6 Reasons Why You Should Switch to Cruelty-Free Cosmetics

6 Reasons Why You Should Switch to Cruelty-Free Cosmetics

So, why should you switch to cruelty-free cosmetic products? Well, if you’re here reading this, I’m betting you’re already considering doing so. There are many good reasons to switch, but before we really get into all the benefits of vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics we need to get on the same page. There is a difference between cruelty-free and vegan. Vegan, as I’m sure you know, means that there are no animal byproducts in the product. Cruelty-free means that there was no animal testing at any point of production, including by a 3rd party. Cruelty-free does not necessarily mean vegan.

Now that we have that straightened out so that there are no misunderstandings, let’s talk about some general reasons to make the switch! First off, you don’t have to be vegan to care about animal welfare.  I’m sure you don’t want to support animal cruelty—especially when it is unnecessary! There are so many cosmetic brands that are cruelty-free, so you still have options. You can go high-end or budget friendly and still find what you’re looking for! Not to mention the benefits for your skin.

So, without further ado, here are the 6 reasons why you should switch to cruelty-free cosmetics today!

  1. IT ISN’T NECESSARY!

Let’s say that again for the people in the back. IT IS NOT NESCESSARY!!! Testing products on other animals is not proving they will or will not cause a reaction in humans. There are many alternatives to animal testing that are more accurate than animal testing is. A good example is the EpiDerm™ Tissue Model. It can test for a reaction on a tissue sample that is just like human skin instead of using an animal. You can head over to www.peta.org or Crueltyfreeinternational for more information on the many different alternatives to animal testing. However, not only are there great alternatives to animal testing, the results can also be faster. So, let me ask you, if there are alternative tests that are more accurate and faster than animal testing, then why are we still using animals to test our cosmetic products?

  1. Animal Cruelty

Did you know that more than 100 million animals are killed in the United States each year due to animal testing? According to PETA, that number does include all of animal testing and not just cosmetics, but can you imagine how much we could lower that number by choosing to buy cruelty-free cosmetics? Then imagine how much we could lower it by choosing to buy as much as possible cruelty-free. The United States does not require animal testing for the sale of cosmetics! It’s a choice cosmetic companies are making! As a matter of fact, the United States is considering a ban on animal testing cosmetics, and some other first world countries already have. What they are doing to those poor animals is beyond imagination. If we don’t tolerate animal abuse for other animals, then why are we tolerating it for animal testing?

  1. There are tons of vegan and cruelty-free cosmetic brands.

vegan-beauty

You won’t be “missing out” by switching to vegan or cruelty-free cosmetics. There are tons of awesome brands out there like Civilized Cosmetics! They don’t have to be expensive either. The market for cruelty-free cosmetics is booming. Many want to vote against companies that aren’t cruelty-free with their money. You can do that, you know? If enough people refuse to buy their products it will hurt them, and they will change! To see if a product is cruelty-free you can look for the bunny logo on the product, or you can check online. There are many lists out there of vegan and/or cruelty-free brands. If in doubt, you can always message the company!

  1. It’s better for your skin!

If you have sensitive skin, you’re in luck! Most often, the harsher ingredients that irritate your sensitive skin is left out of vegan and cruelty-free products. To be honest though, it’s better for everyone’s skin. The fewer, more natural ingredients are much, much better for your skin. Less is more! Do you know how many chemicals you are putting on your skin each day? Some of the ingredients are toxic! A good example is Benzophenone. It’s been linked to cancer! For a great list of other common ingredients in cosmetics you can go to www.safecosmetics.org. Animal by-products are also great to avoid, and using vegan products will accomplish that!

  1. The products work!

The vegan products work just as well as non-vegan products—if not better! You’re not wasting your money. There are many products you might already be using that are vegan from brands such as Civilized Cosmetics, E.L.F., Physician’s Formula, and Pacifica. Civilized Cosmetics and E.L.F. are 100% vegan makeup brands. I, myself, use a lot of Civilized Cosmetics products, and I absolutely LOVE them, especially this Vegan, & Cruelty Free Matte Liquid Lip Suede. They don’t break the bank, and I like them just as much as (if not more so) than the other products I have tried.

  1. Inexpensive

I know I’ve mentioned this in a couple of other points, but it bears repeating. The choice to go vegan or cruelty-free doesn’t have to be expensive! Sure, there are high end brands, but you can also find budget friendly mentioned above. As I said, I use a lot of Civilized Cosmetics products.

So, now you know. We just covered 6 great reasons to switch to cruelty-free cosmetic products. Now you may be wondering, “So how do I get started? Do I just toss out what I have that isn’t cruelty-free and/or vegan and buy new?” NO! That is unnecessary waste. You already bought the product. If you can’t return it then finish it or throw it out when you’re supposed to, and just don’t buy it again. Use the time now to research the brands and what products would work well with your skin type. Read reviews. Decide if you want to use vegan cosmetics or just cruelty-free. You can start your commitment to not support animal cruelty today.

I’m making the step to go cruelty-free, are you?