Why L'Oréal ISN'T Worth It!!!

Among the various cosmetic companies who still perform cruel, unnecessary tests on animals, L'Oréal takes the cake as my personal favorite. To detest that is. Yes, other cosmetic companies test on animals, however, L'Oréal is relentless when it comes to messing with cruelty free consumers. Besides selling to China, causing their already animal tested products to be tested a second time for China's market, the cosmetic giant has purchased some beloved cruelty free companies. See a complete list of brands owned by L'Oréal. 

Some cruelty free companies purchased by L'Oréal:

• The Body Shop
• NYX- As of 2014. 
• Pureology- (100% Vegan company)
• Urban Decay 

L'Oréal deceives consumers: 

Not only does the largest cosmetic company in the world test on animals, they deceive consumers about this fact. In 2014, L'Oréal rolled out a new animal testing statement stating, "L'Oréal  no longer tests on animals anywhere in the world, nor does it delegate the task to others. An exception could only be made if regulatory authorities demanded it for safety or regulatory purposes." Pay close attention to the second sentence here, they make exceptions! ( This is L'Oréal's "Getting away with animal testing in China" card.) No truly cruelty free company makes exceptions! 

L'Oréal's new March 2013 rule, "We do not ask our suppliers to conduct animal tests on our behalf. When a supplier proposes us an ingredient, we ask to examine its safety dossier. If the dossier contains data generated by means of animal testing before March 2013, L'Oréal can retain the ingredient. If the data was generated after March 2013 and was for a cosmetic application, L'Oréal  cannot retain the ingredient. If the data was generated after March 2013 but was for usage other than cosmetics, then L'Oréal can retain the ingredient." L'Oréal states that it no longer uses ingredients tested on animals IF the ingredient was tested AFTER March 2013 and ONLY IF the testing was strictly for cosmetic purposes. This loophole allows L'Oréal to use animal tested ingredients in new products! New skin care products are labeled as "medical use ", not "cosmetic use", allowing L'Oréal to continue using animal tested ingredients.   

The Nestlé connection:   

Though unrelated to the beauty industry, I want to point out that Nestlé owns 30 percent of L'Oréal. I bring this up because of Nestlé's deplorable ethics, including deforestation,

killing of Orangutans, and infant formula scandals. 

 "L'Oréal, because you're worth it"........I think not! 

All About That Bunny, No Testing: Cruelty Free Basics

For starters, why choose cruelty free? 

I have two adorable fur babies, the thought of dripping hairspray into their eyes or smearing chemicals onto their skin is unimaginable. If you would never dream of doing this to your own pets, or anyone else's, why support companies who perform such tests? Despite cheaper, more efficient alternatives, cosmetic companies continue to test their products on animals. The good news? Your PURCHASING POWER makes a difference! Going cruelty free takes a stand against animal testing. By decreasing demand for animal tested products, this action takes steps towards ultimately banning the practice. 

So, what exactly does "cruelty-free" mean?

As crazy as it sounds, different companies have varying definitions of  "cruelty free". Since the label "cruelty free" goes unregulated in the U.S, many companies falsely label their products as such. Here's what "cruelty free" labels can mean:

•  "We do not test our products or ingredients on animals"- However, it may contain animal ingredients. 

• "Finished product not tested on animals"- This only applies to the final product. The ingredients could have been tested on animals and it may contain animal ingredients.  

• "This product is not tested on animals"- This doesn't guarantee that the ingredients are cruelty free, or that the product contains no animal ingredients. 

• "Against animal testing"- So am I, but this label proves nothing. This could simply mean that the company supports alternatives, but still practices animal testing themselves.  

Animal Products vs. Animal By-Products:

• Animal products are sourced from the body of an animal. Milk, eggs, honey, flesh and lanolin for example. 

• Animal by-products are derived from mammals, birds, fish, crustaceans, insects, and other animals. Usually leftovers from the slaughter industry, some examples include lard, gelatin, tallow, and rennet. 

What about "Vegetarian" and "Vegan" labels?

• "100% Vegetarian"- The product contains ingredients obtained from live animals without harm (supposedly). Examples include milks, eggs, honey and hair. 

• "Vegan"- The product contains no animal or insect ingredients.

Keep in mind vegetarian and vegan products aren't necessarily cruelty free. Below are vegan certified logos. 

Which companies DO and DON'T test on animals?

Whether you are a long-time cruelty free consumer, in transition, or begging to wonder about that little bunny logo on product packaging, it's important to understand labeling.  Just because a company has "cruelty free" or "no animal testing" printed on their packaging doesn't mean they are truly cruelty free. Luckily, the organizations listed below provide consumers with trusted cruelty free labeling.

• Leaping Bunny  - The Leaping Bunny Program requires companies to meet their cruelty free standards before awarding use of the Leaping Bunny logo, along with  yearly certification renewals. Leaping Bunny certified list seen here. 

• PETA's Caring Consumer Campaign- Providing a searchable database, companies appear on their cruelty free list after PETA verifies that "They do not conduct, commission, or pay for any tests on animals for ingredients, formulations, or finished products and that they pledge not to do so in the future". The companies are then licensed to use PETA's cruelty free logo, soon to receive an update. PETA also provides a list of companies that DO test on animals. 

• CCF Rabbit- An Australian non-profit organization awards companies with their certified cruelty free logo upon meeting the organization's standards.This includes a "Never tested rule" and strict criteria on animal-dervived ingredients. CCF Rabbit Certified companies seen here. 

Red Flags:

• If a companies policy states that they don't test "except when required by law". This means they most likely sell to foreign markets where animal testing is required. China for example, requires mandatory animal testing of foreign cosmetics. 

• If a company doesn't respond, or fails to answer certain parts of your inquiries about testing and or ingredients. 

Creating Kind's stance on "cruelty free":

All companies recommended by Creating Kind will meet the following criteria:

1. At no point was animal testing involved. 
2. Each individual ingredient, formulas and the final product were never tested on animals.
3. No third parties and or ingredient suppliers conducted any sort of testing for the company. 
4. The company must either be independent or owned by another cruelty free company. I will not purchase from cruelty free companies whose parent company tests on animals. Though I see both sides on this issue, ultimately, purchasing from these companies supports the parent company, which supports animal testing. 
5. Companies cannot sell to foreign markets such as China who require animal testing.  

Making a difference!

My journey from first looking into cruelty free products, to where I stand today on the issue was a process. It's important to not get discouraged! We can never be 100 percent positive that companies are 100 percent cruelty free, but as consumers we can do our best to stay educated on current policies and labeling. All of this information can seem overwhelming, but remember, every step makes a difference! Please note that throwing away your current products would be a waste. The best action to take is to use up your remaining products and begin replacing them with cruelty free alternatives. Don't be hard on yourself, decide what you are comfortable with supporting. So inform yourself, stay positive and be kind!