5 Brands That Do Not Test On Animals...Ever!

Millions of animals around the world, such as; mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs and primates, are suffering. While many brands are responding to demands for more ethical products and advertising their brands as ‘cruelty-free', the truth of the matter is that animal testing is still a big issue in Australia and around the world.

Recently, the Australian government committed to a complete ban on animal testing for cosmetics in Australia, which should go into effect by July 2017.  An estimated 200,000 animals are used for cosmetic testing every year around the world. The Australian plan will only ban new products from testing on animals; existing products would not need to be removed from sale. Animal testing has been banned in Europe since 2004. A second ban on animal-tested ingredients was introduced in 2009, followed by a 2013 ban on the import or sale of cosmetics that have been newly tested on animals, meaning that EU companies now cannot test their cosmetic ingredients or products overseas.

The European model serves as a reminder to Australians that while a ban on animal testing is a positive advance in animal welfare, we still have a long way to go. Many countries, particularly China, have made cosmetic testing mandatory. This means that cosmetic products manufactured outside the country and imported for retail sale to consumers must undergo animal testing. If you are using Australian brands in future, you can be sure that your product wasn't tested on any animals; however, that doesn't mean the company is helping put a stop to animal testing on a worldwide scale. Many big cosmetic brands deny testing on animals, yet continue to sell in China where animal testing is mandatory. While these brands claim to be ‘cruelty-free', they do not prioritise welfare over profits. While true that it may not affect the product you are using in Australia, it certainly doesn’t help the banning of cruel testing – if the brands were to boycott selling in China, and other mandatory testing countries, perhaps that would motivate the governments to rethink their laws.If you want to take a stance against animal testing, it is important to support brands that prioritise animal welfare and have taken steps to eliminate animal testing from all their ingredients and products. We have compiled a list of our favourite cruelty-free companies that have sworn off animal testing, yet still produce new, safe and fabulous beauty products. 

LUSH

Lush have a strict policy of no animal testing, including only sourcing ingredients which were not tested on animals and using scientific alternatives to animal testing – such as three-dimensional human skin models – which they claim are quicker, more efficient and cost less than animal testing. Their products include everything from soaps, bath bombs, hair products, to cleansers, moisturisers and perfumes! As an added bonus, almost all their products are vegan or vegetarian. Not only do Lush not test their products on animals, but they also campaign against animal testing with their ‘LUSH Prize’ – a prize they award to citizens for science, lobbying, training, research and public awareness on alternative testing methods.

Favourite Product:

‘Respect Your Elders’ SoapA magnificent elderberry and blackcurrant-scented soap which is completely vegan and vegetarian and costs $6.95 per 100 grams! 

SUKIN ORGANICS

Sukin Organics uses organic plant oils and is completely vegan – they don't use lanolin, beeswax or honey (common cosmetic ingredients). They don't test on animals and they source ingredients that aren't tested on animals to create affordable skincare products. Sukin is a sustainable brand with the slogan "Skincare that doesn't cost the earth" and as well as their animal welfare efforts, they also create biodegradable products that don't contaminate waterways and work with the Carbon Reduction Institute of Australia to reduce and offset their carbon emissions.

Favourite Product:

Super Greens Nutrient Rich Facial MoisturiserThis refreshing moisturiser includes natural ingredients such as kale, parsley, spirulina, chlorella, aloe vera, sesame seed oil, rose hip oil, avocado oil, cocoa and shea butter. Sold at Chemist Warehouse and Priceline, 125ml bottle is only $12.95! 

INNOXA

Innoxa sell a large range of cosmetics and skincare products at affordable prices and they do not test on animals, buy ingredients tested on animals or sell in China and other mandatory-testing countries – they are 100% cruelty-free. Additionally, they have a large range of vegan products and clearly list which products are vegan-friendly. They also produce an entire range for sensitive or hypoallergenic skin.

Favourite Product:

Pollution Protect FoundationThis foundation is vegan-friendly and contains ginseng and papaya extract to protect the skin against environmental pollution. It is also mango scented and shine free! It comes in five skin tones and is available at Myer and Priceline – one of the slightly more expensive products; the 30ml tube is $36.95. 

NATIO

Natio uses plant-based ingredients to create natural make-up and skincare products. They don't test on animals or sell in China and are listed as a cruelty-free brand by Choose Cruelty-Free – an Australian animal welfare organisation. Not all their products are vegan, but there is a list in the FAQ section that details which products contain beeswax and an assurance that any ingredient which may be either animal or plant sourced is definitely plant sourced.

Favourite Product:

Orange Blossom Hand CreamThis natural hand cream moisturises and smells amazing with oils from jojoba, apricot, mandarin, orange flower and soybean and green tea leaf extracts. Available at most pharmacies, only $9.95 for a 90ml tube. 

NAPOLEON PERDIS

Napoleon Perdis is a luxury make-up brand selling all the essentials and offers consultations with beauty experts. It is a bit pricey, but the quality is incredible – and surprisingly, not tested on animals or sold in China! Unfortunately, most of their products aren’t vegan but you can contact them to encourage them and request that they transition to vegan ingredients. The website FAQ section states that “Napoleon Perdis does not condone nor support the idea of animal testing for cosmetic purposes; nor do we employ anyone to test on our behalf.”

Favourite Product:

Auto Pilot Tinted Lip BalmThis tinted lip balm comes in two beautiful shades: tulip or lily. It gives a more natural look than lipstick and protects and moisturises your lips at the same time! It is a bit pricey compared to the other brands at $29 but worth it to look stunning, and they have confirmed it is vegan! For a list of other brands that are cruelty-free visit Choose Cruelty-Free.