Think about this: Many of us apply makeup to our faces every single day. But the problem is that whatever we’re putting on our eyelids, lips, and skin is also going into our bloodstream. Creepy thought, huh? That’s why it’s important that the beauty products we’re using aren’t harming us.
It’s also important that the brands we purchase products from aren’t harming animals in cruel and, often, deadly product tests.
Some companies test their makeup (among other things) on animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and mice. During these cruel experiments, chemicals are often dripped into animals’ eyes or smeared onto their shaved skin to see what effects they may have. There’s no requirement that these animals be given any pain-relieving drugs during these often excruciating tests.
Here are five of our fave beauty brands that are safe for humans and animals alike:
1. 100% Pure
This brand has committed to using only the most natural ingredients. The founders define “natural” as “originat[ing] from nature and ONLY undergo[ing] chemical changes due to biological processes such as fermentation, distillation, and cold processing.” So basically, no harmful sh*t.
2. W3ll People
Aside from having a dope name, W3ll People is also a super-cool company. On its website, it states that our skin absorbs around 80 percent of what we put on it—yikes! So the folks at the company steer totally clear of potentially harmful ingredients. All its products are handcrafted in small batches in the U.S.
3. Suntegrity Skincare
The founder of this company decided to start a nontoxic, holistic, mineral sun-care line after losing her mom to skin cancer. As if that weren’t touching enough, the company’s website states, “I hope you enjoy our products and smile in the memory of someone you love every time you use them.” Talk about a meaningful mission.
4. Dr. Hauschka
This beauty brand is ritzier than some of the others. Its mission is to support the healing of humanity and the Earth (and animals, apparently, since all its products are cruelty-free). It boasts about its international fair-trade initiatives and philanthropic endeavors, so we can really feel good about using Dr. Hauschka products.
5. Josie Maran Cosmetics
This company clearly states that it strives to source and share its products in a way that “honors humans, animals, and the planet”—and I love it for that. The makeup itself is high quality and very pretty.
*****
So the next time you go to apply your makeup, consider what you’re putting on your body and whether it has caused harm to someone else’s. Do yourself and animals a favor by choosing healthy and cruelty-free beauty brands!