Activism: Are the products you use cruelty free?

[lmarieaa]

The products you use on a daily basis, whether its your makeup or your housecleaning supplies- it is good to know so the next time you go to the store so you can make cruelty free decisions!
Main website: Caring Consumer // A Guide to Kind Living
Search Tool: Caring Consumer // Search for Cruelty-Free Companies and Products

I am doing a complete overhaul on all of the products in my house. I found this tool to be very helpful when trying to figure out if a certain company is cruelty free or not. So maybe we can all maybe buy a little smarter the next time we go to the store.

[lmarieaa]

I suggest making a little book out of a mini notebook or something to carry along with you when you when shopping so you can have a quick reference when in doubt about a certain product.
They have a guide that they will mail you as well. Caring Consumer // Resources // PETA's Cruelty-Free Pocket Shopping Guide

[sophistacavy]

Thank you so much for posting this. I didn't even know that website existed. I am going to have to donate my deodorants someplace, I use Secret and sometimes Dove! I'm going to switch to Tom's of Maine and see how that stuff works. And I have a bunch of other things to switch to/fix like you said! A total revamp. Wow.

Thanks again!

[lmarieaa]

Your welcome I was really surprised myself to find out how many products I have that aren't cruelty free. Luckily Avon is! I love Avon products I too am going to be donating a lot of stuff.

[AnimalHouse36]

It says on there thst REvlon is cruelty free.

They actually test on animals so I'd double check some of the products on there.

[lmarieaa]

I am pretty sure Revlon does not test on animals anymore, but they used to.
Caring Consumer // Information for Consumers // Cosmetics & Cleaners // Featured Cruelty-Free Company: Revlon
IMforAnimals.com - Imogen Bailey & friends for Animal rights

I think it may still be debated whether some of ingredients they use in their products are some of the ingredients that other companies still test on animals, but I cant find any good information to back that up.

[AnimalHouse36]

I saw a thread on PETA.com...I'll look for it now. Last time I checked there was a debate going on and the Admin posted something but there are loopholes so I guess it depends on what extent you beleive to be "cruelty free".

AHA! Found the thread...I guess you can judge for yourself.

PETA's Forum - Revlon

[lmarieaa]

Wow, thank you AnimalHouse for that! I wonder why PETA would allow Revlon to be posted on their cruelty free list if there are significant doubts about them.... This is a better link from a website with more stringent standards for their "cruelty free" list.
Cruelty Free Companies, Compassionate Shopping Guide : LeapingBunny.org

[AnimalHouse36]

Apparently PETA isn't at liberty to talk about it. I don't understand whats going on over there lately.

But either way your very welcome!

[sophistacavy]

Wow, I just realized what I said about donating my deodorants. That would be pretty gross to donate used deodorant . I'll just donate my un-opened ones then.

Thats good to know about that stricter website. And good to know about Revlon. I don't really wear makeup right now, but I think I'm going to be soon. I'll just avoid buying Revlon stuff. I'm glad Bare Escentuals is cruelty-free! I might start with them because I can order it off of QVC. And QVC has Bare Minerals too!

[krittercrazy]

What is the difference in donating products that are not cruelty free and continuing to use them yourself? Either way they are still being used, aren't they? I understand the desire not to use products that you have found out are being tested on animals. I am thinking that I would not want to pass them on to someone else to use either. Wouldn't destroying them make more of a statement about your beliefs?

[lmarieaa]

I have read from many sources that you can send the products and even the unused portion of open products back to the company and tell them why you are not satisfied (animal testing) and they will give you a refund. I am going to try it myself and see what happens.

[Wheek Weak]

Originally Posted by lmarieaa

Your welcome I was really surprised myself to find out how many products I have that aren't cruelty free. Luckily Avon is! I love Avon products

So do I. That's why my heart swelled with pride when I read this post.

Back in the early 1980's, I was an Avon representative. It was around that time that I also became an activist against animal cruelty. I wrote to Avon and told them that I could not, and would not, sell products for a company that did animal testing.

Within a month they wrote back stating that they had discontinued all animal testing due to public demand (I still have the letter). I couldn't believe it...I was so happy. I resumed my Avon selling and sold for the next 12 years.

[MCR_Rox]

I'm pretty sure Bath and Body Works also tests on animals, and they're on PETA's good list.

[sophistacavy]

Originally Posted by MCR_Rox

I'm pretty sure Bath and Body Works also tests on animals, and they're on PETA's good list.

On the back or underside of all of their own brand of stuff, they say "finished product not tested on animals".

I would like to know what the definition of finished product is. To me, it sounds like this statement could be implying that B&B Works might test the seperated, individual ingredients (before they are made together into what we use) on animals. Maybe. I don't know......but it's always irked me!

[AnimalHouse36]

PETA's Forum - "This Finished Product Was Not Tested On Animals"

Maybe that will help.

[guineapigluver1]

Wait a minute, Avon doesn't test? I thought they did, so I wasn't going to use their stuff. I'm so happy! I really want to try a lot of their things.
Thanks for posting it, it helps a lot!

[3luckyducks]

I don't see the point in donating those items? I would just finish them off and then not continue to buy it. Or, just throw them away.
Donating them to someone else is like promoting the product.

[sophistacavy]

I was thinking about donating to a woman's shelter, or a woman & children's shelter. If they survive on donations, then it doesn't matter what is donated, does it? The residents can't buy their own stuff, can they?
Sorry, I totally see your point, and I am currently just using them up, but I don't know anything about women's shelters or women & children's shelters.

[gooberific]

Originally Posted by 3luckyducks

I don't see the point in donating those items? I would just finish them off and then not continue to buy it. Or, just throw them away.
Donating them to someone else is like promoting the product.

Still, donating anything to people who could really use them... I mean, there are hundreds of women and children in shelters who could really use a stick of deodorant, or a bottle of shampoo for their kid. So that's a really sticky argument that I don't really want to get into, but I do just want to say that donating anything usable is commendable and shows a bit of care.

However, I think the best route to go with would be sending them back to the company and asking for a refund due to unsatisfactory practices.

(edited to add: Sophistacavy, looks like you and I are almost on the same thoughtwaves here...)