Wearing makeup is a uniquely human activity, yet each year,
thousands of furry critters can be seen sporting lipstick, powder,
and eyeliner inside cosmetics laboratories. If you want to wear
makeup that hasn’t been tested on Fido and Mittens, you now have
many more options. Cosmetics that are only tested on humans are
known as cruelty-free cosmetics. The demand and supply of such
makeup has been growing steadily as consumers have become more
aware of animal testing. Here are some commonly asked questions
about cruelty-free cosmetics, along with answers to help you shop
smarter.
Q. Cruelty-free cosmetics aren’t tested on animals, so are they
still safe for humans?
A. Yes. Cruelty-free makeup is tested on people, instead. These
makeups are typically made from compounds already known to be
hypoallergenic and non-irritating, thus, no humans are harmed in
the testing stages. For this reason, cruelty-free cosmetics are
usually a safe bet for women with sensitive skin or makeup
allergies.
Q. Where can I buy makeup that isn’t tested on animals?
A. All major drugstores carry brands of makeup that are
cruelty-free. If this designation isn’t obvious on the front label,
check the back panel where the ingredients are listed. If the
makeup is not tested on animals, the label will explicitly say so.
If the label has no mention of testing methods, then most likely it
is tested on animals.
In addition to standard cruelty-free cosmetics, there are also
vegan cosmetics. This type of makeup is neither tested on animals,
nor made from animals. Traditional makeup may contain gelatin or
animal fat. Vegan cosmetics are a hot beauty trend now, and it will
be clear on the front label if the makeup is vegan.
Q. Are cruelty-free cosmetics more expensive than regular
makeup?
A. Not at all. There is little difference in price between
makeup that is tested on animals, and makeup that isn’t. You can
find high end mineral makeup that isn’t tested on animals, as well
as cheap compacts of cruelty-free powder.