The term “cruelty-free” gets tossed about often these days. Beauty influencers frequently mention it, and companies sometimes cite it in a “Code of Ethics” on their websites. But what does “cruelty-free” really mean?
There’s no single globally accepted legal definition, but to PETA, it means that a company or brand has taken the position that it won’t allow any tests on animals, including in its supply chain, for any reason.
However, for others, a “cruelty-free” stance may be hiding a dirty little secret. Some companies say that they don’t conduct tests on animals unless required to by law. This means that by opting to sell in places where such requirements exist, they’re putting profit before ethics by choosing to pay for tests on animals or to use animal-tested ingredients so that they can expand their market. Don’t buy it!
Global markets have very different rules, and those rules don’t always line up with what consumers expect when they see a “cruelty‑free” label.
In China, some everyday cosmetics can now be sold without tests on animals if brands meet specific requirements—but other products still trigger testing—so the clearest signal is whether a company has a firm, global policy never to test on animals anywhere in its supply chain.
That same caution applies in Europe and the U.K. While these regions ban animal testing for cosmetics, chemical safety rules under REACH have still been used to require experiments on animals for certain cosmetic ingredients, even when those ingredients are used only in cosmetics, exposing a loophole that weakens “cruelty‑free” claims based solely on where a product is sold.
That’s why we urge consumers the world over to use PETA’s searchable, online “Ultimate Cruelty-Free List” database of companies that refuse to allow tests on animals anywhere in the world for any reason.
Since 1987, the list of companies that don’t test on animals has been the gold standard for consumers seeking cruelty-free products. It includes companies that make cosmetics, personal care products, household cleaning products, and other common household goods. Having grown massively over the years, it now includes more than 6,300 companies that don’t conduct, commission, pay for, or allow tests on animals for any of their ingredients, formulations, or products anywhere in the world. PETA provides the only international cruelty-free logo that has no exceptions for testing.
These companies include top names, as well as many fantastic boutique brands. None of them conducts or allows animal testing of any kind, and all have firmly committed to ensuring that there’s no animal testing in their supply chains.
Be a Conscientious Shopper
Over the past few decades, public demand for cruelty-free cosmetics has grown, and consumer power has been a significant factor in influencing corporate behavior and legislative initiatives. In tandem with consumer and industry demand, innovative non-animal testing strategies that yield efficient and accurate safety data have flourished. With economic, consumer safety, and animal welfare benefits, there’s no reason not to end cosmetics tests on animals.
As consumers, we all have the power to help end animal testing. Every time we go shopping, it’s an opportunity to vote with our wallets and send a powerful message to corporations that they can’t have our money as long as they conduct, commission, or pay for tests on animals.
