When you take a close look at the labels on your makeup products, one phrase you might be seeing more of lately is “cruelty-free.” And if you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes practices of the makeup manufacturers you purchase products from, then cruelty-free is definitely a term you’ll want to learn more about. Let’s dive into the world of cruelty-free products as our experts reveal answers to commonly asked questions like:

• What does cruelty-free mean in cosmetics?

• How can I find cruelty-free cosmetics?

• Does cruelty-free mean vegan?

• What cruelty-free products should I try?

What does cruelty-free mean in cosmetics?

Cruelty-free cosmetics refers to products that have been developed without animal testing. Testing products on animals to determine their safety for human use actually has a long history in the U.S. It started in 1938 as a result of the United States Food, Drug & Cosmetics Act, which required cosmetic companies to prove that their products were safe for consumers to use.

The FDA doesn’t explicitly require animal testing, but testing cosmetics on the skin and in the eyes of animals was one way that manufacturers chose to demonstrate the safety of their products, and the Draize irritancy test became a standard in the industry for decades. Because these tests can be considered cruel for the animal test subjects, animal rights groups have lobbied for alternatives to animal testing over the years.

Today, many companies forgo traditional animal testing and instead rely on alternatives such as computer modeling and in vitro lab tests to make sure that their products are safe for human use. Some countries and states have even banned the sale of cosmetics tested on animals—California was the first in the U.S. back in 2018. And until recently, China required all cosmetics to be tested on animals in order to be sold within its borders.

How can I find cruelty-free cosmetics?

Makeup that is developed without animal testing is typically labeled “cruelty-free” or “not tested on animals” on the packaging. You can also look for The Leaping Bunny Logo, which is an internationally recognized symbol for cruelty-free cosmetics and household products. At LovelySkin, we make it especially easy to shop for cruelty-free products by using the filter tool to mark the checkbox for “cruelty-free” under Preferences on the left-hand side of our category pages. Additionally, The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) also operates Beauty Without Bunnies, a searchable online database of companies that do not test their products on animals that you can browse to find which brands offer cruelty-free cosmetics.

Does cruelty free mean vegan?

No, cruelty-free is not the same as vegan. Vegan products—whether skin care, makeup or vegan hair care—are made without ingredients derived from animals, such as honey, beeswax, lanolin and keratin. Cosmetics can be labeled as both cruelty-free and vegan if they are not tested on animals and they don’t contain any animal products.

8 cruelty-free cosmetics products to try

LovelySkin carries a wide variety of products from brands that are committed to developing cruelty-free cosmetics made without animal testing. Here are some of our favorites to try next time you’re looking to add something new to your makeup bag.

jane iredale Beyond Matte Lip Fixation Lip Stain

This cruelty-free lip stain helps condition skin with vitamin E and dries to a smudge-free matte finish. Colors range from Infatuation (a bright tomato red) to Captivate (a rich, rosy pink). In addition to being cruelty-free, this lip color is also made without animal-derived ingredients, so it is also vegan-friendly.

Want to see it in action? Watch this quick tutorial on how to apply jane iredale Beyond Matte Lip Fixation:

bareMinerals Mineralist Eyeshadow Palette

Looking to add an eyeshadow palette to your makeup stash that’s cruelty-free? This collection by bareMinerals includes a dozen versatile shades of crease-free, mineral-based eyeshadows ranging from a barely-there pink for highlighting to a deep jet black to create a dramatic smoky eye. As an eco-friendly bonus, the package is recyclable too!

RMS Beauty Pressed Blush

This cruelty-free pressed powder blush features the long-lasting power of a cream with the softness of a powder blush. You can choose from colors such as Moon Cry, a deep plum with a touch of gold shimmer, or Lost Angel, a warm coral.

Laura Geller Baked Bronze-n-Brighten

This unique marbleized bronzer adds a touch of radiance to an array of skin tones. This formula comes paraben-free and contains vitamin E, which provides antioxidant benefits to help guard against free radical damage. Because all Laura Gellar cosmetics are cruelty-free, you can rest assured this bronzer was not tested on animals.

Dermablend Flawless Creator Multi-Use Liquid Pigments

If you’re on the hunt for a cruelty-free foundation, look no further than Dermablend. This unique liquid foundation features a dropper applicator that makes it easy for you to customize your coverage: one drop for minimal coverage and up to four drops for full, maximum coverage. In addition to being cruelty-free, this formula is also vegan!

This weightless foundation is perfect for an everyday no-makeup look. You can see how to apply Dermablend Flawless Creator in our no makeup tutorial.

Colorescience Even Up Clinical Pigment Perfector SPF 50

This cruelty-free makeup primer helps camouflage discoloration to create a smooth canvas for flawless makeup application. It features a universal tint to flatter a variety of skin tones and helps skin appear brighter with LUMIRA, Colorescience’s own skin brightening complex. Thanks to a blend of mineral sunscreens (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide), it also provides SPF 50 to help protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Glo Skin Beauty Lash Lengthening Mascara

All products made by Glo Skin Beauty are both cruelty-free as well as vegan, including this lengthening mascara with its rich, dark pigment that provides a naturally defined look. A flexible silicone brush with tapered ends helps reach even the smallest lashes in the inner and outer corners of your eyes.

The Organic Pharmacy Liquid Precision Eyeliner

If you’re craving that retro cat eye look, this cruelty-free liquid eyeliner is up to the task. This long-lasting formula dries to a matte finish and the professional-quality applicator brush makes precise application a breeze. The packaging is also made with tree-free paper and recyclable materials, making it an eco-friendly choice as well as a cruelty-free one.

Are you curious about clean beauty? We break down its meaning to answer the trending question, “Is clean beauty really better?" You can learn this and more all at the LovelySkin Blog.