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As consumer awareness continues to grow, ethical and sustainable production practices in cosmetics are becoming increasingly important. In this context, the concepts of cruelty-free (not tested on animals) and vegan (free from animal-derived ingredients) cosmetics have emerged as significant labels that shape both individual preferences and corporate production processes.
Although these two terms are often used together, they carry distinct meanings in terms of content and ethical principles. Below, we outline the core definitions of these concepts within a scientific framework.
What Is Cruelty-Free Cosmetics?
The term cruelty-free refers to cosmetic products or ingredients that have not been tested on animals at any stage of their development, testing, or production processes. This approach is one of the key principles of ethical production and reflects a responsible stance that prioritizes animal welfare.
The scope of cruelty-free practices goes beyond the final product testing and requires a comprehensive and transparent assessment, including the following criteria:
Raw Material and Ingredient Testing: All ingredients used in the product’s formulation must not have been tested on animals. This ethical commitment must be upheld from the very beginning of the supply chain.
Final Product Testing: The final product must not have undergone any animal testing at any stage before being placed on the market.
Supplier Compliance: The manufacturer must not collaborate with suppliers who test on animals or commission third parties to do so. Procuring raw materials or services from such companies contradicts the cruelty-free principle.
Third-Party Testing Authorization: True cruelty-free practices also prohibit animal testing conducted by independent laboratories on behalf of the manufacturer. All external processes must adhere to cruelty-free standards.
Important Note: Cruelty-Free Does Not Mean Vegan!
A common misconception is that cruelty-free products are automatically vegan. While a product may not be tested on animals, it can still contain animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax, milk proteins, lanolin, keratin, or collagen.
Therefore, consumers seeking to make ethical choices should look for both cruelty-free and vegan certifications.
What Is Vegan Cosmetics?Vegan cosmetics are products formulated without any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. They are made exclusively from plant-based, mineral, or synthetic sources. This approach not only reflects personal lifestyle choices but also aligns with environmental sustainability and animal rights.
The vegan philosophy in cosmetics means no animal sources are used directly or indirectly in the development process. This requires a holistic evaluation—from ingredient selection and production methods to supply chain and labeling.
Common Animal-Derived Ingredients Not Found in Vegan Cosmetics:
Vegan products strictly avoid the following:
Milk and derivatives: lactose, casein, yogurt extracts, etc.
Honey and beeswax (cera alba): ingredients sourced from beekeeping.
Lanolin: an emulsifier and emollient derived from sheep wool.
Keratin: a structural protein typically isolated from animal hair, horns, or nails.
Collagen and elastin: proteins obtained from animal connective tissue.
Carmine (CI 75470): a red pigment made from crushed cochineal insects.
Other derivatives: silk proteins, egg derivatives, fish oil, animal-based glycerin, etc.
These are replaced with plant-based alternatives, biotechnologically produced ingredients, or synthetic equivalents.
Important Note: Vegan Does Not Mean Cruelty-Free!
The vegan label only refers to the content of the product. Even if no animal-derived ingredients are present, the product may have been tested on animals during its development.
To clarify:
A vegan product contains no animal-derived ingredients.
A cruelty-free product is not tested on animals at any stage.
Products that meet both criteria are the most ethically sound, respecting both content integrity and animal welfare. Clear labeling of these distinctions is crucial for accurate consumer communication.
Cosming’s Approach: Scientific Accuracy in Vegan Content Analysis
At Cosming, we carry out rigorous vegan analysis for raw materials, R&D formulations, and final cosmetic products used in the industry.
Within our laboratories, we perform scientific validations to confirm that product formulations contain no animal-derived ingredients. This supports producers’ vegan claims with reliable, transparent, and auditable data.
By offering a scientific foundation for vegan cosmetic development aligned with ethical production principles, Cosming contributes to increased trust and credibility in the sector.
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