8 Reasons to Switch to Cruelty-Free Skincare Products
Looking to clear your skincare collection and switch to cruelty-free products? Here are reasons why you’re on the right track and why you should do it now!
An overview by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) shows that more than 100 million animals are killed in U.S. laboratories for numerous biological and medical experiments, including cosmetics testing.
Due to this alarming number, there have been multiple efforts to ban animal testing worldwide. As early as 2013, several countries have completely prohibited the sale of any cosmetics or ingredients tested on animals. Moreover, many organizations have maintained their cruelty-free status, while others altered their production process and skipped animal testing altogether.
As individuals and companies alike continue to campaign for this shift, consumers are also becoming aware of the harmful effects of animal testing and the benefits that come with cruelty-free products.
If you’re looking to switch to cruelty-free skincare, here are reasons why you’re on the right track:
1. Cruelty-free products don’t harm animals for testing.
Apart from being confined in small cages under inhuman conditions, animals used for testing are also subjected to extremely cruel practices that involve getting tortured, injured, and often killed in the end.
Essentially, these laboratory mice, bunnies, cats, and dogs are bred to live a life of distress and trauma, but no animal should experience that kind of fear and suffering in the first place.
When choosing cruelty-free products, you can be at peace knowing you’re supporting ethical skincare companies that test the safety of their products in ways that don’t require harming helpless animals in the process.
2. There are better alternatives to animal testing.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 95% of all the drugs said to be safe and effective in animal testing actually fail in human trials.
Currently, there are more accurate and cruelty-free alternatives to check ingredient safety. Some organizations now resort to in-vitro testing and human cells and skin tissue models, which ethically produce more conclusive results than the traditional method.
3. Many countries have banned animal testing.
Governments worldwide have banned animal testing for cosmetic products and ingredients in support of the green beauty movement. The European Union, Israel, India, Norway, Switzerland, South Korea, and New Zealand are a few that have recognized and managed to put a stop to this harmful and unethical practice.
If these nations can block these products in their market, you can do your part and ban them from your skincare routine, as well.
4. There are plenty of cruelty-free options.
The list of cruelty-free brands continues to grow by the day, so don’t worry about not finding the perfect substitute for your favorites. Now, more than ever, you get a wide range of selections that fit your skincare regimen just right.
Feel free to research products to see if the companies behind them are true to being cruelty-free. More than checking their websites, scroll through the ingredients list to ensure they’re not the kind tested on animals.
5. Cruelty-free products are healthier for your skin.
Many animal-tested beauty items are full of harsh chemicals that only do more harm than good. Since the skin absorbs what you feed it, you want to go for an option free of any toxic ingredients for better results.
Cruelty-free skincare products have more natural and safe formulations. You may also look for paraben- and fragrance-free solutions for an even gentler routine.
6. They are budget-friendly.
While it’s true that mindful purchasing can get you to spend less on skincare products, know that cruelty-free doesn’t always mean expensive. Today, you can find big brands that advocate against animal testing retailing their products at an affordable price range.
7. They are eco-friendly.
Switching to cruelty-free products doesn’t only mean making better choices for animals and your skin. Since these items have little to no toxic chemicals in their composition, you can be sure that they won’t harm the planet, as well.
Most beauty companies that champion cruelty-free production also care about the environment. Some take it up a notch by upgrading their packaging into eco-friendly ones to match their green line of products.
8. Supporting cruelty-free products sends a message to the beauty industry.
Every purchase of a skincare product tested on animals sends a message that animal cruelty is acceptable in the name of beauty. In this day and age, your money is your vote, which is why it’s important to support businesses that align with your principles.
When you switch to cruelty-free items, you’re standing against animal testing and its prevalence in the industry. If more people pass this message along by simply banning non-cruelty-free products in their everyday use, the industry will be forced to turn to beauty and skincare trends that don’t require inhumane experiments of any kind.
Make the Cruelty-Free Switch
Now that you have a better understanding of cruelty-free skincare products, the ball is in your court! Going over your skincare collection and checking for products that may be non-cruelty-free is a lifestyle change that can positively impact animals, the environment, and your body.
If you think making the shift isn’t simple, know that you can do it slowly but surely. In case you need help finding cruelty-free additions to your skincare regimen, scroll through the Garnier shop and explore cruelty-free, International Leaping Bunny Programme-approved products your skin needs.
Take your pick at Garnier’s collection of skincare essentials, and help support the green beauty initiative today!