Animals play a critical role in maintaining our eco system. There have been so many case studies which shows that extinction of one species in an ecosystem has completely wrecked it gradually. Which is why it is essential to protect them. October 4 is observed as the World Animal Welfare Day to recognise the importance of animals and work towards their welfare.
In today’s consumerist culture, people follow celebrities and influencers and aspire to look and live like them. This has contributed to an exponential increase in the sale of cosmetics and skincare products. With an increase in its market size, so many brands have cropped up providing consumers with a number of options for each product. The toll of this increased interest in cosmetics is being paid by the animals who often suffer during various stages of development of the cosmetic products. One of the incidents that came to light was the cruelty that snails had to suffer for production of snail mucin for cosmetic purposes.
The animals often end up paying price of human selfishness. However, choosing cruelty free skincare products and cosmetics is one way we can all contribute towards animal welfare. If we are able to pick products that provide the same benefit, and have similar of even lesser price, then why not go for them?
What qualifies a Brand to be labelled Cruelty-Free?
Cruelty-Free Certifications are recognitions that are granted to products or companies that adhere to ethical standards in the treatment of animals during the production of goods. The main criteria for obtaining such certification is a commitment to not conducting any form of animal testing throughout the entire development process of a product. This includes the testing of individual ingredients as well as the final product.
Key features of Cruelty-Free Certifications include
No Animal Testing: The fundamental principle is a strict prohibition on testing products or ingredients on animals. This commitment extends to all phases of product development, from the early testing stages to the final formulation.
Supply Chain Verification: Companies seeking Cruelty-Free Certification often need to ensure that their entire supply chain, including suppliers and subcontractors, also adheres to cruelty-free practices. This ensures that the entire process, from raw materials to finished products, remains cruelty-free.
Transparent Policies: Certified cruelty-free companies are expected to have clear and transparent policies regarding their stance on animal testing. This information is often communicated to consumers through product labels, company websites, or public statements.
Third-Party Certification: Many Cruelty-Free Certifications involve third-party organizations that independently verify a company’s adherence to cruelty-free standards. This third-party involvement adds credibility to the certification process and assures consumers that the claims are genuine.
Use of Certification Logos: Products that have obtained Cruelty-Free Certification often display specific logos on their packaging. These logos serve as a visible and recognizable indication to consumers that the product aligns with cruelty-free principles. Popular Cruelty-Free Certification logos include the Leaping Bunny and PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies.
Five Cosmetics Brands in India that are Cruelty Free
The Body Shop
The Body Shop is at the forefront of the Cruelty Free brands list. The brand has committed itself to ethical practices, and ensures that no animal testing occurs for development of any of its products. It actively advocates to end animal testing for development of cosmetic products across the world. The company has been cruelty-free since its inception. It has a certification by Cruelty Free International under its Leaping Bunny program. This is one of the highest certification a company can acquire, which proves that no form of animal testing was done for development of the company’s products at an y stage.
Forest Essentials
Forest Essentials is a luxury Indian beauty brand that utilises the traditional Ayurvedic wisdom to create modern skincare products. The company believes that “if you can’t eat it, you should not put it on your skin.” The company is committed to ethical practices, sustainability and being cruelty free with a promise of not causing harm to animals.
Kama Ayurveda
Kama Ayurveda is also a luxury Indian wellness and beauty brand. As mentioned in its name, its products are created using ancient Ayurvedic principles, which help in natural healing and skincare. The brand has been dedicated to using ethically sourced organic ingredients, and producing skin-care products that are free from artificial fragrances, colours and parabens. The brand has also maintained a cruelty-free stance since it was established.
Plum
Plum is a beauty and skincare brand that was founded in 2013. It positions itself as a cruelty-free and vegan brand. It offers a wide range of products for skincare, haircare and make-up that are all free from harmful chemicals including parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. Plum has a certification from PETA for being cruelty-free and vegan. The company also focuses on circular economy through its Plum Empties initiative where it takes back the empty containers of Plum products for recycling and safe disposal.
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