Anyone who knows me knows that I am adamant about only buying products that are 100% cruelty-free. Ever since I discovered nearly 10 years ago that “animal testing” was not about swiping some lipstick on a bunny or having a dog run around smelling like vanilla, I decided that I was going to make a change and be more intentional with how I spent my money.
There are different ways to be cruelty-free. Personally, I don’t buy any brands or items sold in mainland China, as they require animal testing by law. I do, however, buy from some brands that are owned by non-cruelty-free parent companies (just a few exceptions here and there). This was not an overnight adjustment; it took a lot of time, research, and attention to get to where I am, but I’m proud to know that I’m supporting animals with my shopping habits.
If you saw the last “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie and cried as much as I did in the animal testing scenes, maybe you’ve decided to go cruelty-free, too. And for that, I commend you! However, you also don’t need to go toss anything that is not cruelty-free (in this economy?!). In those cases, use it and lose it.
So, while I could go on and on about all the brands you should not buy from (*cough, L’Oreal, any designer makeup, Neutrogena…), here are some that you should. It was hard to pick my top three for each, but this is a good place to start!
Skincare
- Korres
This brand is so underrated! I get so many compliments on my skin, and the only few products in my skincare routine that I consistently use (and have for more than a year) are all Korres. Huge fan. - Pacifica
This is a great option for more budget-friendly shopping, and you can find them in Target, Ulta, and on Amazon. - Peach & Lily
I recently discovered this brand when Ulta was out of my usual face wash, but so far, I’ve liked everything I’ve used! I love their face masks and toner, especially.
Makeup
- Ilia
To be honest, I put them on here specifically for their Limitless Lash mascara – a holy grail item for me. I also really like their lipsticks! (I wear Amberlight on a regular basis). - Colourpop
I love Colourpop – they are affordable, easy to find, and have so many great products to choose from! I love their eyeshadow palettes! - Rare Beauty
Of course, I’m Team Selena, but I also haven’t tried a single product from Rare that I don’t love.
Haircare
- Paul Mitchell
Did you know Paul Mitchell was one of the first hair brands to advocate for no animal testing? They make great, affordable shampoos and conditioners that also smell amazing! I’m looking at you, awapuhi. - EVA NYC
This is another newer brand for me, but I’m obsessed with the hair mask! It makes my hair so soft and shiny. - Oribe
A bit more high-end, but the only dry shampoo I’ll ever use, and their scalp health line has saved my hair.
Body Care
- Dove
I have very sensitive skin and can pretty much only use the Dove Sensitive Skin body wash, but it smells so good and leaves my skin so soft, I’m okay with that. Also, I’ve used their Nighttime Baby lotion every night for YEARS, and I’m convinced that’s the secret to my skin. - Tree Hut
I am obsessed with every scent, and they are by far the best body scrub and best shaving oil I’ve ever used. - Flamingo
Yes, razor blades are tested on animals, too – but these ones are not!
Toiletries
- Hello
My favorite for oral hygiene! - Sun Bum / Supergoop
SPF is so important to me, especially living in Florida, and these are hands down my favorite sunscreen brands. - Saltair
This is a newer brand started by a model I used to like, but I love their deodorant! I also use their body lotion. I use Exotic Pulp in both.
Cleaning
- Method
I mostly use their cleaning sprays and laundry detergent. - Seventh Generation
Same as Method – a bit pricey but worth it, in my opinion! - Puracy
I haven’t tried as many of their products, but I have heard really good things! I like that their scents are very clean and light, and it’s a small business.
Fragrance
- Pinrose
This is actually the only cruelty-free fragrance brand I’ve bought from and really liked. I like the Pinrose scent best. - DIME
This one and Heretic I have not used yet, but I have heard great reviews, and it’ll probably be between these two when I need a new scent! - Heretic
Bonus, Heretic also contains no hormone disruptors and is one of the best clean brands.
So, there you have it! I think it’s so important to be smart and intentional about where your money goes and for me, I am a huge animal lover, so, of course, I’m not going to support them being treated cruelly and hurt through testing procedures that are not only unnecessary but not even accurate.
I’m not going to preach at you or tell you what I think you should do, but if you decide to switch to a cruelty-free lifestyle, here are some other great resources you can check out:
Now, go save some animals!