So, is there an easy way to resolve the confusion? Yes! Have a look at the most common myths surrounding cruelty-free claims, learn more about existing alternatives, and find out why the Leaping Bunny certificate is the most trustworthy labelling when it comes to identifying truly cruelty free products…

 

GET THE FACTS STRAIGHT

 

• MYTH: If a product says "cruelty-free" or has a bunny label on it, it has not been tested on animals. 

FACT: Claims such as “cruelty-free” or “not tested on animals” often refer to the finished product, without considering whether animal testing has occurred at the ingredient level (where most animal testing takes place!).

 

• MYTH: Animal testing on personal care products is required by law.

FACT: In the United States, neither the FDA nor the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission require animal testing.

 

• MYTH: Big beauty companies are cruelty free now that the EU has passed a law making it illegal to sell animal-tested cosmetics in Europe.

FACT: Unfortunately, the EU law only applies to testing done within Europe. Companies may therefore continue to sell in countries like China, where animal testing is surprisingly required by law.

 

• MYTH: If it hasn’t been tested on animals, it’s not safe.

FACT: Nowadays there are numerous reliable alternatives to animal testing, including in-vitro tests and clinical studies on humans. Also, given the fact that almost every ingredient has already been tested on animals in the past, there is sufficient data which enables companies to formulate products using ingredients which have already been deemed safe.

 

 

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES TO TESTING ON ANIMALS?

 

• CELL CULTURES. Today’s science is so advanced, that almost every type of human or animal cell can be grown in the laboratory, and made into 3D structures to test new therapies and cosmetics. Scientists have even developed devices that accurately mimic human organs, which has allowed scientific advances in areas like AIDS and cancer treatment.

 

• HUMAN TISSUES. Using tissues donated from volunteers is another way to replace animal testing. For example, skin and eye models made from reconstituted human skin are being used to replace cruel rabbit irritation tests.

 

• COMPUTER MODELS. Science today is so advanced that scientists are able to model different parts of the human body and conduct virtual experiments that help predict how the human body will react to certain ingredients.

 

• VOLUNTEER STUDIES. Studies can also be carried out on human volunteers, for example by “microdosing” patients to measure how small doses affect the human body.

 

 

HOW CAN YOU BE SURE YOUR PRODUCTS ARE CRUELTY-FREE?

 

The best way to assure that your products are actually cruelty-free is to look for the Cruelty Free International’s Leaping Bunny logo. Formed by a coalition of animal advocacy organizations in 1996, Cruelty Free International works to end animal experiments worldwide, by investigating and exposing the cruel reality of life for animals in laboratories. The Leaping Bunny logo sets an international standard for the “cruelty-free” claim, providing consumers with a reliable list of certified cruelty free cosmetic, personal care and household companies. To be certified, companies, their suppliers and manufacturers must therefore evidence that animal testing does not take place at any stage of production.

 

ViTA is thrilled to be certified by Cruelty Free International, making a positive difference for animals by supporting advanced, cruelty-free science. Learn more about ViTA’s mission and click here to shop ViTA's cruelty-free beauty products!