The Difference Between Cruelty-Free & Vegan: Everything You Need To Know
In 2023, you have most likely heard the terms “cruelty-free” and “vegan” thrown around a lot. However, there’s a possibility you are unsure of their differences, or are wondering if they even have any. Since there are no legal definitions for the labels “cruelty-free” and “vegan,” companies are able to use these labels however they like. As a result, consumers are asking a lot of questions. What do these words actually mean? How do I know I can trust a company when they claim to be either cruelty-free or vegan? If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place. So, keep reading to find out everything you need to know on the differences between “cruelty-free” and “vegan.”
What does the term Cruelty-Free mean?
In order for a company or brand to truly be considered cruelty-free, they must not under any circumstance, including through their supply chains or sellers, allow their products to be tested on animals. However, because companies can use the term cruelty-free on their products or websites without any consequences, consumers are frequently misled. For example, the brand CeraVe claims to be cruelty-free on their website. However, their products are sold in mainland China where animal testing is required by law. This means that their products may be tested as part of both pre-market and post-market animal testing in China. In other words, CeraVe is not cruelty-free even though they claim to be.
How to identify authenticity of a brand
In addition to fake cruelty-free claims, fake bunny logos that aren’t affiliated with any official organization are also something to be aware of. I know, shopping as a cruelty-free consumer in 2023 is hard and complicating. Companies that make misleading claims don’t help either. However, don’t worry because there is a way to easily identify the authenticity of a brand. The Leaping Bunny logo, PETA’s cruelty-free logo, and Australia’s choose cruelty-free logo are the 3 official bunny logos that 100% certify brands as cruelty-free. So, if you see a product with either of these logos, trust that you are in good hands.
Something to keep in mind
There are some companies that are certified by the Leaping Bunny or PETA but do not display these 3 logos on their packaging. This is because typically, companies must pay an extra fee in order to be able to display the cruelty-free symbol on their products. About less than half of the companies on the Leaping Bunny and PETA lists sport the logos. So, if you’re unsure, PETA and the Leaping Bunny’s databases are a helpful tool to use before making that purchase from a questionable company. With more than 6,200 companies, just search the name of the company or brand that you are unsure of, and the database will do it’s magic and tell you whether or not they’re cruelty-free.
What does the term vegan mean?
Generally, when people think of the term vegan they think of the diet. Over time this has evolved into a lifestyle choice. Avoiding the use of anything animal-related, from shoes, clothing, cosmetics, cleaning products, and more, is veganism too. If a product is vegan that means that it contains no animal-derived ingredients or animal by-products.
Animal-derived ingredients include :
- Honey
- Beeswax
- Gelatin
- Carmine (crushed-up beetles)
Other less obvious animal by-products include:
- Lanolin (wool grease)
- Squalene (shark liver oil)
- Ambergris (whale vomit)
- Placenta (sheep organs)
Vegan logos
Similarly to cruelty-free brands, vegan brands have a logo too. The logo varies, but just look out for the iconic two, green leaves that appear on all of them.
Can something be cruelty-free and NOT vegan?
You may find animal-derived ingredients in cruelty-free products (like cruelty-free lip products that contain beeswax). Which often makes people wonder, are these products truly cruelty-free?
Generally speaking, yes, because no animals are tested on to make the product. From a personal perspective, no, because products that contain animal-derived ingredients still exploit animals, just now with testing. However, I do understand there are nuances depending on what ingredients and sourcing methods are used. For example, beeswax can be ethically-harvested without harming the bees in any way, whereas there is no way to obtain carmine that does not involve crushing up beetles.
Can something be Vegan and NOT Cruelty-Free?
To answer this question, yes. Products that claim to be ‘vegan’ but may not be ‘cruelty-free’ means the product does not contain animal products or animal-derived ingredients but sadly, the products or their ingredients may have been tested on animals.
As always, live with love.
– Sofia