As a self-confessed animal lover, I strongly believe in using products that are cruelty free and not tested on animals in any way, shape or form. Before I purchase any beauty products I always make sure they are certified by PETA and the Leaping Bunny association which is an International gold standard for non-animal tested consumer products. It has a rigorous selection process and is very selective with the brands that it lists as cruelty free. For example, some brands may claim to be cruelty free, but their ingredient suppliers are not, making them effectively not cruelty free.
Leaping Bunny require that a company agrees to independent audits, meaning they can check that a product is genuinely cruelty free. If you spot the cute little bunny logo displayed on the product, it has passed the test and is easily identifiable as cruelty free. If you don’t see a logo, fear not. You can also double check on the Leaping Bunny and PETA websites or app and make an all-important well informed decision before you buy.
Options for cruelty free brands have grown considerably in the last few years and with so many quality brands now on the market, and some even homegrown here in the UAE, there is no excuse to not make a conscious decision on your next beauty haul! Here are a few of my cruelty free skincare saviours:
1. Herbal Essentials
This homegrown, award-winning brand is my favourite choice when it comes to daily cleansing and treating my skin with a weekly mask and scrub. With ingredients such as papaya fruit and honey, aloe vera and sweet almond oil, their products not only smell lovely, they are completely natural using Himalayan spring water, organic essential oils and ayurvedic ingredients. Their face mask is a weekly ritual of mine and with a blend of clay and plant extracts which are known for their detoxifying and antioxidant properties, my skin is radiant and smooth for the week ahead.
2. Rahua
Being cruelty free is just one of Rahua’s distinctions. It is also vegan, organic, sulphate, paraben and gluten free! It offers the kindest, organic hair treatments with tribal recipes from the Amazon rainforest. Their formulas are 100% natural and the oils that they use have been passed down for generations, sourced and processed with traditional methods and rituals. I love that there is no alcohol to dry out my hair and the Rahua Mask treatment, offered at Plethora Hair Lab is a complete treat that restores protein into my hair leaving it unbelievably soft and shiny.
3. Jane Iredale
Jane Iredale is my go-to brand for make-up with completely natural ingredients. Their products are formulated with pure minerals and pigments and contain no oil or talc so are perfect for all skin types as they do not dry out the skin or enlarge the pores. I particularly love their gorgeous highlighters and bronzers that come in so many options, from dust, cream to block bronzers, they all look great on my skin. Knowing that they are also free of chemical additives and other nasties make them a brand I always return to.
4. Desert Essence
Desert Essence have the best body washes and in-shower experiences! I love their large range of natural scents and options, especially the coconut and almond body washes, which both smell divine. They are packed with vitamins and really nourish my skin, leaving it thoroughly moisturised. Certified by Leaping Bunny they are free of animal cruelty and testing and require all of their ingredient suppliers to abide by the same principle.
5. Biona Organic
I adore coconut oil, it has a multitude of health benefits and uses from a massage oil to improving digestive health and a strengthened immune system. I use Biona Organic virgin coconut oil religiously for all-over body, hair and skin care. It has the most amazing smell and texture and is so good for your overall wellbeing and health. A real wonder product, this is one so good you can eat it!
6. Izil
The word ‘Izil’ actually means ‘pure’, and these Moroccan beauty products are exactly that! They contain organic, 100% pure Argan oil, honey and other natural, rare ingredients and plant extracts. They have the richest texture and I love the All in One triple extra virgin, cold pressed oil that has a range of uses from softening my cuticles to an at-home hair repair treatment.
Sadly, animal testing is an ugly side of the beauty industry and we are all responsible for raising awareness. Upgrade your beauty box today and next time you are in the mall, keep a lookout for those cute little bunnies!
Love, Eve x