What cosmetic companies are cruelty-free, anyways?
PETA’s “cruelty-free designation means that a company or brand has banned all tests on animals for their ingredients – including in their supply chain – formulas, and finished products.
This is done to ensure that no testing on animals will be allowed anywhere, for any reason. It’s essential that consumers aren’t duped by profiteering companies that choose to engage in this archaic practice.
For cosmetics companies, animal testing has been banned in the UK since 1998, but with global companies producing overseas, it can be difficult to know if they’re following these regulations.
Some companies claim that they only test on animals when it is required by law. However, this usually means they want to expand their market reach by exporting their products countries such as China where these tests are mandatory.
Which Skincare Brands Are Cruelty-Free?
At the top, you’ll find the most affordable names, followed by mid-range and high-end brands. I made sure to choose well-known and readily available businesses. If you’re a middle-of-the-road or higher girl, I’ve got you covered as well. The many possibilities if you’re shopping online are not exclusive to high-end ladies; Sephora sells a wide range of cruelty-free skincare products.
Below are some of the popular skincare brands that don’t test on animals:
Alba Botanica, Aubrey Organics, Pacifica, Mad Hippie, Dr. Hauschka, Coola, Meow Meow Tweet, Drunkelephant, Kahina Giving Beauty, Radical Skincare, Kate Somerville and Dr. Dennis Gross
List of Cruelty-Free and Vegan Makeup Companies
Many people who are passionate about animal welfare take extreme measures such as going vegan or only wearing clothing made of sustainable materials. However, there’s one common place where people may not think to check for animal-derived ingredients: their makeup products. Furthermore, some brands test on animals even if none of the product ingredients come from animals.
Some companies have begun taking the humane route and phasing out testing their products on animals. Here’s what you should know about vegan and cruelty-free options:
- Vegan makeup is makeup that has not been developed with any animal components or by-products.
- Products that are marked as ‘cruelty-free’ have not been tested on animals, and any raw materials used to make the product were also not tested on animals.
Many well-known brands are not vegan or cruelty-free, yet that does not imply that vegan or cruelty-free cosmetics are less effective or appealing.
We’ve gathered our favorite brands that are vegan and cruelty-free so you can comfortably trust them—and some of these might come as a surprise to learn they follow ethical practices:
- *Hype Nail
- 100% Pure
- 2B Colors
- 4Ever Magic Cosmetics
- 7th Heaven
- A Girl’s Gotta Spa!
- A Wild Soap Bar
- ABBA Hair Care
- Acure Organics
- Aether Beauty
- Aether Lashes
- Afterglow Cosmetics
- AG Hair
- Ageless Derma
- AHAVA
- Aila Cosmetics
- Ainhoa Cosmetics
- Alaska Glacial Mud Co
- Alba Botanica
- Alima Pure
- All Terrain
- Alpha Skincare
- Alterna
- Amika
- AmLactin
- Amope
- Anastasia Beverly Hills
- Andalou Naturals
- Annmarie Gianna Skin Care
- Antonym Cosmetics
- Aquis
- Arbonne
- Arctic Fox Hair
- Ardell
- Ardency Inn
- Aromi
- Artis
- Artist Couture
- Art Naturals
- Athar’a Pure
- Au Naturale
- Aubrey Organics
- Australian Gold
- Avalon Organics
- Aveda
- Axiology Beauty
- Aya Natural
- Ayres Beauty
- Azature Nail Polish
- Azelique Cosmetics
- Babe Lash
- Babo Botanicals
- Babyliss
- Bach Original Flower Remedies
- Baiser Beauty
- Balanced Guru
- Bare Republic
- bareMinerals
- Barielle
- Barry M
- Baxter of California
- Bdellium Tools
- Beachwaver
- Beaming White
- Beautisol
- Beauty Bakerie
- Beauty Blender
- Beauty By Earth
- Beauty Chef
- Beauty Junkees
- Beauty Without Cruelty
- Beauty Counter
- BECCA Cosmetics
- Bee Friendly Skincare
- Bee Naturals
- Bella Mari
- Bellapierre
- Belli Skincare
- Ben Nye
- Besame Cosmetics
- BH Cosmetics
- Billy Jealousy
- Bio Follicle
- Bio Ionic
- BioBelle Cosmetics
- Bioclarity
- Biokleen
- Bite Beauty
- Black Dahlia Lacquer
- Black Opal
- Blinc
- Blinking Beauté
- Bliss
- Blissoma
- Blue Beautify
- Blue Lizard
- Bonne Belle
- Bosley
- Botanics
- Brett Freedman Beauty
- Briogeo
- Bronx Colors
- Bronze Buffer
- BRÖÖ
- Buddy Scrub
- Burt’s Bees
- ButterLondon
- Buxom
- C. Booth
- Cailyn Cosmetics
- Cake Beauty
- Cane + Austin
- Cargo Cosmetics
- Carol’s Daughter
- Cate McNabb
- Catrice Cosmetics
- Cedar + Stone
- Certain Dri
- Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve
- Chantecaille
- Charlotte Tilbury
- China Glaze
- Christie Brinkley Skincare
- Ciate London
- Cinema Secrets
- Clean Fragrances
- Clove + Hallow
- CND
- Coastal Scents
- Cocokind
- Cocovit
- Color Club
- Color Oops
- Color Proof
- Color Wow
- Colorevolution
- Coloured Raine
- Conair
- COOLA Suncare
- CosRX
- Cotz
- Cover FX
- CoverGirl
- Cowshed
- Cozzette Beauty
- Crazy Rumors
- Crepe Erase
- Cricket
- Croc
- Crystal Body Deodorant
- Curlsmith
- Daily Concepts
- Deborah Lippmann
- Deco Miami
- Delectable by Cake Beauty
- Derma E
- Dermacol
- Dermadoctor
- Dermaflash
- Dermalogica
- Dermelect
- DermOrganic
- Desert Essence
- DevaCurl
- DeVita
- Dickinson Brands
- Dionis Skincare
- Diptyque Paris
- DN-UNIK
- Dose of Colors
- dpHUE
- Dr. Bronners
- Dr. Dennis Gross
- Dr. Paw Paw
- Dr. Hauschka
- Dr. Teals
- Drunk Elephant
- Drybar
- Duo
- DuWop Cosmetics
- Dyson
- e.l.f. Cosmetics
- Earth Therapeutics
- Earth Tu Face
- Earthwise Beauty
- Ecco Bella
- EcoTools
- Elate Clean Cosmetic
- Elchim
- Elemis
- Elizabeth and James Nirvana
- Elizabeth Mott
- Ella + Mila
- Ellen Lange
- Ellis Faas
- Ellovi
- Em Cosmetics
- Emani
- Embryolisse
- Enjoy Hair Care
- Epice Skincare
- Espionage Cosmetics
- Essence Cosmetics
- EVA NYC Hair
- Eve Hansen Skincare
- Every Man Jack
- Everyday Minerals
- Evologie
- Evolvh
- Exuviance
- Eye of Horus
- Eyeko
- Eylure
- Face Atelier
- Fake Bake
- Farmacy
- Farsali
- Feeling Beautiful by Freeman
- Feral Cosmetics
- Finch Berry
- Finger Paints
- Fiona Stiles
- Fior Minerals
- First Aid Beauty
- Flawless
- Flower Beauty
- Foreo
- Formula 10.0.6 (Ten-O-Six)
- Formula X
- Fourth Ray Beauty
- FoxyBae
- Frank Body
- G.H.D. (Good Hair Day)
- Gabriel Cosmetics
- Gallany Cosmetics
- Georgie Beauty
- Gerard Cosmetics
- Giovanni
- Girlactik
- Glamour Dolls
- Gleam by Melanie Mills
- Glo Skin Beauty
- Gloss Moderne Vegan Hair Care
- Goddess Garden Organics
- Good Dye Young
- Graftobian Professional Makeup
- Green Tidings
- Gressa Skincare
- Habit Cosmetics
- HairDo Clip in Extensions
- Han Skincare Cosmetics
- Hand in Hand Soap
- Handmade Heroes
- Hard Candy
- Harvey Prince Perfumes
- Hask Hair
- Hello Products
- Hempz
- Herban Cowboy
- Hey Honey
- Homemade Betty
- Honest Beauty
- Honeybee Gardens
- Hot Tresses
- Hourglass Beauty
- House of Lashes
- Hum Nutrition
- Human + Kind
- Hurraw!
- Hustle Butter C.B.D.Luxe
- Hynt Beauty
- IDUN Minerals
- IGK Hair
- Ilia Beauty
- Illamasqua
- Illuminare Cosmetics
- ILNP
- IMAN Cosmetics
- Indie Lee
- Inika
- IsaDora
- It Cosmetics
- It’s a 10 Haircare
- Jack Black
- Jane Carter Solutions
- Jane Iredale
- Jason Naturals
- Jersey Shore Cosmetics
- Jillian Wright Skincare
- Jordana Cosmetics
- Josie Maran
- Jouer Cosmetics
- J.R. Watkins Co.
- Juice Beauty
- Julep Beauty
- Jusu Beauty
- Juvia’s Place
- Kaia Naturals
- Kani Botanicals
- Kaplan MD Skincare
- Kate Somerville
- Katherine Cosmetics
- KBShimmer
- Kenra
- Keracolor
- Kett Cosmetics
- Kevyn Aucoin
- Key West Aloe
- Kiko Milani
- Kirei Cosmetics
- Kiss
- Kiss My Face
- Kleancolor
- Koh Gen Do
- Kokie Cosmetics
- Kopari Beauty
- Korres
- Kosas
- KPS Essentials
- Krave Beauty
- Kryolan
- KYPRIS
- L’ANZA
- L.A. Girl
- Lather
- Laura Mercier
- Laura Geller
- Lauren B. Beauty
- Lauren Brooke Cosmetics
- Lavanila
- Light Mountain Natural Hair Color
- Lily Lolo
- LimeCrime
- LimeLight
- Lina Hanson
- Lippy Girl
- Living Proof
- Logona
- Lorac
- Lord & Berry
- Love Beauty and Planet
- Lumene
- Luscious Cosmetics
- Lush
- Luxie Beauty
- Macadamia Professional
- Mad Hippie
- Madam Glam
- Made From Earth
- Madison Reed
- Makeup Eraser
- Makeup Revolution
- ManGlaze
- Manic Panic
- Maple Holistics
- Marc Jacobs Beauty
- Marcelle
- Maria Nila
- Marin Bee
- Mario Badescu
- Maui Moisture
- MDSolarSciences
- Meaningful Beauty Cindy Crawford
- Mehron
- Michael Todd True Organics
- Milani Cosmetics
- Milk Makeup
- Mineral Fusion
- Mineral Hygienics
- Miracle Skin Transformer
- Mirenesse
- Mixed Chicks
- Mizon
- Molton Brown
- Morgan Taylor
- MoroccanOil
- Murad
- My Konjac Sponge
- Mychelle Dermaceuticals
- Nail Aid
- Nail Tek
- Nails Inc
- Nanshy
- Natasha Denona
- NCLA
- No7
- Nomad Cosmetics
- Note Cosmetics
- Nuance by Salma Hayek
- Nudestix
- NuMe
- Nuture My Body
- Nyx Cosmetics
- Ofra Cosmetics
- Ole Henriksen
- Olivia Garden
- Organic to Green
- Orly
- OSEA Malibu
- Osmosis
- Ouai
- Out of Africa
- Oz Naturals
- Pacifica Beauty
- Parasilk
- Parissa
- Paul Mitchell
- Paula’s Choice
- PC4Men by Paula’s Choice
- PCA Skin
- Per-fekt Beauty
- Perricone MD
- Physicians Formula
- Piggy Paint
- Piggy Polish
- Pinrose Perfumes
- Piper Wai
- Pixi Beauty
- Plain Jane Beauty
- Plaine Products
- POP Beauty
- Prestige Cosmetics
- Priti NYC
- Profusion
- Punky Color by Jerome Russel
- PUR Cosmetics
- Pureology
- PYT Beauty
- Queen Helene
- RCMA Makeup
- Real Techniques
- RealHer
- Ren Skincare
- RevivaLabs
- Rise & Shine Naturals
- Rituel de Fille
- RMS Beauty
- Rosebud Company
- Rouge Bunny Rouge
- S.W. Basics
- Saffron Secret
- Saturday Skin
- Schmidt’s Deodorant
- Scotch Porter
- Seabuck Wonders
- Senna Cosmetics
- Seventh Generation
- Sexy Hair
- Shea Moisture
- Sibu Beauty
- Sigma Beauty
- Silk’N
- Simple
- SIRCUIT Cosmeceuticals
- Skindinavia
- SkinFix
- Skyn Iceland
- Sleek Makeup
- Smashbox
- Smith & Cult
- Soapbox Soaps
- Soapwalla
- SocialEyes Lashes
- Sol de Janeiro
- Sonia Kashuk
- SOPHi by Piggy Paint
- SpaRitual
- Sphynx
- St. Tropez
- St. Tropica
- Stacked Skincare
- Starrily
- Stellar Beauty
- Stila Beauty
- Storybook Cosmetics
- StriVectin
- Sugarpill
- Sunday Riley
- Suntegrity
- Supergoop!
- Surya Brasil
- T3
- Tangle Teezer
- Tarte
- Tata Harper
- Tatcha
- Teadora
- Terra Mere Cosmetics
- The Body Shop
- The Gnarly Whale
- The Lip Bar
- The Ordinary
- TheBalm
- Thesis
- Thrive Causemetics
- Tokyo Milk
- Tom’s of Maine
- Too Faced
- Trader Joe’s
- Tree Hut
- Treets Traditions
- Tria
- Trish McEvoy
- Triumph & Disaster
- True Moringa
- Trufora
- TruSkin Naturals
- Trust Fund Beauty
- Ursa Major
- Vapour Organic Beauty
- VegaLash
- Veil Cosmetics
- Velvet 59
- Virginic
- Viseart
- Vita Liberata
- Volante Skincare
- Volition Beauty
- Wander Beauty
- We Love Eyes
- Weleda
- Wet n’ Wild
- Whole Foods Brand
- Wunder2
- Yes To
- Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics
- Youth to the People
- Z Natural Life
- Zak Body Care
- Zenmed
- Zoella Beauty
- Zoeva
- Zoya
- ZuZu Luxe
Cruelty Free Cosmetic Companies FAQ
Which cosmetic do not test on animals?
Here are some of our favorite vegan and cruelty-free makeup products from the brands we mentioned earlier:
Dermablend, Zuzu Luxe Lip Gloss, e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation, Pacifica Plushious Mineral Lipstick, Aveda Petal Essence Eye Color Trio, Urban Decay Brow Tamer Flexible Hold Brow Gel, KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner, Tarte Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening Pen, SKIN&CO ROMA Truffle Therapy Best in Glow Duo
Which moisturizers are not tested on animals?
Alba Botanica Acnedote Oil Control Lotion, Dr. Dennis Gross Hydra-Pure, Mineral Fusion Intense Hydration, PUR Soak It Up Intense Hydrating Moisturizer, Perricone MD Deep Moisture Therapy, Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses, Dermadoctor Calm Cool & Corrected, Yes to Balancing Daily Moisturizer, Mad Hippie Face Cream, Tata Harper Rebuilding Moisturizer, and other moisturizers aren’t tested on animals.
Is the Clinique cruelty-free?
Many people love the American beauty brand Clinique, but few know that it is not cruelty-free or vegan. Its products and ingredients are commonly tested on animals when required by law – such as when selling in stores located in mainland China. They may test on animals, either themselves, through their suppliers, or through a third party. Furthermore, Clinique is owned by Estee Lauder, another parent corporation that isn’t known for being kind to animals.
Do M·A·C test on animals?
Although MAC Cosmetics sells over 100 shades of makeup, many people are unaware of whether the company is cruelty-free or vegan. Unfortunately, MAC does allow its products and ingredients to be tested on animals when required by law – for example, when selling in stores located in mainland China. What’s more, MAC is owned by Estee Lauder–another non-cruelty free parent company.
Is Gucci animal cruelty-free?
The Gucci brand is not cruelty-free. They may do animal testing on their own, through their vendors, or using a third party. Companies who are included in this category may also be selling items that must be tested on animals by law.
Closing on Cruelty-Free Cosmetic Companies
Some of our favorite vegan and cruelty-free makeup and skincare brands are listed throughout this post. Feel free to shop around with these brands as they refuse to test on animals.
Be sure to do your research before purchasing any cosmetics to ensure that the company you’re supporting is cruelty-free. With so many great options out there, there’s no need to support brands that test on animals.