Why We Should Be Using Cruelty-Free & Sustainable Beauty Products
Choosing cruelty-free and sustainable products goes a loooooong way.
Researched, written by 
Amber & The Team
Updated on July 9, 2023
// We recommend helpful products in our articles. Read our full disclosure here.
There are many benefits to using cruelty-free and sustainable beauty products.
These are regarded as cleaner cosmetics that are better for your skin, health, and the planet.
From mascara, lipstick, blush, to shampoos, conditioners, and hair dyes, you will find that there are so many sustainable alternatives that you can choose from. Here’s why you should be switching!
8 Reasons To Choose Cruelty-Free & Sustainable Beauty Products
1. It saves animals
Do you love animals?
Then, you’ll be happy to know that cruelty-free beauty product brands have this mission: to leave animals unharmed and in their natural habitat where they belong.
Animal testing is a hot topic in the beauty industry.
Unfortunately, it’s not exactly illegal to take animals from their natural habitat and use them in the lab for product testing.
These animals get exposed to a lot of harsh chemicals and ingredients and then are disposed of, all in the name of beauty.
When you say no to brands that perform cosmetic testing on animals, know that you are helping to save animals!
They are just as important as us humans, and they play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecological balance on the planet.
2. It is gentler on the skin
A lot of cruelty-free beauty products are also eco-friendly.
These are made with less to zero chemicals and all-natural ingredients.
They are least likely to cause skin irritation and breakouts and a lot of eco-friendly care products are also suitable for those with sensitive skin.
3. It is healthier
Cruelty-free and sustainable beauty products are not only good for your skin but also good for your overall health!
These products do not contain harmful chemicals like paraben, sulfates, synthetic dyes, phthalates, toluene, triclosan, formaldehyde, and artificial fragrance.
The research shows how these chemicals can be toxic to humans.
For instance, formaldehyde in everyday items such as makeup and shampoo has been linked to nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
On the other hand, paraben that is found in facial moisturizers can cause allergic reactions and contact dermatitis.
When compared, eco-friendly products mainly use nontoxic and natural ingredients that are responsibly sourced.
Some common examples of sustainable beauty products are those that are plant-based and made from natural oils, organic essential oils, shea butter, and cocoa butter.
4. It helps you save money
Aside from supporting your health and the environment, switching to cruelty-free products can also help your wallet.
Many of these products are surprisingly affordable without sacrificing quality.
You will certainly get the most value for your money.
After all, cruelty-free companies are skipping animal testing altogether so that means less overhead or production cost that is passed on to consumers.
5. It helps to reduce water usage
While the majority of the earth’s surface is covered with water, cruelty-free products are mostly made up of seawater.
And what we need in our daily activities is freshwater, which is only available as 0.5% of our water resources.
It is a vital resource that is mostly found under the ground, inaccessible to humans.
Sustainable companies understand this issue and use their water resources wisely.
Also, creating vegan or plant-based products cuts down water usage, unlike products that use animal-derived ingredients that need plenty of water during processing.
6. It is better for the environment
Sustainable beauty and skincare companies produce organic, vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly products in such a way that is low impact or greatly reduces their carbon footprint.
For one, some brands use recycled products to create their packaging such as 100% recycled PET for their shampoo bottles and recycled certified paper for secondary packaging.
Some brands have also put up refilling stations where customers can bring their own containers or empty bottles to buy refills of items such as soap, shampoo, and lotion.
There are also refillable eco-friendly cosmetics like lipstick, eyeliner, and blush.
7. It is zero-waste
Take a look at your bathroom and see how much personal waste you generate from makeup to skincare… Sustainable beauty products can reduce or eliminate household trash to help you live a low-impact lifestyle that supports the environment.
Some examples of products that have skipped plastic packaging are these brands that sell vegan solid bar shampoos and conditioners.
Another example is eco-friendly products that are not single-use, and rather multi-use, such as reusable cotton rounds for makeup removal by LastObject, NakedSwab’s q-tips, or OKO Creations’ pads.
Interestingly, these products are plant-based and can effectively replace multiple single-use items!
You might be wondering, is it hard to look for products like this?
You won’t have a hard time looking for brands and making the switch to cruelty-free products.
All you have to do is to start searching online, of course!
8. You make a difference
Choosing cruelty-free and sustainable products goes a long way.
When you take a stand, it can inspire other people to do the same, and it can move other companies to take a step towards more sustainable practices.
You will be able to make a difference in your health, in other creatures that inhabit the planet, and the planet itself.
Isn’t that awesome?
The bunnies agree.
Like these ideas?
Scroll down for more!
"We love to research problems, examine studies, analyze solutions, and present to you the best ideas that make life better. You can learn about our editorial standards here.
Have suggestions or feedback to share? Send us a message."