The 8 Cruelty-Free Beauty Certifications and Their Meanings

Navigating the world of cruelty-free beauty can be overwhelming, especially with various certifications claiming ethical practices. While many brands use terms like “vegan” and “not tested on animals,” third-party certifications ensure these claims are legitimate.

Each certification has its own set of criteria, covering aspects like animal testing, ingredient sourcing, and corporate ethics.

---

Cruelty-Free Beauty Certifications You Should Know

Here’s a breakdown of the most recognized cruelty-free certifications and what they mean for conscious beauty shoppers.

1. Leaping Bunny (Cruelty Free International)

The Leaping Bunny logo is one of the most trusted cruelty-free certifications worldwide. Managed by Cruelty Free International, it requires brands to comply with strict no-animal-testing policies at every stage of production.

What It Means:

• No animal testing at any phase of product development.
• Suppliers must also verify their ingredients are cruelty-free.
• Companies must agree to independent audits to ensure compliance.

2. PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies

PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program is one of the easiest certifications for brands to obtain, but it still holds weight in the cruelty-free community.

What It Means:

• Brands sign a statement affirming they do not test on animals.
• No audits or supply chain verification required.
• PETA also offers a vegan certification for brands that exclude animal-derived ingredients.

3. Choose Cruelty Free (CCF)

Based in Australia, Choose Cruelty Free (CCF) offers one of the strictest cruelty-free certifications.

What It Means:

• No animal testing at any point, including third-party suppliers.
• Parent companies must also be cruelty-free.
• Products cannot contain ingredients tested on animals within the last five years.

4. Vegan Society Certification

While primarily a vegan certification, the Vegan Society logo also ensures no animal testing has been conducted.

What It Means:

• No animal-derived ingredients or by-products.
• No animal testing by the company or suppliers.
• Products must meet strict vegan manufacturing standards.

5. Certified Vegan (Vegan Action)

The Certified Vegan logo by Vegan Action is another well-respected certification for cruelty-free and vegan products.

What It Means:

• No animal testing during development or production.
• No animal-derived ingredients, including honey, beeswax, or lanolin.
• Strict auditing process to ensure compliance.

6. Cruelty Free and Vegan by Logical Harmony

The Logical Harmony certification is an independent verification created by cruelty-free beauty expert Tashina Combs.

What It Means:

• Brands must verify cruelty-free claims through supply chain vetting.
• Regular updates and brand checks to ensure continued compliance.
• Offers additional transparency on vegan and cruelty-free status.

7. The Human Cosmetics Standard (HCS)

The Human Cosmetics Standard (HCS) is an internationally recognized certification ensuring no animal testing in cosmetics.

What It Means:

• No testing on animals at any stage of development.
• Strict ingredient verification.
• Companies must be open to independent audits.

8. The Beagle Freedom Project Certified Logo

Beagle Freedom Project, an animal rescue organization, introduced its own cruelty-free certification to highlight brands committed to ending animal testing.

What It Means:

• No animal testing on finished products or ingredients.
• Parent companies must also be cruelty-free.
• Certification supports advocacy efforts against animal testing.

---

How to Choose the Right Certification

When shopping for cruelty-free beauty products, look for certifications backed by strict policies and independent verification. The Leaping Bunny and Choose Cruelty Free logos are among the most rigorous, while PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies and Certified Vegan offer accessible cruelty-free assurance.

Cross-checking brands on certification websites ensures that a company’s claims are legitimate. With growing consumer demand, more beauty brands are making the shift toward ethical, cruelty-free practices.

---

Make Ethical Beauty Choices

Choosing cruelty-free beauty is more than just a trend—it’s a commitment to ending animal testing. By understanding these certifications, you can confidently support brands that align with your values. Look for trusted logos, research brands, and advocate for a future where beauty is entirely cruelty-free.