A consumer guide to cruelty-free products

How to know if a product is really cruelty-free

Finding truly cruelty-free products can feel overwhelming, but a few simple steps make it easier. You can look for trusted logos, read ingredient lists carefully and be wary of misleading claims. But, some packaging uses language that sounds compassionate, but doesn't guarantee cruelty-free practices. Be cautious of the following phrases:

• “Not tested on animals” — The phrase is unregulated and may not cover ingredients or suppliers.
• “Finished product not tested on animals” — While the final product may be free of animal testing, this wording is misleading, as the ingredients may not be cruelty-free.
• "No animal testing unless required by law" — Another potentially confusing phrase, often meaning testing still happens in countries where it's mandated.

Reading ingredient lists

Ingredients alone won't confirm whether a product was tested on animals, but they can raise awareness about it. Animal-derived ingredients like lanolin, beeswax and carmine appear in many products. 

Using trusted resources

Because labels can be confusing, third-party databases are valuable tools. Trusted organizations, such as the Leaping Bunny, maintain updated brand lists — a resource that confirms which companies truly meet the program’s high standards.

Putting it all together

Identifying cruelty-free products means combining label awareness with research. Look for authentic certifications, question vague claims and cross-check brands in trusted databases. Over time, these habits become second nature. Each informed choice strengthens the market for products that prioritize compassion and empathy. 
 

A guide for cruelty-free living 

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Cruelty-free living goes beyond makeup. From the products we use at home to the clothes we wear, every choice can reflect compassion. This cruelty-free guide  makes it easier to spot cruelty-free alternatives across sectors. Each choice you make supports innovation and a more humane market across industries.

Household cleaning products

From dish soap to laundry detergent, cleaning suppliers often fly under the radar. Yet many contain ingredients subject to new animal testing, making label awareness especially important:

• Look for brands certified by Leaping Bunny.
• Avoid products labeled “not animal tested unless required by law.”
• Favor companies that state their testing policies publicly.

Beauty and personal care

Cosmetics and skincare are among the most common areas where you may seek cruelty-free options. Knowing what to check can help you avoid misleading claims and support cruelty-free brands that value compassion:

• Look for the Leaping Bunny logo or consult the Leaping Bunny list.
• Research vague terms like “not tested on animals” and “cruelty-free.” Try to get confirmation on whether the company is accurately representing this.
• Choose brands that share their supplier policies.
• Check for animal-derived ingredients if you prefer vegan products.

Food and agriculture

The food we buy has one of the biggest impacts on animal welfare and sustainability. The best approach would be to incorporate plant-based alternatives into your meals. Even going meat-free one day per week helps support healthier, more ethical food systems:

• Research companies' animal welfare policies for farming practices. Many companies will use impressive-sounding animal welfare claims on their websites and/or labels. Unfortunately, the certifications for farm animal welfare compliance vary greatly in terms of sincerity — and some are primarily for “humane-washing.
• Avoid foods tied to factory farming or poor animal conditions.
• Support local or small-scale farms with transparent practices.

Fashion and textiles

Clothing and accessories can quietly drive animal suffering through leather, fur, wool and down. With growing innovation in sustainable fabrics, it's easier than ever to choose style without cruelty:

• Choose one of the 1,600 fur-free brands and opt for leather-free and down-free options.
• Look for clean labels like “vegan leather” or “recycled textiles.”
• Support brands with public animal welfare commitments.
• Be cautious of vague terms like “ethical” without details.

Pet care

Our pets rely on us for safe, healthy products. By buying cruelty-free goods like shampoos, treats and toys, you extend the same compassion you show them to animals everywhere:

• Select pet shampoos and other grooming products that are certified cruelty-free by the Leaping Bunny Program and going to the “Animal Care” section.
• Avoid using products with undisclosed ingredient sourcing.
• Look for plant-based or responsibly sourced pet foods.
• Choose brands that donate to or support animal welfare causes.

The impact of choosing cruelty-free

Choosing cruelty-free products makes a real difference for animals, the planet and people. Every time you choose a product not tested on animals, you help reduce suffering in labs where rabbits, mice and guinea pigsare still subject to painful chemical tests. This shift also pressures industries to adopt modern, non-animal testing methods that are safer and more reliable. In fact, 70% of Americans prefer brands that focus on animal welfare.

The benefits extend to the environment as well. Animal confinement and production for leather, fur and other materials are resource-intensive, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, water waste and deforestation. Real leather production often relies on chromium tanning, which contaminates rivers and poses a risk to both wildlife and local communities. While faux leather helps avoid animal cruelty, many synthetic versions are not biodegradable and can release microplastics, posing new sustainability challenges. Choosing recycled or plant-based alternatives, such as cork or mushroom leather, offers a more eco-friendly path.

Health is another key factor. Animal testing is often unreliable, as results on animals don't always accurately predict human reactions. This can hinder progress toward safer and more effective products. At the same time, some synthetic materials in textiles and household goods may contain chemicals that affect air quality or cause irritation. By supporting brands that are transparent about ingredients and testing, consumers protect themselves while driving the demand for innovation.

More ways to support the cruelty-free movement

Buying from brands that are cruelty-free is a powerful start, but there are many other ways to get involved in creating meaningful change. Beyond the products you buy, your voice and actions can help grow a compassionate culture where animals are protected and companies held accountable. Here are more ways to get involved: 

• Contact companies directly: Ask brands about their  animal welfare policies, because when enough customers speak up, businesses take notice.
• Support cruelty-free legislation: Support efforts to end animal testing and fur sales in the U.S. and abroad.
• Educate friends and family: Share knowledge about cruelty-free living to help others make informed choices.
• Choose ethical experiences: Avoid entertainment that exploits animals, such as circuses or attractions using captive wildlife.
• Donate or volunteer: Contribute time or money to charities and sanctuaries that protect animals.
• Engage online: Share cruelty-free campaigns on social media with a positive attitude, helping to raise awareness and encouraging others to take action.
• Reward ethical businesses: Leave positive reviews for cruelty-free companies to boost their visibility. 

Together, these steps build momentum. Each action strengthens a movement that places compassion and responsibility at its center. 

Make a difference with the Humane World for Animals

The choices we make, including following a consumer guide to cruelty-free products, can shape a kinder world. Rely on trusted organizations to offer guidance on cruelty-free brand choices, empowering you to make compassionate choices every day. Supporting these groups and the brands they recognize helps build a market where ethics and innovation coexist and thrive.

Humane World for Animals is a mission-driven nonprofit focusing on animal protection and welfare. Our work helps communities, businesses, individuals and governments worldwide shift their behaviors to create lasting, positive change for animals.