Vegan and cruelty-free cosmetic is the new debate going on worldwide. Popular brands test the product on animals before launching them into the market. What is worth noting is that we are unknowingly supporting this practice by buying those products.
On 29 June 2020 state council of China updated China’s Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR), subjected to ban the animal testing. The safety assessment will be considered first whether you import or produce them in the country.
Are cosmetics made in China vegan and cruelty-free? I am an environmentalist; can I import vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics from China? How to make sure the products are what I want? Read through, and you will find the answer.
What Are Vegan Cosmetics?
Vegan cosmetics are made without materials of animal origin or their traces. That means animal-derived ingredients like bee wax or honey are not included in the product.
But remember, if the word ‘vegan’ is mentioned on any product, it does not make it 100% natural or organic or might be tested on animals. As the product’s ingredients are not genuine, there may be a chance that you might get allergic reactions.
So, the point here is that with the vegan label, you have to focus on the product’s ingredients while purchasing them and not just the title saying “vegan.” Make your purchase according to the skin type.
You must also see the other labels like how the manufacturer made it, directions, and if any animals were harmed during the testing.
What Are Cruelty-Free Cosmetics?
Cruelty-free means that it was not tested on animals in any way, during any point of production. The products are made without testing on animals, which is now the new era’s resolution. Cruelty-free products can still have toxic ingredients that might harm your skin.
Some certificates ensure the products will not commission or approve animal testing or manufacture animal ingredients formulations. PETA certification and Leaping Bunny certification are its primary examples.
What Is Makeup Animal Testing?
The makeup used or experimented on animals before delivering them safely to humans is known as makeup testing on animals. But now, the awareness about animal testing has risen. The products that hurt animals are banned.
Pros and Cons
The debate about animal testing is ongoing. Therefore, here are some pros and cons with which you can decide.
- Pros
A positive side of animal testing is that it has made us realize the chemicals we use in our products.
Some companies are against animal cruelty and are selling their products just fine. But they believe that there are specific points where animal testing is necessary. For instance, a company wanted to know about its products’ impact on the ocean ecosystem.
So, they checked aquatic toxicity, as there was no other way to see if their product had any harmful effect on Ocean life.
- Cons
The procedure of testing makeup on animals is questionable, whether the testing is valid or it. Animals are way different from humans. How can we test our products on animals?
But yes, there are other ways too with which companies can test makeup for the safe usage of humans. Different methods include genetic testing, computer simulations, and tissue cultures. These ways are more accurate, cost-effective, and reliable than animal testing.
Western Animal Testing Laws
Eight states in the United States have banned animal testing and are working to pass a Humane Cosmetic Act.
The training to develop awareness among consumers will help companies and authorities transit toward new animal testing laws in all countries.
China’s Animal Testing Laws
The Chinese government required all the products to be tested on animals. But now, fortunately, the regulations have been modified to eliminate this step. The CSAR replaced the cosmetic animal testing on29 June 2020.
The law states that:
- If cosmetics have to be sold in China, all foreign cosmetics should undergo animal testing. (For safety purposes)
- Those cosmetics manufactured in China can skip this testing step to be sold there.
- If the companies agree to use other ways to test cosmetics, then they can bypass animal testing.
- Even if the cosmetics are being manufactured in China, the particular use cosmetics have to be tested on animals. These unique items include sunscreen, whitening products, antiperspirants, hair dye, etc.
Made in China VS. Sold in China
Cosmetics need to be tested on animals is mandatory as per the law in China. But whether the products are made in China or sold in China? The law is then applicable only.
According to the law, the cosmetics sold in China require to get registered and then tested on animals. At the same time, cosmetics made in China do not need to be tested on animals.
How to Know If It’s Cruelty-Free?
Let’s not confuse cruelty-free cosmetics with vegan cosmetics. As we have discussed the definition of both terminologies, it is worth noting that a cruelty-free product is not vegan. But vegan cosmetics are mostly cruelty-free.
If you are looking for vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics, look for the labels and certificates from trusted organizations.
Spot Bunny Logos on the Product
Leaping Bunny is one of the certifications that campaigns to protect animals from testing. Also, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) stands for animals’ rights and protection.
Look for an Online Certified Cruelty-Free Database
Checking online certification is the easiest way to find out about cruelty-free logos. You can check the products in detail and can compare more products.
Download a Cruelty-Free App
Downloading App for cruelty-free cosmetics will be a quick way to check animal testing. Just scan your product’s barcode and know about your product in just a few seconds.
Email the Brand
You can ask away any query about the product and its certification for being cruelty-free. It might take time, but you will have your answer.
How to Know If It’s Vegan?
Scan the product’s label and packaging you wish to know about. There is a certified vegan logo on the product. You have to look for it. Not fall for the label that says ‘vegan’ or contains no animal testing’ but check the whole ingredient list.
In China, many cosmetic manufacturing companies refuse to manufacture or source those items containing animal ingredients. Vegan cosmetics are safe, quality products that you can use in your everyday routine.
The ingredients present in vegan cosmetics include:
- Aloe vera
- Essential oils
- Seaweed
- Chamomile
Conclusion
Cruelty-free or vegan cosmetics, you have to do your research and reach out to the findings of product usage and how it affects your economy. Bunny Free and Cruelty-Free App allow you to check the product’s status beforehand.
Don’t just wait to visit the store. You can download the App, email them or check their logos online. Start purchasing organic products and show your support for them.
In this way, the companies still imposing animal testing will be de-moralized, and hence they will be encouraged to stay organic and cruelty-free.