty industry (alongside clean, green, organic, vegan etc), cruelty-free brands are brands that ensure that their products are manufactured without causing harm and death to any animals. Essentially, this means that there is no animal testing done — hooray! If you’re looking at beauty products that will give you a complete peace of mind, here are the best cruelty-free brands to support:
1. Hourglass Cosmetics
Known for its luxurious textures, sleek packaging and high-performance products, Hourglass Cosmetics is proof that luxury beauty and a cruelty-free approach can coexist perfectly. If you’re new to the brand, try its dramatic Caution Extreme Lash Mascara (shown here), $46, which lengthens, volumises and curls even stubby and straight lashes. And stock up on its Ambient Lighting Blush, $62, for a soft-focus and multi-dimensional finish.
2. Kat Von D Beauty
Founded by tattoo artist, Kat Von D, it has won over the hearts of its fans, thanks to the bold pigments, comfort and long-wear formulas. Back in 2016, it was also one of the first beauty brands to announce its move towards being cruelty-free while retaining its stunningly saturated formulas and seamless textures. Needless to say, lipstick junkies will love its Everlasting Lip Liners and Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks, which are ultra-lightweight and easy to apply while ensuring all-day wear.
3. Chantecaille
With a fierce passion for animals and nature, Chantecaille not only prides itself as a cruelty-free brand, but also one that contributes to worldwide conservation efforts. Through its Philanthropy Cheek Color range, a portion of proceeds are donated to several conservation funds to protect elephants, bees, sea turtles and coral reefs.
4. The Body Shop
In addition to ensuring that the brand maintains a cruelty-free stance in the production of all its products, The Body Shop also campaigned for the worldwide ban of animal testing in the cosmetics industry. In their 2018 campaign, the brand managed to collect 8 million signatures for their petition and plans to present to the UN to advocate for the stop of animal testing across the world. Currently, animal testing has only been banned in Europe, Canada, Australia and Brazil.
5. Lush Cosmetics
“We believe in buying ingredients only from companies that do not commission tests on animals and in testing our products on humans,” states one of the company’s mission statements. Beyond that, the brand also makes their products by hand, in small batches, with little or no preservatives and packaging to reduce waste and ensure sustainability. Aside from its bath bombs (which are great fun for adults and kids alike), try the Deep Sleep Shower Jelly, $20. Formulated with lavender, chamomile and neroli, this calming blend relaxes the mind and uplifts your spirit for a good night’s sleep.
ALSO READ: 10 SINGAPORE BEAUTY BRANDS THAT DO NOT TEST THEIR PRODUCTS ON ANIMALS
6. Milk Makeup
Created by the founders of noted fashion photography studio, Milk Studios, this cool girl-approved line has been cruelty-free since day one. And that’s not all, the brand also makes products that are free of potential allergens like mineral oil, talc, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and all of the colourants used are FDA-approved. The products are also enriched with skin-conditioning ingredients so they care for your skin while making it look good.
7. Urban Decay
We’re no stranger to Urban Decay’s head-turning colours and irresistible packaging. While the brand doesn’t shout about the fact that they’re cruelty-free, knowing so sure helps justify shelling out for that palette you’ve been lusting over, doesn’t it?
8. Marc Jacobs Beauty
A quick read through the FAQ section of the brand’s website will tell you that it is cruelty-free, meaning it doesn’t test on animals or use ingredients that have been tested on animals. In addition, it also states that the brand is currently not available in China, a country which makes animal testing compulsory for products sold there.
9. Fenty Beauty
While Fenty Beauty’s website clearly states that the brand is cruelty-free and it never tests on animals, they are also transparent about the brand not being 100 percent vegan. This is because some products are made with animal-derived ingredients like beeswax and carmine.
10. IT Cosmetics
As one of the few PETA-certified luxury brands in the market, IT Cosmetics is 100 percent cruelty-free but not vegan as its Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream, $62, contains snail mucin extract, which helps to improve skin texture. You’d also have to try its range of ultra-soft synthetic brushes to believe how easy to use and how amazing the results are.
ALSO READ: POPULAR BEAUTY BRANDS THAT ARE ACTUALLY CRUELTY-FREE