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    Breaking News: The EU is Allowing Animal Testing in 2021

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    Is animal testing allowed in the EU in 2021?

    I’ve got some bad news guys. We already knew the EU animal testing ban wasn’t a complete ban. Many cosmetic ingredients have been tested at the chemical level under REACH laws, overriding animal testing laws. It has recently been brought to my attention that the situation is a lot worse than we originally thought. So basically, many cruelty free beauty brands (in the EU, US, and beyond) are not actually cruelty free, and the brands may not even know it.

    I’ve been discussing this with Jean of Bunny Army. She is on the front lines investigating animal testing laws. She is the lead author of the peer-reviewed paper explaining the animal testing that has been hidden from us. This is her summary of what is going on:

    Animal testing in the EU – 2021

    What’s happening?  Cosmetic ingredients in the EU are being tested on animals under the EU chemicals law, called REACH, even though a different law, the Cosmetic Regulation, bans animal testing of cosmetic ingredients. 

    Why is it happening? The Cosmetic Regulation has loopholes. The EU agency that enforces REACH says these loopholes require animal testing of cosmetic ingredients for ecotoxicity and for worker safety. The agency maintains that the Cosmetic Regulation ban applies only to tests for consumer safety.

    Why am I just hearing about this now? The testing is buried in the REACH chemical files. Official EU reports on animal testing list the tests only as “industrial chemicals legislation” tests. There has been no public reporting of these as tests on cosmetic ingredients. An analysis of REACH dossiers, just published*, revealed the extent of the REACH testing on cosmetic ingredients.

    How bad is it? A survey of products at two EU retailers, one high-end and one mass-market, found over 400 cosmetics that likely had ingredients tested on animals. The products included hair care, skin care, and makeup products. The brands probably do not know about the tests, because there is no current process in the EU to tell them.

    Can this be fixed? Yes. It must be fixed by the European Commission/Parliament, by amending REACH and the Cosmetic Regulation to ban animal testing of cosmetic ingredients for any purpose.

    A coalition of EU animal welfare groups will be launching a large campaign very soon. You can also write your cruelty-free brands to show your support for them and ask them to share any updates on social media so that we can all keep informed.

    You can visit Bunny Army for more info on this issue.

    *Continuing animal tests of cosmetic ingredients under REACH.

    Leaping Bunny Statement

    Here is Leaping Bunny’s public statement on the issue:

    “We appreciate the research and analysis that went into this report and we fully support demands in the EU, from both industry and animal protection groups, for upholding the testing ban on cosmetics. The requirements for animal testing on cosmetic ingredients under REACH are clearly counter to the intent of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, and they represent a serious betrayal of consumers and citizens.  Consumers in the US and Canada can be confident that Leaping Bunny certified companies are very much dedicated to making products free of animal testing. They submit to a careful and thorough vetting process to ensure compliance with our Standard, and we will continue to work with certified companies in the US and Canada to help them remain cruelty-free in this challenging environment.”

    My thoughts about moving forward

    Instead of going after individual companies, we really need to ban together as a community and get the lawmakers to change the laws that are mandating animal tests. Many brands have NO IDEA that the ingredients they are purchasing are being tested on animals.

    The ingredients are part of the global supply chain, so this is not just an EU issue. Many large brands are sold globally, and many brands from the US and other non-EU countries are purchasing ingredients from EU companies. For example, there are a small number of fragrance and flavoring companies that almost every cosmetic company (and food company!) purchases essential oils and aroma chemicals from (Symrise, Firmenich, Givaudin, etc). These companies WANT to remain cruelty free but are at the mercy of the lawmakers.

    I think it’s important to note that we don’t need to create hate for any particular country (China, EU, etc) or its citizens. We just need to change the laws. Side note: You can read more about Chinese animal testing laws here. The article explains why post-market animal testing in China is no longer a major concern – only pre-market testing.

    And (you might ask), how do we maintain that chemicals are SAFE for ourselves and our environment? There are alternatives to most animal tests. Animal tests are often cheaper (less training, tech, and manpower needed), but they are not ethical.

    As mentioned above, a coalition of EU animal welfare groups will be launching a large campaign very soon. As soon as this happens, I will let you know, so please stay tuned. And (nicely) let your favorite cruelty free brands know about this, and ask them to keep us informed.

    You can also share this image on social media with a link to this page to spread the word: More

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      in Beauty

      Cruelty Free Holiday Gift Guide 2020

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      Some products in this cruelty-free holiday gift guide for 2020 were gifted and some were purchased by me!
      If you’re looking for cruelty-free beauty ideas for the holidays this year, I have got you covered! I put together my gift idea list with a focus on affordability and quality. Nothing is over $100 and most items are under $50. Whether you’re looking for skincare, makeup, bath & body, or hair products, I’ve got some ideas for you!
      Please note that some of these prices may change after Black Friday/Cyber Monday – click the links to see current pricing. I’ll also be adding to this gift guide as I receive more amazing cruelty-free holiday sets this season! They are still coming in but I wanted to get this guide out so you can start shopping. 🙂
      Cruelty Free Skincare Gift Sets
      BioClarity Bye Bye Blemish Bundle ($88.95 at BioClarity)

      The BioClarity Bye Bye Blemish bundle is an amazing deal for any skincare lover in your life, but especially those (like me) who deal with acne (or maskne if they are complaining about that unwanted side effect of wearing a mask)! For $88.95, you get a cleanser, body wash, serum, clay mask, acne treatment gel, and silicone cleansing brush (with 5 speeds for a deep clean). And of course, you get the green gel, BioClarity’s signature product made with Floralux, a blend made from chlorophyll, copper, and antioxidants, which helps to soothe skin, reduce the appearance of redness, and battle breakouts. This is a $148 value! All of BioClarity’s products are vegan, cruelty-free and nontoxic. Use my code BUNNY15 for 15% off!

      Bulldog Expert Skincare Set (21.87 at Amazon)
      This one is for the guys! The Bulldog Expert Skincare Set comes with shave gel, face wash, face scrub, and moisturizer. My husband loves this cruelty-free men’s skincare brand! Gregg doesn’t know it yet, but this set is going to be under the tree for him this year. Shhhh! There’s no reason women can’t use these products as well, so you can also stock up for the whole family and save! The products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of artificial colors and fragrances.

      First Aid Beauty Skin Superstars ($49 at Ulta)
      If you’re buying a gift for someone who lives in a cold or dry climate, or deals with sensitive or dry skin, the First Aid Beauty Skin Superstars set is going to be very warmly welcomed! The kit comes with First Aid Beauty’s bestsellers: Pure Skin Face Cleanser, Facial Radiance Pads, Ultra Repair Cream (my favorite – it’s a great cruelty-free dupe for Kiehl’s hand cream but can also be used for the face), Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer, and Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask. If you’re wondering about First Aid Beauty’s cruelty-free status, check this article.
      Drunk Elephant Firmy The Day Kit ($88 at Sephora)

      Who doesn’t love Drunk Elephant? They are a very popular cruelty-free skincare brand – just check Instagram and you’ll see all the love they get! The Drunk Elephant Firmy The Day Kit is great for all skin types. It comes with a full-sized C-Firma Day Serum and deluxe travel sizes of the D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, B Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum, Protini Polypeptide Cream, Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30. You also get a hot pink compact mirror. The kit has a $127 value and the C-Firma alone is normally $80, so this is a great deal.
      Cruelty Free Makeup Gift Ideas
      NYX Diamonds & Ice, Please! 16 Pan Mega Shadow Palette (currently $12 at Ulta)

      NYX is probably my favorite drugstore makeup brand. High quality for a great price. Their new NYX Diamonds & Ice, Please! 16 Pan Mega Shadow Palette is sure to please any makeup fanatic on your list. The limited-edition holiday palette has 16 shades including mattes, shimmers, and glitters. These eyeshadows are highly pigmented and very blendable. The palette is cruelty-free and vegan. The regular price is $20 but it’s currently $12 at Ulta.
      NYX Shout Loud FX Lipstick ($9 at Ulta)

      Since we’re talking about the NYX Diamonds & Ice Please collection, you need to see these lipsticks! The Shout Loud FX Lipsticks ($9 at Ulta) are creamy and highly pigmented. The shimmer is actually an overspray, so they aren’t glittery, but they look beautiful and are fun to photograph! I’m always a sucker for cool-toned mauves, so I bought Royal Clapback directly from the NYX website (because that shade is currently not on the Ulta site) and I am in love!
      Milani Gilded Eyeshadow Palette ($14.99 at Target)

      I love this neutral palette so much, I bought it online, and then forgot and ALMOST bought it again when I saw it in-person at Target! The Milani Gilded Eyeshadow Palette is on the warmer side, but some of the shades are in the peachy-pink range, instead of only in the orange and brick range, which is what I’m seeing a lot lately. There are 15 shades including 10 mattes (I love when palettes include lots of mattes!), 4 soft metallics and 1 shimmer. This is a very wearable cruelty-free eyeshadow palette and the price is right.
      Too Faced Holiday Gift Sets ($36 – 49 at Too Faced, Ulta and Sephora)

      Too Faced always comes out with the cutest gift sets around holiday time! There are several to choose from – with eyeshadow palettes, blush/highlighter, and mascara. The Enchanted Wonderland set ($49) is especially cool because you can gift the whole set, or take them apart (there are three palettes) and gift each one individually!
      Physicians Formula Rose All Play palette ($21.49 at Target)

      This Physicians Formula mauve, rose and wine-colored eyeshadow palette comes with 12 shades that are packed with hydrating and antioxidant-rich ingredients like goji berry, rose extract, and kakadu plum. You can find Rose All Play at Target for $21.49. If you’re wondering about Physicians Formula’s cruelty free status, check here!
      Arches & Halos Ultimate Brow Hero Kit ($49.99 at Target)

      I had been hearing a lot of good things about this brand, so I was excited to try the Arches & Halos Ultimate Brow Hero Kit. This vegan, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free kit has every brow product you could possibly want! It comes with an Angled Brow Shading Pencil, Micro Defining Brow Pencil, Duo Luxury Brow Powder, Water Resistant Microfiber Brow Mousse, Natural Hold Gel, Dual Ended Blending Brush, and Surgical Stainless Steel Eyebrow Tweezers. It comes in Light, Medium, and Dark.
      Jouer Paris Lights Holiday Collection

      Jouer has a lot of beautiful cruelty-free holiday gift options this year. These are quality makeup goodies and all under thirty bucks! Check out the Best of Nudes Mini Lip Set ($28 at Sephora), Paris Lights Powder Highlighter & Lip Oil Set ($25 at Beautylish), and Best of Metallics Part Deux Deluxe Lip Crème Set ($28 at Jouer). If you want to see how the metallic lippies look on, my friend and fellow cruelty-free blogger, Phyrra, has a great try-on review.
      The Balm Schwing Trio Liquid Eyeliner Set ($14.50 at The Balm)

      Everything from The Balm is cute and SO giftable! The limited-edition holiday Schwing Trio liquid eyeliner set has two new colors – Sapphire Blue and 14K Gold. They are both so pretty and perfect for holiday makeup looks – even if they are just for Zoom parties! The formula is long-wearing and flake-proof.
      Cruelty Free Bath and Body Gift Sets
      Lip Smacker Best Flavor Forever Lip Balm Vault ($10 at Target)

      The Lip Smacker Best Flavor Forever Lip Balm Vault is a fun, inexpensive holiday gift for kids or adults. Who doesn’t love fun flavored lip balms like Cozy Marshmallows or Gingerbread Girl? Lip Smacker is a cruelty free brand, meaning they do not test on animals, use ingredients tested on animals or sell in places where animal testing is required. The lip balms do contain lanolin, which is a great lip hydrator, but not vegan. If you want a great flavored vegan lip balm, I suggest Hurraw, Crazy Rumors or Eco Lips.
      Burt’s Bees Fall Lip Balm Set ($13.49 at Target)

      For the more upscale lip balm connoisseur, check out the Burt’s Bees Fall Lip Balm Set, a limited edition 4-pack with yummy holiday flavors: Chai, Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla Maple and Pomegranate. Burt’s Bees is a cruelty free brand, meaning they do not test on animals, use ingredients tested on animals or sell in places where animal testing is required. The lip balms do contain beeswax, so the products are not vegan. If you want a great flavored vegan lip balm, I suggest Hurraw, Crazy Rumors or Eco Lips.
      Six Feet Away Hand Sanitizer Holder ($9.99)

      This one is so 2020! The Six Feet Away hand sanitizer keychains are handy vegan leather holsters for one of your best weapons against COVID 19 – hand sanitizer! The bottles are leak-proof and you can fill them with your own sanitizer. They come in 12 different colors with rose gold or gold accents to match your bag.
      eos Holiday Shea Better Hand Cream Gift Set ($7.99 at Target)

      I was excited to see that eos was recently added to the Leaping Bunny cruelty-free beauty list! I bought the eos Holiday Shea Better Hand Cream Gift Set from Target to try it out. The set comes with shea butter-based hand creams that are not at all greasy. They absorb really well into the skin. The set comes with Coconut, Pomegranate Raspberry and Vanilla Cashmere. They are highly-scented so may not be for those with sensitive noses or prone to migraines.
      Verabella Papaya Body Polish ($28.50 at Verabella)

      This is one of my favorite non-oily body scrubs. Verabella Papaya Body Polish is a super-luxe scrub from the celebrity-favorite spa in Beverly Hills. It leaves your skin feeling moisturized but never greasy. It makes a great hand scrub too (especially if you’re getting winter “lizard hands” like my husband!). The nontoxic sea salt body polish is made with papayas (naturally full of exfoliating enzymes) and other natural superfoods like green tea, pomegranate, shea butter, licorice, acai, mangosteen, and goji berry. Normally $38, they are having a sale so it’s currently $28.50!
      Raw Sugar Peace Love Glow Green Tea Cucumber and Aloe Vera Gift Set ($11.89 at Target)

      I love Raw Sugar! We buy their watermelon and lemon sugar hand soaps and body washes. I bought the Raw Sugar Peace Love Glow Green Tea Cucumber and Aloe Vera Gift Set at Target. The formulas are great, and these deluxe travel sizes are a good way to try out new scents. Unfortunately, the green tea + cucumber scent wasn’t my jam, but I will be regifting these to my family. Wink wink!
      Pinrose Playdate perfume gift set ($25 at Pinrose)

      It seems to me that most of the department store fragrances are NOT cruelty-free. So I’m excited when I find a brand like Pinrose. The Pinrose Playdate perfume gift set comes with 8 parfum sprays so your loved one will find something they love here! It comes with:
      Wild Child – Tiare Flower • Jasmine • Vanilla
      Mystical Misfit – Red Currant • Pink Rose • Patchouli
      Merry Maker – Nectarine • Violet • Tonka Bean
      Gilded Fox – Cocoa Spice • Buttered Rum • Amber
      Sun Saint – Lime • Sea Salt • Coconut Wood
      Pillowtalk Poet – Powder • Ambergris • Musk
      Lil’ Dipper – Lemon Peel • Peony • Sandalwood
      Secret Genius – Caramel • Madagascan Vanilla • Sandalwood
      Not sure which scent you’d like the best? You can also take the online scent quiz and get a petal starter set for $25. To save some more cash, use my code BEAUTYBUNNY for 20% off any starter set!
      Cruelty Free Nail Gift Sets
      Nailtopia Blue-tiful Daze Holiday Kit ($14.99 at Ulta)

      If you have someone in your life who is both eco-friendly and a sucker for blue nail polish, they will love this Nailtopia Blue-tiful Daze Holiday Kit. Nailtopia’s Blue-tiful Daze Holiday Kit includes a crème lacquer, a shimmer lacquer, and the first-ever biodegradable, bio-sourced glitter lacquer, which is derived from cotton. Nailtopia’s biodegradable glitter particles dissipate naturally back into nature to reduce waste, whereas most nail lacquer glitters contain tiny bits of plastic that never fully break down. These polishes are Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, vegan, and nontoxic! The bag and bottle caps are made from 100% recycled materials and the bottle caps are recyclable. Not into blue? Check out their Roses Are Red holiday set.
      Defy & Inspire Duo Nail Polish Set 2 Makes 3 ($8.29 at Target)

      Defy & Inspire is another Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand. The Defy & Inspire Duo Nail Polish 2 Makes 3 Set comes with two shades (Everything’s Grape and Pretty in Pink) that you can wear independently or combine to make a third shade! The polishes are 9-free. The set is only $8.29 at Target and would make a great stocking stuffer.
      Orly Nail Lacquer – Metropolis Holiday 2020 Collection ($49.99 or $9.99 each at Amazon)

      So many gorgeous shades in the Orly Nail Lacquer – Metropolis Holiday 2020 Collection! In the pic above I’m wearing Opulent Obsession, a dark creamy wine topped off with Untouchable Decadence (gold glitter). Orly is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free and vegan. The Metropolis set is $49.99 or you can get them for $9.99 each at Amazon. Currently, there is a $6.65 each Black Friday deal going on at Orly!
      Cruelty Free Hair Gift Ideas
      Maria Nila Holiday Gift Boxes ($56)

      Maria Nila has some really cute Zodiac-inspired holiday gift boxes. I don’t have one to show you, but I can say I’ve tried a lot of their products and they are really great. They are vegan and cruelty-free, and the packaging is so chic. They smell great, but if you’re sensitive to fragrance, they may not be for you.
      Number 4 Holiday Gift Sets ($25 – $49 at No. 4)

      Cruelty-free hair brand, Number 4, has several holiday gift sets this year. The Sleigh the Season gift set ($40) comes with Mini Mighty Hair Spray, Sugar Texturizing Spray and Smoothing Balm. All products are made with high-quality essential oils and botanical extracts. They are cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free.
      Drybar Mix & Mingle Holiday Gift Set ($159.20)

      For those on your list who have been REALLY good this year, the Drybar Mix & Mingle gift set is an exciting one to get under the tree! It comes with the Mixologist interchangeable Styling Iron, Lil Lemon Drop Detangler Brush, a full-sized Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray, 2 Hold Me Hair Clips and 3 deluxe travel-sized products (Detox Dry Shampoo, Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist and Money Maker Flexible Hold Hairspray). The $287-value set is currently $199 at Sephora or you can get it for $159.20 on sale on the Drybar site!
      R+Co Holiday Hair Gift Sets ($48-76 at R+Co)

      R+Co has some seriously amazing cruelty-free and vegan hair products! There are a few gift sets with either minis or a mix of full-size and minis. The packaging is fun, the formulas smell great, and they perform well. Cooler weather means flatter hair for many of us, so check out the Wild Horses Thickening Minis Kit ($48) for thicker, fuller hair. The fragrance is what R+Co calls “Dark Waves”, described as a warm romantic scent made with cardamom, pineapple, tangerine, lavender, bamboo, and blonde woods. Note: pictured above are large sizes – not minis.
      R+Co Bleu ($52 and up)

      R+Co has a new prestige, couture hair line called R+Co Bleu. If you’re shopping for someone who has high-end taste and loves to try the newest, most exclusive brands, this is a great option. Like R+Co, Bleu is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free. The focus is on editorial, “uptown” hair. They use sustainable post-consumer recycled and recyclable packaging. The scent is similar to R+Co’s signature scent, but with a slightly different vibe. They are calling it “light waves.”
      NEUMA Hair Gift Sets ($67 at NEUMA salons)

      I’m a huge fan of NEUMA because they are cruelty-free, vegan and they don’t use artificial fragrance. I actually don’t mind fragrance every now and then, but I like to have something without it to come back to, so I don’t overdo it. My fine, wavy hair really loves the reNeu line (in the green bottles). They are sold out of these sets, but you can use their salon finder to find a NEUMA salon near you. Some of the salons will even drop off or ship to your house. You can also find a limited selection at Ulta.
      Paul Mitchell Holiday Gift Sets ($22 and up at Amazon and Paul Mitchell)

      I love Paul Mitchell gift sets because they always include FULL-SIZE items at a great price! This year there are several gift box sets to choose from. Pictured above: You’re a Class Act (shampoo, conditioner, and sculpting spray), Hello Hot Stuff (thermal protection and strong hairspray), You’re the Coolest (platinum blonde shampoo and conditioner), You Lift Me Up (Extra Body Sculpting Foam and Finishing Spray), and You’re Good People (clean beauty shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in treatment).
      The Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty line has no sulfates, parabens, gluten, or silicones. It’s cruelty-free and vegan. The formulas include sustainably sourced argan oil and aloe vera, and the bio-based packaging is made from 90% sugar cane!
      I’ll be adding to this list as I find new cruelty-free gifts for 2020 that I think you guys will love! More

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      in Beauty

      My Interview with Leaping Bunny

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      All the questions you wanted to ask about the Leaping Bunny program!
      Leaping Bunny is known as the gold standard of cruelty free beauty lists. They certify cruelty free brands, and they’re the ones behind the jumping bunny logo you have probably seen on your favorite beauty and cleaning brands. You can see a full list of Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free brands here.

      Recently I interviewed a senior VP from PETA to learn more about their methods. I wanted to compare and contrast a bit and learn more about how Leaping Bunny differs from PETA, so I interviewed Kim Paschen, the Program Manager for Leaping Bunny to find out more about how they certify brands, and what their stance is on China and post-market testing.
      In my interview, I included the questions you guys wanted me to ask, as well as some questions of my own. Whether you’re a cruelty free consumer or a brand who is wondering how to get certified with Leaping Bunny, this should help.
      Kim Paschen works for the American Anti Vivisection Society. As part of the CCIC, they have been chair of the Leaping Bunny program since 2007, and they oversee its administration. Kim is the Program Manager for Leaping Bunny.
      I conducted a phone interview with Kim (who I have known for years!) and these are my notes from that call (not her words verbatim).

      Kim Paschen, Program Manager, Leaping Bunny
      Which organizations make up Leaping Bunny? 
      By 1996, cruelty-free shopping had become popular, but it was also confusing, sometimes misleading, and ultimately frustrating. Companies had begun designing their own bunny logos, using their own definition of ‘cruelty-free’ or ‘animal friendly’ without the participation of animal protection groups.
      In response, eight national animal protection groups banded together to form the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC). The CCIC promotes a cruelty-free standard and an internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo. They work with companies to help make shopping for animal-friendly products easier and more trustworthy.
      What does a brand have to do to become Leaping Bunny certified?
      When a brand contacts Leaping Bunny, they ask some preliminary questions. They create an account via their website and ask them to apply. The company fills out the Application for Approval which asks them in-depth questions about their operations.
      Brands need to have a “fixed cut-off date” after which time they agree to have no ingredients or finished products that have been tested on animals. Pretty much all ingredients have been tested at some point (even water), so the fixed cut-off date ensures there will be no testing in the future.
      You’d think because many ingredients have been tested, there would be no need for animal testing today. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of cosmetic testing on animals being done around the world today.
      The company that is applying for Leaping Bunny certification is the one to complete the application. They also must get signed declarations from each supplier after the company’s fixed cut-off date. Or, they can submit amended purchase orders which contains language requiring that the supplier will not test on animals.
      If a company has distributors that sell in countries outside of the US, the brand must also include language in their contracts that says they cannot sell to any countries that require animal testing.
      I have read their application but they asked me not to make it public. I can tell you it’s VERY thorough. You can learn more about the application process here. You can read about their Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals here.
      An important note – if a brand is using a third-party manufacturer, only the manufacturer has to submit a declaration (not the ingredient suppliers themselves), though the manufacturer is required to implement its own cruelty-free Supplier Monitoring System independently. Leaping Bunny would ask the manufacturer to sign a declaration saying they are only working with cruelty free ingredient suppliers. Most of the time manufacturers will not reveal who their ingredient suppliers are – they consider that proprietary information.
      Is the Leaping Bunny logo recognized in countries outside of the US? Are the standards for approval different outside of the US?
      The North American brand of Leaping Bunny covers US and Canada. Their partner is Cruelty Free International (CFI), based in the UK. CFI certifies all other countries. Leaping Bunny and CFI share the same cruelty free brand list, so if CFI certifies a brand, they can add them to their list and vice versa.
      Do brands pay to join the Leaping Bunny program or to license the logo? If so, how does that work? 
      Leaping Bunny certification in North America is free. Companies do not have to pay to be listed as cruelty free. The only cost associated is for brands to license the logo for packaging and/or website. 
      But, Leaping Bunny certification outside of North America (via Cruelty Free International) DOES have an annual listing/administrative charge.

      Does the EU’s animal testing (because of REACH laws) have any effect on the Leaping Bunny list?
      The particularities are slightly different in regard to CFI’s process in the UK and EU vs Leaping Bunny’s process in North America. Safety rules (such as the EU’s REACH laws) can mean that some EU ingredient suppliers are being forced to test on animals. Leaping Bunny doesn’t allow REACH tests for North America but CFI does have some exceptions. More and more chemicals used in cosmetics are being tested under REACH, and there is currently no way to avoid it.
      Their shared goal is to do as much research as possible and find alternatives to chemicals tested under REACH. So if an ingredient supplier (who makes raw materials) has never tested on animals, but REACH required one test, that could be an exception for CFI. This is not common and doesn’t happen often.
      Important food for thought: As I often say, the world of cruelty free beauty is never black and white. If an ingredient supplier in the EU is forced to test on animals, a cruelty free brand and their manufacturer might not even know about it! That brand might even be a US brand (the supply chain is becoming more and more global). Another caveat is that one ingredient supplier may be asked to test a chemical on animals, and other suppliers may use that safety data going forward. They didn’t conduct the test but they used the data…so are they innocent? You can read more about how murky the definition of cruelty free can get here.
      Is there a specific number of years required for a fixed cut-off date for animal testing by ingredient suppliers? What about for brands (i.e. if a non-cruelty free brand stopped testing TODAY, how long would you want them to wait before applying)? 
      There is no specific timeline, but a fixed cut off date for animal testing is required. There is no waiting period, so if a brand said their fixed cut off date was today, they could potentially be Leaping Bunny certified tomorrow. But Kim said that doesn’t happen often.
      How is the Leaping Bunny cruelty free brand list different from the PETA brand list?
      They require companies to recommit annually. They check with each brand and if info is not up to date then the brands can’t stay on the list. They also do in-person audits to 20 random companies each year using a third-party auditor (more on this below).
      Do you note if a brand is vegan? Is there any specific requirements to be listed as vegan?
      No, they do not mention if a brand is 100% vegan or not, and it is not required for Leaping Bunny certification.

      Do you note if the parent company is cruelty free or not?
      Yes, when you view the list of Leaping Bunny certified brands, you will see a symbol to note if a parent company is not cruelty free.
      Are companies required to recommit each year? 
      Once a year, brands have to go through the recommitment process. The Leaping Bunny team re-checks their status and looks for things like being acquired by another company, selling in China, changing or adding ingredient suppliers or manufacturers, etc. If anything changes, new declarations are required.
      How often do you audit brands? What does an audit entail?
      They do in-person audits to 20 random companies each year using a third-party auditor (who is an independent consultant). They make sure purchase orders and records correspond to manufacturers and suppliers that they have declarations for. The auditor meets with the brand to discuss China, parent companies, supply chains, etc – making sure what is in the system is correct and hasn’t changed.
      How do you assure that brands are not conducting pre-market and post-market testing when entering China?
      Currently, the North American arm of Leaping Bunny does not allow companies to sell in mainland China (except via cross border e-commerce – which is not regulated by the Chinese government – no registration or tests are required). It’s important to note that pre-market animal testing requirements for imported goods in China continues to be a big problem. But, we discussed and agreed that post-market testing on animals just isn’t happening. Kim also agreed that in the event of a complaint, a recall is more likely than animal testing.
      However, all that being said, CFI (the UK arm that approves Leaping Bunny applications for the UK and EU) started a Leaping Bunny pilot program for EU brands to sell in China. It includes a small handful of brands such as Bulldog Skincare, 7th Heaven, Brighter Beauty and Neal’s Yard Remedies. The companies in that program are able to bottle and/or manufacture their finished products in China and are selling non-special-use cosmetics (using the same standards as PETA).

      My final thoughts
      I think most people will agree that Leaping Bunny is truly the gold standard, and the best cruelty free list out there. They go the extra mile to make sure brands are cruelty free, and they re-check every year.
      But, there is no way for the Leaping Bunny list or ANY cruelty free list (including mine) to be 100% airtight. It’s just not possible. Ultimately, we all have to take what the brand representatives say at their word. Whoever is filling out the questionnaires could be ignorant or even lying. Just as an example, I’ve had so many brands tell me they are Leaping Bunny certified, and when I go to the site to check, they aren’t listed. I’ve talked to a lot of people in the beauty industry and it seems that everyone wants to believe their brand is cruelty free (even if it’s not).
      At some point though, you just have to rely on the brands being honest and truthful (and knowing what their ingredient suppliers are doing), and there have to be repercussions for the ones who are caught lying.
      Exceptions also have to be made for government laws because at this time, there is really no way around it. That is why I have changed my views on post-market testing in China. I have learned that they are not so different from Western laws (including REACH laws in the EU). You can read more about that here.
      We just need to keep being LOUD and telling brands that we want them to pledge to go cruelty free! I can tell you that a lot has changed since I started this cruelty free blog in 2009. There is a lot more interest in cruelty free cosmetics from consumers and that has made brands take notice. More

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      Is PETA’s Cruelty Free List Legit?

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      There has been a lot of discussion in the cruelty-free community about whether or not PETA’s cruelty-free brand list can be trusted. I don’t always agree with tactics and stances PETA has taken on other issues but setting that aside, I wanted to learn more about their cruelty-free cosmetics brand list.
      After researching post-market testing in-depth with several sources, I have come to realize that China’s post-market testing is no longer a major risk. In fact, post-market testing on cosmetics can happen here in the US (and in the EU). Much more on that here. It seems a lot of the cruelty-free community’s mistrust of PETA has to do with post-market testing. So that barrier being taken out of the way made me take a second look at PETA’s cruelty-free brand list.
      You can read my thoughts at the end of this article. As always, I try to be unbiased, flexible in my thinking, and fact-based in making determinations.
      Notes from my interview with PETA Senior VP, Kathy Guillermo
      Kathy Guillermo is Senior Vice President of PETA’s Laboratory Investigations Department. A 31-year veteran of PETA, Kathy leads the organization’s work to end the use of animals in experiments. Her many victories include shutting down the construction of a massive monkey-breeding facility in Puerto Rico and exposing the abuse of animals at a North Carolina product-testing laboratory, Professional Laboratory and Research Services, Inc., which led to the closure of the facility and the adoption of hundreds of dogs and cats into good homes. She is the author of the 1993 book, Monkey Business: The Disturbing Case That Launched the Animal Rights Movement.

      What are the requirements for a brand to be approved as cruelty-free (and to be added to PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies list)?
      They ask that the brands do not in any way conduct, commission, or allow tests at any point in development, and suppliers must do the same. Companies sign legally-binding statements attesting to this. Suppliers change and they come and go. Larger brands may have 10,000+ suppliers. PETA does not require documents from the suppliers themselves, but they require that the brands have language in place with every supplier that mandates the no animal testing policy. They require the brands to give them their language before they are approved. Most of them put this in their contracts with their suppliers. 
      Ingredients can sometimes be required to be tested (by ingredient suppliers) in the EU for other purposes – such as their inclusion in a chemical (non-cosmetic) product (this is not supposed to happen under EU regulations, but it has – see sources below). This could be an environmental purpose or a worker safety issue investigated under REACH loopholes. One example (that is luckily not happening often), is that when an ingredient reaches a certain tonnage, it has to be tested (under REACH).
      PETA would disqualify a brand if it was buying from a supplier that has tested due to these laws. PETA has challenged these laws and does not believe they are valid under the European animal testing ban.
      Sources for all of this info here. There is more info here (but please be warned – there are graphic images on the next two links): animal tests still happening in the EU and action you can take to help.
      Do brands pay to join the program? If so, how does that work? 
      There is no charge to be listed. There is a one-time $350 fee if brands want to license the logo. This helps to pay for PETA’s administrative and legal fees.
      How is the program different from Leaping Bunny’s program?
      According to Kathy, PETA was initially part of Leaping Bunny/CCIC when it was being established 25 years ago. Their designers actually designed the Leaping Bunny logo. The discussions broke down about what the requirements should be. Specifically, how long ago an ingredient could have been tested on animals in order to approve a brand. PETA believed 5 years was too long because it was making it impossible for some brands to get approved. [Editor’s note: currently Leaping Bunny requires a fixed cut-off date for testing but there is no limit on what that time is – it could be 1 day or 5 years.] They wanted to encourage brands to stop testing and join the program. Today, PETA makes sure not to allow brands to do all their testing and then try to get certified. They investigate and work with brands who have evolved, and have ended animal testing. Companies are always innovating and going into new markets so it’s the commitment to being cruelty-free going forward that is important to them. 
      Are companies required to recommit each year? Are they audited at all after they sign up? 
      Not every year. Every couple of years they check in to make sure policies are the same and have them sign a new agreement. It depends on the company – if they are in constant contact, they may not have to. All companies are required to sign a legally binding agreement. But, they have caught companies lying and have removed them. There are a lot of whistleblowers that help with this. PETA has exposed companies who have paid for tests in China without telling anyone. 
      How do you assure that brands are not conducting pre-market and post-market testing when entering China? 
      PETA started the first investigations into brands that were conducting animal tests in China. They work closely with IIVS (Institute for In Vitro Sciences). The scientists at IIVS help to train Chinese scientists on using non-animal testing methods. PETA has very few companies on the list who are currently in China (see below).  As we all know, there are certain parameters to allow for no animal tests – products have to be manufactured (or final product assembled)  in China and there can be no “special-use products”. When working with large companies like Unilever and P&G, they know that the brands are very well versed in the laws of China.
      PETA-Certified Cruelty Free Brands Selling in China:
      Eco & more
      Lisa Rabbit
      Dove (Unilever)
      Herbal Essences (P&G)  
      Wet n Wild 
      Physicians Formula
      First Aid Beauty
      Editor’s note: the Chinese have just released the new CSAR (Administrative Measures for Filing of Non-special Use Cosmetics) and my colleagues and I are still trying to determine what they will mean for PRE-market testing in China going forward. Some have said that pre-market testing is coming to an end, but that is not clear to me yet. We are currently trying to interpret new guidelines from the NMPA. Here is PETA’s statement on this.
      Another important note – Kathy says that brands would be given the opportunity to remove their products from China if post-market animal tests were required. I asked Harald Schlatter (Director Scientific Communications & Animal Welfare Advocacy at P&G) about this, and he said, “We have been told by Chinese authorities that no products of other P&G beauty brands have been tested on animals over the past couple of years. While there is no 100% guarantee, they told us that in case of a health-related consumer complaint, they would reach out to us to provide further safety perspective.  If they then believe more is necessary, they would consider follow up testing, but usually patch testing with human volunteers, not animal testing.“
      But the fact is, officials are not requiring post-market animal tests anyway (see my previous article on post-market testing in China). Kathy says post-market testing has been mainly to ensure products are not counterfeit. In that case they wouldn’t need to do animal tests – they would just analyze the product. There is the potential for complaints about safety, but products that have been on the US or EU markets for years would not be likely to have issues. And if they did, the brand would be able to decide what types of additional tests would be done, or would have the option to pull their products from the Chinese market.
      Do you have any assurances from officials in China that testing can be avoided? 
      IIVS has relationships with officials in China. But this is not really necessary (see above). In 2014 China allowed pre-market testing to be avoided under the parameters mentioned above. PETA has an Asian division. (a PETA affiliate called PETA Asia). PETA checks the Chinese database to make sure no pre-market tests were done before they approve new companies. They also look at when a product was first registered for sale in China and what types of products they offer (no “special use products” allowed).
      Do you note if the parent co is cruelty-free on your list? I see for example that Too Faced says Estee Lauder but it isn’t noted that Estee Lauder is not cruelty-free. 
      Kathy thanked me for the suggestion and is going to look at this and possibly make updates to the list.
      Do you note if the brand is vegan?
      Yes, they note if a brand has signed their paperwork guaranteeing all of their products are 100% vegan. Going forward, brands won’t be called “cruelty-free” unless they are vegan AND not tested on animals. Companies who do not test on animals, but are not entirely vegan will be called “not animal tested”.
      So, can PETA’s cruelty free list be trusted? My thoughts and bottom line.
      So after talking to Kathy, I personally feel better about trusting PETA’s cruelty-free cosmetics brand list. I do feel that it is more lenient than Leaping Bunny’s cruelty-free list, mainly because they are vetting the brands on behalf of the suppliers rather than the suppliers themselves. But they are requiring legally binding documentation from the brands. And the brands are required to then supply language to their contracts with their suppliers. They are not auditing every year, but they are checking in on brands and removing them if they find any issues.
      To compare and contrast, I had an interview with Kim Paschen from Leaping Bunny and will be publishing an article with information from that discussion soon.
      At the end of the day, ANY cruelty-free brand list (including my own) has to take brands and suppliers at their word. All we can do is call them out if we discover lies and discrepancies and I think that we are all on the same team in that sense. More

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      The Best Cruelty Free and Vegan Beauty Products

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      in Acne-prone, Body, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Hair, Lifestyle, Makeup, Misc, Nails, Oily Skin, Skin, Vegan on 07/27/20

      My editorial content has been sponsored by RetailMeNot, however my review and opinions are my own.

      People always ask me what the BEST cruelty free and vegan product in (insert category here) is. That’s a very hard task because there are so many great products out there! And there are a lot of factors involved (skin type, hair type, scent preference, etc.).
      When RetailMeNot asked me to write an article on the best products out there, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to pick! I decided to go with my favorites, while also taking into account which products are popular with friends, family and the online “hive mind.” I also took into account which products could be purchased at major retailers like Amazon, Sephora and Target.

      In addition to sharing my favorites in several categories like “best cruelty free lipstick”, “best cruelty free hair products”, “best splurge”, “best value”, and others, I also included several of my favorite Black-owned cruelty free brands (most are woman-owned as well).
      I would love for you to check out my article, and share it if you like it! You can view it here. Let me know what you think of my top cruelty free beauty picks, and if you like this type of article, I’ll try to do more of them here on My Beauty Bunny! More

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      Black-Owned and Cruelty Free Beauty Favorites

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      I’ve been doing my part to learn more about who actually owns the brands I buy from, and particularly which brands are owned and run by men and women who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color). I think it’s important to support these entrepreneurs, CEOs and their employees with my dollars, and not […] More