Animal testing has already been banned by the European Union regulations on finished cosmetic products as of 11/09/2004 and on cosmetic ingredients as of 11/03/2009, in order to prevent unfair competition and misleading the consumer, it is not compliant for companies to state that their products have not been tested on animals with a symbol and logo of their own design (not belonging to a certification institution) or in writing.
To Claim Cruelty-Free;
Two of the most prominent certifications in the industry are the Leaping Bunny program and PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program, each providing a different approach to cruelty-free certification.
Leaping Bunny
Leaping Bunny is run by Cruelty-Free International and its partners, including the Humane Society of the United States and the Animal Alliance of Canada. This certification is widely recognized for its rigorous standards and thorough monitoring process.
To obtain the Leaping Bunny certification, a company must adhere to a strict set of criteria, which includes a supplier monitoring system, a fixed cut-off date for animal testing, and regular independent audits.
The Leaping Bunny logo on a product assures consumers that the product and its ingredients have not been tested on animals at any stage of development.
PETA
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has a cruelty-free certificate program called Beauty Without Bunnies.
Companies seeking PETA’s certification must complete a questionnaire detailing their animal testing policies and provide signed assurances that they do not conduct, commission, or pay for animal tests. PETA’s cruelty-free logo, featuring a rabbit, indicates that the product is free from animal testing.
While PETA’s certification process may be less rigorous than the Leaping Bunny program, it still plays a vital role in raising awareness and promoting cruelty-free practices within the environmentally friendly cosmetics and skincare industry.
