5 Simple Tips for Switching to Cruelty-Free Cosmetics

I have spent many years working on simplifying my beauty routine, and have seen results that I love. I especially love using organic products with essential oils, and stick to minimal makeup. Checking for cruelty-free products is a must, because in so many ways, they are better for the environment.

Are you planning to make the switch from regular to cruelty-free, possibly organic cosmetics? Have you recently realized that many of the beauty product manufacturers harm and torture animals to test their beauty (or other) products? Either way, you could be wondering where to begin your journey into living toxin-free and cruelty-free.

Have a read through these following five tips, which will hopefully make your transition to cruelty-free cosmetics as simple as possible.

Give Yourself Time to Make the Change

After many years, possibly even decades, of using traditional cosmetics, it will take some time to switch comfortably. Mentally and even physically this transition needs to be gradual to be progressive. Once you start researching, you will find that an extensive amount of the products you use in your home are, in fact, made by companies that tests its products on animals. Start off easy and replace a few products, bit by bit, as you need them. One of my favorite places for cruelty free cosmetics is Civilized Cosmetics. They have some great hemp oil products, too.

Please Don’t Make the Environment Worse

Do you get the urge to throw out all of your cosmetic and beauty products to start over from scratch? Please don’t. Waste will not help you, your wallet or the ecosystem. Draining chemicals down your sink will have a negative effect on our world. The same is true with plastics that go anywhere other than the recycle container. You have already purchased your current inventory of products, so just use them up before you swap to cruelty-free.

Get to Know Your Bunny Rabbits

Have you seen bunny logos on cosmetic products? That’s a good sign! There are organizations around the world dedicated to pointing you in the right direction when you are looking for products that don’t test on animals. Some bunnies will point you to excellent cruelty-free goods. However, not all bunny-bearing products are created equal. Look for these three:

The Leaping Bunny Program – associated with Cruelty Free International and the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics. You can also check them out on Facebook and on their Twitter page for exclusive deals, discounts, news and contests.

The Caring Consumer  – PETA’s animal friendly designation, where you can type in a search for brands and product ingredients to help you make your decisions.

The CCF Rabbit – This is an Australian-based Choose Cruelty-Free organization. This is another site where you can search companies and their track records. You can find lists of vegan products, as well as names of companies that have been removed from the cruelty-free list.

Get a Partner, Create a Tribe

You can make a bigger impact on the environment, animals and beauty product manufacturers when you double your efforts. It is also more fun when you get a friend involved in your environmentally friendly efforts. You may even consider forming or joining a cruelty-free consciousness group. Starting a group or a page on social media is always a fantastic way to find others of like mind, to brainstorm together, and to gather support. You may find your efforts lead to very real change!

Look Outside Your Cosmetics

Dental care products like mouthwash and toothpaste are unfortunately usually tested on animals. The same is true with most dental floss, deodorant and laundry detergent. To make a more powerful impact, adopt cruelty-free products all around the home, not just where your cosmetics are concerned. You may also wish to consider making the switch to preparing the vast majority of your body care and household products.