Cruelty-Free Skin Care

Are you looking to lead a cruelty-free lifestyle in 2020? Fortunately, we live in a time where the term “cruelty-free” is driving change and awareness in the beauty community.

Some search for the Leaping Bunny logo on product packaging before buying. Others are inspired by influencers dumping non-cruelty-free cosmetics into the trash bin. The fact is that social awareness continues to rise over what it means to be cruelty-free.

While there are many who actively support the cruelty-free movement, there is still room for improvement in the beauty world. By formulating completely cruelty-free skin care, our goal at Puristry is to lead by example. We wish to inspire lasting, meaningful change in the beauty industry, until all products are cruelty-free.

Still need some clarity on the term cruelty-free, and all that it implies? The breakdown below will help you determine key buying decisions and identify important buzzwords. With this knowledge, you’ll be a cruelty-free beauty expert in no time.

What Is Animal Testing?

The common understanding of animal testing and its specifics are outlined in California legislation as the following:

Animal testing is “the internal or external application of a cosmetic, either in its final form or any ingredient thereof, to the skin, eyes, or other body part of a live, non-human vertebrate.”

For decades, cosmetic and drug companies have used this type of testing. Instead of using human test subjects, they use animal testing as a way to prove a product’s safety and efficacy. In China, where animal testing is actually required by law, companies must first test their products on animals before being able to sell in the country.

It was believed that animal testing was the only way to understand potential side effects and reactions from a product. Animal testing is considered a method for quality assurance, but its negative effects have led to a demand for cruelty-free alternatives.

Modern technology has rendered animal testing obsolete, and in actuality, only a small percentage of animal tests yield accurate results. It’s not surprising, when you consider the complex differences between animal test subjects and the human biology they’re representing. The cruel and inaccurate practices performed on test animals have become a major catalyst for change, from both animal advocates and consumers.

What Is Cruelty-Free?

For decades, companies all over the world have relied on animal testing to measure the safety of drugs, cosmetics, food, and more. Although our country has no requirements for using animal testing for cosmetic products, it’s still a widely practiced method. Animal testing can result in painful reactions, physical harm, and even death to animals. In the United States, more than 100 million animals are killed every year due to various methods of animal testing.

If you’re horrified by these statistics, there is a way for you to eliminate the suffering of our animal friends. Choosing to buy cruelty-free products exclusively while supporting cruelty-free brands is key.

Being cruelty-free means that both ingredients and finished products have not been tested for safety or hypoallergenic properties on animals. Brands and consumers alike are speaking out against animal testing because of inhumane, abusive practices on animals.

Over the years, many countries ( and some states) have banned cosmetic animal testing. However, it remains legal in most countries – including the United States. Many continue to argue in favor of the medical research breakthroughs made possible by animal testing.

We still refuse to accept this as an excuse to torture defenseless animals. With today’s advanced technology, there are many viable alternatives when it comes to cosmetic testing.

Cruelty-Free Vs. Vegan

Words like “cruelty-free” and “vegan” are often used in skin care products. The fact remains that many customers aren’t fully familiar with what makes them different. A vegan product means that the product does not contain any ingredients derived from animals. Some common ingredients include honey, gelaten, lanolin, and more. That being said, the development and manufacturing of vegan products should not involve any uses of animals – right?

While we wish that all products claiming to be vegan were cruelty-free, it’s not always the case. Even vegan products can be tested on animals! So when you’re shopping for cruelty-free skin care, body care, or makeup, you’ll need to read the label carefully.

Another important thing to consider is that cruelty-free products aren’t always vegan. What we recommend is shopping for products with both a vegan and cruelty-free claim.

Our Favorite Plant-Based, Cruelty-Free Ingredients

Technically, any ingredient can be cruelty-free – but the difference lies with both the ingredient vs. finished formula. To be considered cruelty-free, a product must use both cruelty-free ingredients and be certified cruelty-free as a complete formula.

Using cruelty-free products doesn’t have to mean sacrificing skin care efficacy. Puristry products are completely cruelty-free, and formulated with organic ingredients gifted from mother nature. They are safe, gentle, and sustainable for the environment.

Here are a few of our favorite cruelty-free skin care ingredients:

Organic Aloe Barbadensis Water
Ancient Egyptians recognized aloe as the plant of immortality. Its beauty benefits have been revealed from early times and we are still obsessed with its skincare magic. Any skin type can feel the love from aloe’s strong moisturizing properties. This succulent plant is packed with amino acids, enzymes, and other nutritious ingredients that make it a naturally effective skin healer.

Many suffer from skin sensitivity when the weather changes, or deal with painful acne inflammation on a regular basis. Feed your skin with our cruelty-free Nopal Cactus facial cleanser and cruelty-free Vine Therapy Serum to treat your skin. Organic aloe barbadensis water will soothe skin and reduce inflammation.

Organic Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Vitis vinifera seed oil is extracted from grape seeds. This organic oil is packed with essential fatty acids that secure and support skin’s moisture barrier. It is also boasts one of the highest antioxidant potencies of any natural ingredient.

Grape seed oil provides nourishment while speeding skin cell regeneration for healthier and more youthful skin. Our cruelty-free Seaberry Moisturizer is formulated with just the right amount of organic vitis vinifera seed oil. This means easy absorption and non-greasy moisture for dry, thirsty skin.

Rose Hydrosol
Rose water is a gentle organic ingredient with serious skin benefits. Rose water has a balanced pH level, making it ideal for normalizing skin’s acid/ base balance. This is especially helpful after a thorough cleanse or scrub; try using a rose water toner post-cleanse. Rose water is also wonderful for soothing and calming inflamed or sensitive skin.

The new year is the perfect time to begin your cruelty-free journey. You can rest assured knowing that going cruelty-free and feeling beautiful can easily go hand in hand! You’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re doing your part in saving animals from trauma, pain, and suffering. The whole truth is that there is absolutely no downside to going cruelty-free.

Thank you for being a part of the cruelty-free movement!