What is the difference between the label "Vegan" and "Cruelty Free"?
These two labels allow for the selection of products not tested on animals. However, the "Cruelty Free" label, unlike the "Vegan" label, does not exclude the possibility that a product may contain animal-derived ingredients, such as honey or beeswax, for example. With the "Cruelty Free" label, which means "Without cruelty", the goal is therefore to protect animals from abuse due to product testing.
"Therefore, all Vegan products are considered Cruelty Free. But conversely, not all Cruelty Free products are Vegan!"
To see clearly among labels and certifications
When looking for vegan cosmetics, it is essential to check for the presence of recognized labels. Here are some certifications that guarantee the vegan and ethical nature of cosmetic products:
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PETA Cruelty-Free and Vegan : it is a certification issued by PETA, ensuring that the product is both not tested on animals and free from animal components. It is the most demanding in terms of animal rights;
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Vegan Society : it is one of the oldest and most globally recognized labels. It guarantees that no animal-derived ingredients are used in the composition of the products;
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Leaping Bunny: it is an international label created in 1996 for animal welfare. It can be found, among other things, on cleaning and cosmetic products. It certifies that the product and its ingredients are not tested on animals.
- Ecocert and COSMOS : these labels do not certify that the products are vegan: they attest that the ingredients are natural and environmentally friendly.
Checking for the presence of these labels helps avoid the pitfalls of "greenwashing" and ensures that the product truly meets the vegan and cruelty-free standards that matter to you.
Understanding the regulations on animal testing
Several laws govern animal testing. Since 2013, the EU has banned them for cosmetic products and their ingredients. In the United States, however, no federal law prohibits testing, but some states, like California and Illinois, have imposed restrictions. China, for its part, has long required animal testing for imported cosmetics, but recently, some exemptions have been introduced. Therefore, while you can be sure that your cosmetics are not tested on animals if you buy them in Europe, it does not guarantee that the brand does not market its products in a country that has forced them to do so!
To find beauty products that are not tested on animals, check the brand's origin and its policy according to the market in which it operates.
Read the ingredient lists carefully
Some brands do not test their products on animals but use animal-derived ingredients. If you want to make an ethical commitment, look for vegan products, that is to say without:
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Beeswax (Beeswax, Cera alba) : she is often present in lip balms and mascaras;
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Carmine (CI 75470, Cochineal, Carminic Acid): it is a red pigment obtained from crushed cochineal, found in lipsticks and blushes;
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Keratin (Keratin) : it is extracted from feathers, horns, or animal hair, and is present in hair care products;
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Lanolin (Lanolin, Lanolin alcohols) : it is a derivative of sheep wool, found in moisturizing creams ;
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Honey : it is often present in certain moisturizing treatments;
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Royal jelly: it is the secretion of bees, often used for its anti-aging properties;
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Propolis: this resin produced by bees is used in some cosmetics for its antiseptic benefits;
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Collagen: this protein is derived from animal tissues (skin, bones), and is used in many anti-aging treatments;
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Elastin: this animal protein is used for skin elasticity ;
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Squalene: animal squalene often comes from shark liver. There is an alternative, plant squalene, derived from olive;
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Guanine: it is a derivative of fish scales, used to give a pearlescent effect in makeup;
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Stearic acid (Acide stéarique) : it can be of animal origin (present in tallow) or vegetable;
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Gelatin: it is derived from the skin, tendons, and bones of animals, and used in some hair products and mascaras;
- Musk (Musk, Castoreum) : these are animal secretions used as perfume fixatives.
Cosmetic analysis apps to help you choose
To find beauty products that are not tested on animals, some apps like Yuka or INCI Beauty are valuable allies. They allow you to analyze the compositions of beauty products and identify controversial ingredients.
Be careful of greenwashing
Greenwashing is a marketing technique used by some companies to create an eco-friendly image without actually adopting sustainable practices. They use vague terms ("natural", "eco-friendly"), green packaging, or misleading labels to mislead consumers. In reality, their products may contain petroleum-derived ingredients or be harmful to the environment. In the case of vegan greenwashing, the goal is often to attract consumers sensitive to animal welfare without making a genuine commitment. Some brands then use vague terms like "animal welfare" without official certification.
To avoid greenwashing, it is therefore necessary to check the official labels and the transparency of brands. A product sold in mainland China, for example, is very likely tested on animals. What should catch your attention are the certifications!
Raise awareness and share
Sharing your discoveries and recommending cruelty-free brands helps encourage companies to change their practices. Support petitions for the ban on testing and join committed consumer groups!
Grangettes: a committed vegan cosmetics brand
If you are looking for a brand of beauty products that are not tested on animals, look no further than Grangettes skincare! All our cosmetic products are certified by the PETA Cruelty free and vegan label.
"Among all the labels that exist on the market, 'PETA animal test-free and vegan' is the only one that guarantees all of the following points:"
- Certification of the brand in its entirety;
- Absence of animal testing for finished products;
- Absence of animal testing for ingredients;
- Absence of animal testing on foreign markets (places of sale);
- Vegan: absence of animal-derived ingredients in the formulations.
- Regular price
- 42,50 €
- Regular price
- Sale price
- 42,50 €
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- per
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- 85,00 €
- Regular price
- Sale price
- 85,00 €
- Unit price
- per
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- 40,20 €
- Regular price
- Sale price
- 40,20 €
- Unit price
- per
Soothing face cream, serum, anti-aging cream, makeup remover milk, body lotion, face gel, or even, eye contour gel: whatever cruelty-free product you are looking for, Grangettes fits perfectly into your beauty routine!
