The beauty industry is ever-evolving. In the 80s, the focus was on highly effective ingredients, often without considering ethics or environmental impact. The 90s brought a surge in creative marketing, with terms like ‘natural’ and ‘cruelty-free’ being used more loosely. The early 2000s saw the rise of ‘vegan’ ingredients, driven by the influence of social media and organizations like PETA, which heightened awareness about what it truly means to be cruelty-free.
Today, people are more conscious about what they put not only into their bodies but also on their skin. This shift raises an important question: What does it mean for a product to be vegan? And if something is cruelty-free, isn’t it also vegan?
Understanding Vegan vs. Cruelty-Free
According to The Vegan Society, veganism is “a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose.” On the other hand, Merriam-Webster defines cruelty-free as “developed or produced without inhumane testing on animals.”
What’s the Difference?
The difference between vegan and cruelty-free can be subtle yet significant. A cruelty-free product means that the finished product is not tested on animals. However, this does not necessarily mean that the ingredients are cruelty-free. For a product to be truly cruelty-free from inception to production, independent certifications like the Leaping Bunny logo are essential. This certification ensures that the product is 100% cruelty-free.
However, a cruelty-free product may still contain animal by-products like lanolin or honey, which are not vegan. Vegan products exclude all animal-derived ingredients, making them a more ethical choice for those committed to avoiding animal exploitation.
Why Should You Care?
Using animal by-products in beauty products can have ecological impacts and pose risks due to inconsistent quality control. Plant and mineral-based ingredients offer a consistency that animal-based ingredients cannot match. Vegan products, rich in effective vitamins, fatty acids, and nutrients, are especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
At Alexandria Professional®, we are passionate animal lovers. From the start, we committed to never participating in practices that harm animals, and are proud to be Leaping Bunny Certified and Certified Vegan by the Vegan Society!
