Each time you look at yourself in the mirror, have you even thought of the process that went into the manufacture of the beauty products that you are using?

Truth is, there is an ugly side to some of the cosmetics that make you look beautiful. Without investigating further, it is easily possible to end up with products that have gone through a process that uses animals for testing.

Animal testing is a sad reality that causes suffering and even death of millions of animals each year. But the good news is, there are ethical brands that strictly observe cruelty-free practices to make available beauty products that are good for you, as well as for animals.

The Difference between Cruelty-Free and Vegan

Ethical beauty products have gained attention in the recent years. And in choosing among a range of these products, you will find two animal conscious options: vegan and cruelty-free.

If you think that it’s enough to know that they are both ethical and animal-friendly, here’s an added information that will set the difference between the two.

Vegan beauty products are those that don’t contain animal-derived ingredients, while the cruelty-free makeup products are those that were manufactured without using animal testing. And to clarify a common misconception, all-natural cosmetics do not instantly qualify as vegan and cruelty-free, as animals are derivatives of nature.

Cruelty-Free Makeup: The Goodness behind the Bunny Symbol

With so many options, the question that you may now have in mind is: how can you identify cruelty-free?

Cruelty-free makeup can be easily determined by looking for the Leaping Bunny symbol displayed on labels. This logo is created by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) that serves as a standard seal for products that have adhered to the strictest non-animal testing standard. This means that when you purchase cosmetics that bear the bunny symbol, you are choosing animal-friendly products.

It is also important to take note that as stricter regulations are implemented against animal cruelty, there is already a long list of beauty brands that adhere to the stringent policies without sacrificing the safety and effectiveness of their products–and these are the cosmetics and makeup brands that we will discuss below.

Must-Try Cruelty-Free Makeup and Cosmetics Brands

The creative minds behind Ellis Faas have imposed strict cruelty-free policies to ensure that no supermodels, as well as animals, were harmed in the manufacture of their cosmetics. Their suppliers also stick to the rules that Ellis Faas strictly implements: No animal testing for finished products, textures, shades at any time, ingredients used should never be tested on animals. and no elements within the ingredients can ever be tested on animals in compliance with EU’s Fixed Cut Off Date scheme.

Rouge Bunny Rouge makeup products were manufactured to perfection. Everyone knows that they are enriched with powerful skincare ingredients, but there’s more to RBR that you should know. Not only are these products easy to apply and absolutely comfortable to wear, they are also 100% cruelty-free, with the guarantee that no animal was harmed at any point of production. Rouge Bunny Rouge products are manufactured within the EU and are not available in countries where animal testing is mandated by law.

RMS Beauty is one of the cruelty-free makeup brands that offer only the safest ingredients and highest quality products available. A certified organic brand, RMS Beauty brings to the market the purest products that can heal and nourish the skin. With RMS, you can be guaranteed that you will only be using beauty products that are safe for your skin–as well as for animals. Using only raw and food grade materials, all RMS Beauty products are Gluten-Free, GMO-Free, Soy Free, Nano Free and are not tested on animals.

Using a mix of trendy shades and super nourishing elements, ILIA Beauty products have stood out from the conventions of organic beauty. But apart from their regular releases, one of the things that make this expanding range standout is the gluten-free and leaping bunny certifications it has. The company has been committed to making sure that their products and the ingredients they use are never tested on animals.

Kjaer Weis has been certified organic by the Italian organic inspection body, CCPB (Controllo e Certificazione Prodotti Biologici). The makeup products from this company are free from artificial substances such as parabens, silicones, petrochemical emulsifiers and synthetic fragrance. By using Kjaer Weis, you can be sure that you are using healthy, raw ingredients that can leave you with a beautiful glow inside and outside without using animal testing.

Did you know? Since 2009, animal testing for cosmetics is illegal in the European Union. Additional laws were adopted in the UK in 2012. [Source: European Commission ]

Vapour Beauty is conscious in maintaining a sustainable brand that has environmental accountability and through the years, along with the evolution of technologies, it has managed to improve well-being while effectively reducing environmental footprint. Aside from the environment-friendly steps that it has taken, Vapour is also a certified leaping bunny brand, putting great emphasis on its cruelty-free status.

Blinc is a certified a 100% cruelty-free company. The company is very strict in making sure that any of its finished products or ingredients are not tested on animals. The same rule applies to their suppliers. Furthermore, this cruelty-free makeup brand has also signed PETA’s pledge as a sign of commitment to keeping animals unharmed during the manufacture of their products.

Another cruelty-free makeup brand to try. Absolution is a brand that is effective and makes use of organic ingredients. It is free from substances that can damage the environment. Not only will these ingredients nourish the skin, it also prevents toxins from entering the body. Moreover, it is recognised as one of the animal-friendly, cruelty-free cosmetic brands.

Axiology is known for its vibrant shades of lipstick that come in luxurious packaging. But aside from the organic ingredients that it uses, it is also a cruelty-free makeup brand. You can be guaranteed that its products are not tested on animals. In fact, it is a part of Axiology is also 100% vegan and is a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA’s) “Beauty Without Bunnies” program and are certified vegan and cruelty-free.

This company is the supplier of premium grade Konjac Sponge products to the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. By using the Konjac Sponge, you are guaranteed of uncompromised quality and can be sure that what you are using is committed to producing natural and cruelty-free skincare as shown by the Leaping Bunny and Vegan Society symbols that its brand carries.

Did you know? In 2011, EU countries have reported that 17,896 dogs, 3,713 cats, 358,213 rabbits,6,686 horses, 6,095 monkeys, 675,065 birds, 77,280 pigs, 28,892 sheep, 30,914 cattle, over 1,000,000 fishes and over 8,500,000 rodents were used for animal testing. [SOURCE: Cruelty Free International ]

A product of a team of skin care experts, researchers and scientists, Circ-Cell offers a line of skin care products that are designed to nourish the skin until its optimal health, balance and beauty are restored, using safe, effective and cruelty-free products that improve skin density and encourage balance.

Formal education, ancient medicine tradition, combined with pure passion are the secrets in creating Gressa’s formula–a brand that celebrates luxury and appeal without using substances that are harmful to your health. This makeup line uses Non-GMO ingredients, butter and oils. Absolutely vegan and cruelty-free!

Comes with wildcrafted ingredients, nutrients, vitamins and minerals, Ambuja effectively repairs, replenishes and rehydrates the skin to give it a healthy, smooth and flawless glow. But aside from the company’s undeniable passion for safe and natural skincare, Ambuja is also a cruelty-free makeup brand that has zero-tolerance regulations on animal testing.

Thoughtfully produced from start to finish using ethically and sustainably sourced organic ingredients. This cruelty-free makeup brand uses the latest science in providing green formulations that effectively enhances the skin. Kahina Giving Beauty is a Leaping Bunny certified company, giving you the guarantee that all their products are cruelty-free.

A relatively new brand, Siam Seas is committed to using carefully selected natural and organic Southeast Asian herbs for its formulas. Aside from using the highest quality ingredients that are locally sourced and harvested from their own pesticide-free garden, the brand ensures that all of their products are 100% free of harmful ingredients and have never been tested on animals.

Did you know? Government figures revealed that in 2015, a total of 4.14 million experiments were completed in Great Britain. [SOURCE: Cruelty-Free International ]

Velour Lashes became the brand of choice for many people because of the extra effort they put in their products. Aside from the word and video instructions they provide their customers, they also follow a green and eco-friendly approach in creating their natural mink lashes. 100% cruelty-free, Velour lashes are free from any chemical processing or dyes. They gather mink from free-range zoos during the shedding seasons. To ensure safe use, the mink that they have collected goes through a sterilisation process.

Known for their specially-formulated lipsticks that promise to heal, moisturise, and enhance collagen to soften and plump the lips, there is more to learn about the brand. Kosas makes use of handmade ingredients to ensure maximum nutrition and luxury. All their products are free from gluten, egg, soy, nut, and have never been tested on animals.

Who needs surgery when you can have an eyelid lift instantly? Magicstripes helps you say goodbye to droopy lids using transparent silicone strips that can be applied in seconds. It has made its way in premier boutiques in the UK and has been endorsed by PETA as a beauty product that takes part in its Beauty without Bunnies program.

Using 100% organically grown ingredients, Dr. Alkaitis offers raw, effective and natural skin care for all skin types to prevent skin ageing and damage. Aside from using wildcrafted and certified organic ingredients, Dr. Alkaitis products are chemical-free, GMO-free, and cruelty-free.

Known for their minimalist packaging, this Australian-owned brand supports nature and has high respect for the environment. It also uses certified organic ingredients and ensures that their products have never been tested on animals, and free from animal testing.

Did you know? In vitro testing, computer modelling, and human-patient simulators are some of the state-of-the-art alternatives that can replace animal testing. [SOURCE: LeapingBunny.org ]

ILA Spa vocally supports organic and ethical farming. The wild-harvested ingredients they use for their products are derived from some of the most remote parts of the world to ensure that everything that they use has harmoniously grown with the earth. ILA Spa skincare products go beyond organic to provide the best skincare range for face, body and complete well-being. These luxurious skincare products were directly from plants or minerals and are guaranteed cruelty-free.

Developed to care for you and the planet, MŪN organic skin care products use pure and all-natural and ethical ingredients sourced from native plants that are carefully selected by women-owned, responsibly managed local co-operatives. The range also ensures that it strictly abides by the highest standards of fair trade and sustainable development.

A trained pharmacist, Michèle Evrard discovered the healing effects of Centella Asiatica which is also known as ‘the longevity plant’. Cosmetics 27 combines technology with pharmaceutical traditions, using only natural ingredients with plant-based extracts to create an expert range of cruelty-free skin care that effectively heals and restores the skin.

Earth Tu Face follows a soil-to-skin approach to skincare. This natural skin care line makes use of organic and wildcrafted ingredients to offer food-grade, cruelty-free products that are also known for their beautiful packaging. It is one of the most luxurious and organic beauty products that you’d love to include in your beauty routine.

Allies of Skin fuses modern ingredients with plant-based ‘hero’ ingredients, to come up with a blend of unique and powerful formulas that effectively nourish the skin and restore its youthful glow. Furthermore, the brand is able to create the best products without using animals as test subjects.

Did you know? Annually, about 100,000-200,000 animals suffer and die due to cosmetic testings around the world. [SOURCE: HSI.org ]

Handcrafted, thoughtfully sourced, formulated and prepared in the UK. You will find pure, potent and precise products in de Mamiel’s skincare line that offers not just optimum skincare, but also life’s energy, by following the ancient principles of Chinese medicine, combined with modern scientific research.

Using a time-honoured formulation process, Vintner’s Daughter sources the world’s finest natural, organic and wildcrafted ingredients, to come up with a blend of nutrient-rich botanicals and essential oils in one powerful formula–the Active Botanical Serum. It helps restore the skin’s balance, texture and natural glow. Best of all, it is 100% vegan and cruelty-free!

Mahalo was created to represent the fusion of art and nature in a magnificent skincare line. It makes use of natural, local and wild harvested ingredients that give the best experience in skincare–minus synthetics, parabens, fillers, phthalates or dyes. Mahalo products are handcrafted and did not undergo animal testing.

Oskia makes use of high-quality and active ingredients in their products and has been using an honest approach with the consumers. Furthermore, this natural beauty product line takes pride in their stand against animal cruelty. It is 100% guaranteed that they did not commission animal testing on any of their ingredients and products.

Using chemical expertise, Odacite combines all-natural ingredients to come up with healing scents with therapeutic and skin-nourishing oils. It is focused on the science and healing powers of nature to deliver a concoction that is people and animal-friendly. Odacite takes pride in its PETA Certificate of Appreciation and guarantees that none of their products was tested on animals.