Best "cruelty-free" products?

Question

This doesn't exactly fall under the food & drink category, but I need some advice from animal activists and smart shoppers.

When buying things like beauty products I try to invest in brands that claim to be strictly "vegan" or those that do not test on animals. Sites like http://www.caringconsumer.com have more info on stuff like this. Anyway... in your own experience, which of these sort of products are the best? Which shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, etc. or just certain brands in general tend to do their job beauty-wise?

Answer 1

First off I can't believe no one has mentioned the Dr. Bronners labels! Even with his children toning them down since his death they are still the coolest. If you never had the pleasure of reading the old paper labels with microscopic print even on the gallon and multigallon jugs the current ones are fantastic.

I'll also second the motion for Natures gate! The conditioner is really good and the fact that in the bottle it's really ugly is a testament to their commitment to function over form. None of their products are losers.

The Sundog products (that are now owned by the Bronners) are also really top notch.

Lastly I'd say to avoid Burts Bees (they've become a megacorp with a less than stellar record) and Tom's of Maine (whose products aren't the best and have over the years had several recalls over health probs).

Answer 2

Yay! an intelligent vegan question! ROCK ON!!
I've tried numerous cruelty-free products. Alba is awesome for shampoo and conditioner, and Aveda's 'Brilliant' shampoo is pretty good, as well. (Aveda doesn't necessarily have no animal products, I learned the hard way.)
For soap, I use Dr. Bronners. You can add essential oils to it, if you like.
Cliff Nectar bars are yummy :)
Moisturizers: Trader Joe's unscented lotion in the pink bottle is wonderful. Kiss My Face is marked on the back as being no animal by-products or testing, and they have some lovely scents.
For baths, I buy sea salt in bulk and add my own essential oils. Heck of a lot cheaper, vegan, and no chemicals :)
For makeup, I can't stress this enough: BARE ESCENTUALS!!! I love them and am never going back! I have such dry skin and makeup doesn't stay on me well. It wears off and creases like crazy. Bare Escentuals' makeup is non drying, stays on all day, doesn't crease, and doesn't clog pores and consequetly cause acne! A little goes a long way, so while it may seem a touch expensive, you'll realize that it lasts seemingly forever... :) Plus, their eyeshadows can be combined with water to make an eyeliner.

My rule is to just avoid products that don't clearly state on the back "No animal by-products or testing." If they're not going to clearly state that, I'm not going to trust them!

Thanks for being vegan, and keep up the good work!

Answer 3

I use Body Shop products.....they do not test on animals, and despite beeswax in a lot of products meet some criteria here and there for being cruelty free. More importantly on the broader cruelty free spectrum, they are a fair trade company- meaning they give the small communities where they purchase their ingredients from a good price for their fruits, nuts, etc. Just an all around great company, with many excellent products to chose from. They also have a program called Body Shop At Home where a consultant will come to your home with products and have a "girls night out" for you and your friends....Fabulous!!

Answer 4

Dr. Bronner's Organic Peppermint liquid soap.

I use it as showering body wash but you can use it to clean nearly anything! Smells great -- an amazing effervescent experience in the shower! You're missing out if you haven't had the pleasure.

Answer 5

I like Natures gate or Austrailian organics.