animal testing products

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

Hi there i saw something about not using products that are tested on animals and I am an extreme couponer and have a ton of body wash toothpaste and shampoo that I got for free and i wanted to switch over to products that aren’t being tested on animals and was wondering what products people use that people use that aren’t tested on animals?

[Tate]

Just look on the packaging.. It should say on the back “not tested on animals”. Chances are that you already have a few products not tested on animals! Peta.org has a list of companies that don’t test on animals. The shampoo and conditioner I use is called Pureology. It’s vegan and not tested on animals but it’s pretty expensive. It’s seriously awesome shampoo though… my hair hasn’t ever felt better!

[LoveChaCha]

Look for the purple rabbit logo on the bottle, I believe.

It is really hard to find coupons for organic type things… I’m not sure i can be of any help

[Malp_15]

This is the link to the leaping bunny site. You can print a PDF list of cruelty free brands or you can get one mailed to you. I have one and it is AWESOME to be able to just pull it out of my purse and do a quick look while at the store

http://leapingbunny.org/shopping.php

[bunnyfriend]

I use Aveda for all my hair products, they don’t test on animals. Does anyone know a good company for like face washes and stuff? I use Neutrogena but apparently even though they are cruelty-free Johnson & Johnson isn’t, something I didn’t think to check up on until I saw this post.

[Tate]

Clinique is awesome! It took me a while to get used to their products… their acne line really dried out my skin (and I have pretty oily skin naturally) but now that I’ve been using it, it’s great! They have other gentler products as well.
I’ve found that their products are really worth the price.

[MoveDiagonally]

I have been using Burts Bees skincare line. They do not test on animals but I guess their parent company is questionable… I love Burts Bees and this makes me sad. They make the best chapstick ever.

It can be hard to wade through products to find ones that do not profit companies that test on animals. So many companies are owned by bigger companies with questionable ethics.

[LBJ10]

Jason makes awesome shampoo! It’s biodegradable too.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

You can get a free list from Peta of companies that don’t test.

Also look for ‘green’ products, they are often not tested on animals.

Procter and Gamble are HUGE bad guys for testing and own tons of companies, so go on their site to see what not to buy.

If you got the stuff for free-use it Your not supporting the company if you didn’t give them money.

[Malp_15]

My favourite line is Kiss My Face their stuff is all biodegradable, organic, preservative and paraben free! I use their shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and lotion. I’ve never used a better moisturizer or lotion!

[LittlePuffyTail]

Great for you that you want to go Cruelty-Free!!! I’m a huge advocate for Cruelty-Free. Definitely check out the “Leaping Bunny” site that Map-15 suggested. They also have a Facebook page. I have one of the pocket shopping guides and it’s very useful.

I use absolutely nothing that has been tested on animals. Sometimes it’s hard to find an alternative but if you persevere you will find one. For laundry and dish detergents, there are many brands that are more natural and don’t test on animals. If you’re at Wal-mart just look at the bottles of stuff like shampoo until you find one that either has the little bunny logo or that states “No animal testing”.

I also really like the Kiss My Face line. Wonderful products. All Avon products are also cruelty-free so I get a lot of my make-up through them.

Cruelty-Free feels good.

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

I no I didn’t spend any money on the products I am using but buy using the products I just don’t feel right if we all stop buying there products they might stop testing on animals.

[Sarita]

What do you do with all your products? I’ve watched the show Extreme Couponing and wonder about what they do when they buy all the boxes or bags of croutons and just off the wall stuff that they end up purchasing. Seems like alot is processed food or snack food too.

Seems like alot do share with friends and family and one lady gives food to the teenagers in her neighborhood and some to food banks which is pretty cool.

Have you tried shopping at a place like Sprouts or Whole Foods for body products – I think they sometimes have coupons or you can look those brands up on line to see if there are any on-line coupons. I imagine even if you don’t pay for them you are still consuming their products and they must be making money on them somehow.

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

actually sarita i make up baskets and donate them to raise money for charitys. That is what i am going to do with alot of my products that test on animals.

[Sarita]

That’s a great idea! I also imagine local women’s and homeless shelters would appreciate those items as well.

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

I am excited because i check out my health and beauty stock pile and I got a year ago 11 bottle of vo5 shampoo for free when I went to check here they don’t test on animals made me very excited and I have some nivea body wash and they don’t test on animals either and these products I get for free all the time with extreme couponing thank you everyone!

[Tate]

Posted By kamdynandsunshinesmom on 09/22/2011 01:12 PM
actually sarita i make up baskets and donate them to raise money for charitys. That is what i am going to do with alot of my products that test on animals.

You are so awesome! 

[peppypoo]

Agreed with Tate! kamdynandsunshinesmom, that’s a really awesome thing to do!

I think the truth is that while products can label all they want, there is not a single commercial cosmetic product that exists today that has not benefited from animal testing. Same goes for medications/supplements – in fact, medications, vaccines, and medical treatments are not legally allowed to be administered without stringent rounds of testing on several different species. Where do you think your money goes when you donate to support cancer research? Just by enjoying the luxuries and conveniences of modern society, it’s impossible to not be complicit .

That being said, I know it’s not for everybody, but I actually haven’t used soap regularly in years, and within the last year or so cut out shampoo and conditioner from my routine. I’m not really disgusting, I promise! I just feel like unless you’ve gotten really dirty or have had strenuous activity that day, there really is no reason to wash off all the oils from your body every day then moisturize immediately afterwards…why not save both steps and let your natural oils take care of it? Of course it’s a personal judgement call, but I’ve gotten along fine for years without soap…even around my family who wouldn’t hesitate a moment to tell me if I smelled. As for shampoo, I wash my hair daily with a dilute baking soda/water mixture and “condition” just the tips with a bit of a mixture of extra virgin olive oil and a few drops of essential oils so it smells nice. It took my oily hair only about a week to get used to, and not only does it save money, but it is also better for the environment/your hair and skin and probably as close to cruelty-free as you can get.

[Tate]

Posted By peppypoo on 09/22/2011 02:24 PM

 I wash my hair daily with a dilute baking soda/water mixture and “condition” just the tips with a bit of a mixture of extra virgin olive oil and a few drops of essential oils so it smells nice. It took my oily hair only about a week to get used to, and not only does it save money, but it is also better for the environment/your hair and skin and probably as close to cruelty-free as you can get.

 

How much baking soda do you put in? Would love to try this. Also, what kind of essential oils do you use and do you put them in while you’re showering or afterwards? 

[peppypoo]

Tate – if you dump a few tablespoons of baking soda in a cup and run a bit of warm water over it (but not enough to dissolve all the baking soda) you’ll notice that the saturated solution on top will be kind of slippery-feeling, for lack of a better way to put it.  That’s what I apply in copious amounts to the roots of my hair, where all the oils are. Until I find a better way to dispense, I just keep a mug in my shower and use my hand to cup out the solution…not a very graceful/efficient process, lol! Plus, if I forget to remove it before people come my guests are always really confused at the mug of white powder sitting in my shower, heh.  How much baking soda/water I use is not a very exact ratio at all…I just make sure there’s enough baking soda in the mug, and add water from the shower as needed to make the solution.

I’ve heard of people using the oils in the shower, then rinsing/toweling off, but I don’t like the idea of an oily shower/towel. After I get out of the shower, I work a tiny bit of oil all over my hands (moisturizing my hands in the process!) and run my hands through the tips of my hair as needed…better to start off with just a bit and add in increments than to realize you’ve used too much. The essential oils really aren’t necessary, just to make things smell nice…I just went to Whole Foods, browsed their aisle of essential oils for a scent I liked, and added a few drops to the EVOO.

If you try, be prepared for an adjustment period where your hair is getting used to the new treatment and you are learning how best to apply everything…I’m a student, and most students aren’t exactly the most hygienic of people, so I don’t think anybody noticed my slighty gunkier hair for a week or so, lol. But now everything is back to normal, and I think it’s a small price to pay to stop killing my scalp on a daily basis with commercial shampoos!

[Stickerbunny]

The EU is passing a ban on animal tested cosmetics, wish the U.S. would adopt something like that. Medical testing currently requires it, but they are working on laws to help protect animals from needless tests in that department as well – IE: prove that the alternatives will not work for your tests, not just that it is easier for your company to throw it into animals even if the tests are not as useful (which a lot of animal testing has been proven useless when it comes to effects on humans). It is a very, very slow uphill battle at times, but animals have won some victories.

In the meantime, no you can’t avoid all animal testing or products that have been generated from animal testing (though, it has also been proven a lot of our medications and such would have come about without animal testing, since the alternatives would have worked for them) but trying to buy cruelty free cosmetics is a great step. I mean, why do you REALLY need to drop alcohol-based chemical products into a rabbits eyes to know it’s going to burn? It doesn’t benefit humans at all, just rushes the products to market because companies want to be lazy.

[Tate]

I’m definitely going to try that Peppy! It’s going to save so much money! I’m really excited. Haha.
That is a good point about the oil in the shower… Hahah I definitely did not think of that.

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

Do many people use cruelty free products. I do understand that most of the money I raise for organizations are being tested on animals. My big organization is the american cancer society. I really can’t stop it but making little steps like switching products that don’t animal testing is a good start. I don’t see why they have to test on animals. The animals have know say at least humans can voice there opinion. thanks everyone

[LBJ10]

I know quite a few people that like to use cruelty free products. It is completely unnecessary, so I don’t understand why people would want to support it. I suppose it is mostly just ignorance though. A co-worker of mine (who owned a pet rabbit) was shocked when I told her about all the poor little bunnies that get tortured for cosmetics and whatnot. Oh my gosh, and the horrible things they do to dogs for household chemicals.

[equalsign]

I use cruelty free products too. After learning about things like the draize test that they perform on rabbits I couldn’t buy another one. There are alternatives accepted by the greater scientific community for most, though not all cosmetic tests at least. Here are some brands I like:

 

7th Generation: dishwashing soap, laundry detergent, household cleaner

American Crew: Men’s hair products. I prefer the good stuff when it comes to shampoo. With high end stuff you have to use a lot less so it lasts much longer. I’ve been using the same bottles for a year and expect it to last another 6 months. I only wash my hair every two days though.

Tom’s Of Maine: deoderant, toothpaste

Clearly Natural: glycerin body soap

Kirk’s Natural: castle body soap

Planet: dish soap, you can use it to wash fruit (or your dog) too according to the website

Kroger: I’ve called them and they say their company has never tested on animals, except with their dog food (which can sometimes be very cruel too, but maybe it wasn’t here). Their stuff is based off of products that test on animals, but as another tester wrote that’s the case with most products.

The Body Shop: MANY types of products, none tested on animals and none contain animal byproducts. Kinda expensive though.

Remington: shave gel

The Tree Hut: Body Butter

Value Priced Meds: Bean-zyme (vegan Bean-o, much cheaper and chewable!)

Mrs. Meyers: hand soap, laundry detergent

Method: handsoap

Burt’s Bees: lip balm, other body products

Dr. Bronners: all purpose crazy soap

*And many others I can’t recall at the moment.

 

My girlfriend insists on having a deoderant that has antiperspirant. I called the Ban brand and they said they didn’t, but I’d have to call again to make sure they don’t mean their “finished products” aren’t tested on animals.

Honestly though, you’re best off just checking the label. There are lists out there, but they’re super long and are always missing a ton of companies and products. What your local stores have is going to differ quite a bit by region. If the label doesn’t say anything that means they probably do test. Like Ban though, you might try looking it up online or calling. Procter and Gamble, Johnson and Johnson, and Unilever all test on animals. Though it should be noted that Unilver has a slighty better reputation for cooperating with animal welfare organizations than the other two.

If you see a product sitting by its lonesome then check it. You have pretty good luck with smaller, newer, and natural brands. Most larger and older companies do test. When I see all these new small brands coming out with competing products that aren’t tested on animals it makes me really question all those big companies and their statements about a lack of alternatives.

For the record, I shop at a normal grocery store, not a health food or specialty store. I don’t have a car (I’m in college) and they’re too far away. I live in Utah, which is a very conservative state where being nice to animals isn’t something that crosses most peoples’ minds and usually lands you a lot of flack. You really can find products not tested on animals if you just check the labels.

 

[LBJ10]

I always have the best luck at health food stores like Akins. The products are advertised as being “natural” and biodegradable”, but a lot of times that also translates to cruelty-free as well (not all the time, but a lot of the time). You can find some products at regular stores like Target or even grocery stores. It just depends on how broad of a selection they carry.

equalsign – I love Clearly Natural soap, but my husband hates it. He says it doesn’t lather enough. I think it’s great though.

[equalsign]

Posted By LBJ10 on 09/22/2011 10:33 PM

equalsign – I love Clearly Natural soap, but my husband hates it. He says it doesn’t lather enough. I think it’s great though.

I love it too. I always have to look through it before I use it . So cool. For him I’d recommend trying Dr. Bronners (liquid so you need a loofa or shower ball thing), Kirk’s Castle, or anything (on sale) at the Body Shop then. They give more of a “normal” soap lather. Kirk’s Castle Soap is pretty widely available and cheap too.

[LittlePuffyTail]

A lot of big groceries have natural food sections where you can find lots of natural-type beauty and cleaning products. Double check but most of these are Cruelty-Free. It sucks to pay $6.00 for toothpaste as opposed to $2.00 but if it’s harmed a rabbit I don’t want it in my house.

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

A question for peppypoo my question is I read that you don’t use soap regularly if you don’t mind me asking what do you use instead of soap? I have found a few of the products I do use don’t test on animals. Thanks

[Stickerbunny]

So I was discussing with the boyfriend using cruelty free care products and he’s like “I am not using any other soap” o.O … he has oily skin and insists that the only soap that works is ivory, erm? Thousands of people with oily skin can use other products.

[LBJ10]

Posted By Stickerbunny on 09/24/2011 10:03 AM
So I was discussing with the boyfriend using cruelty free care products and he’s like “I am not using any other soap” o.O … he has oily skin and insists that the only soap that works is ivory, erm? Thousands of people with oily skin can use other products.

I have an idea. Get some glycerin soap, melt in down, and pour it into a mold that says “Ivory” on it. Then slip it into the shower and tell him that is what the “new” Ivory soap looks like.

[LoveChaCha]

My question is: Why is it so much more expensive to buy products that are not animal tested?

[LBJ10]

Aren’t they usually smaller companies that have higher overhead? Sort of like buying organic food is more expensive? I dunno. LOL!

[LoveChaCha]

So I’m guessing that for a small company to gain profit, they have to raise the price in products?

[Stickerbunny]

The same reason it’s generally more expensive to go to a local store than to wal-mart. Big companies have huge warehouses and their own factories etc, so they can make things really cheap. Plus, the natural stuff usually uses GOOD QUALITY products, whereas the other companies can just shove it out with cheap chemicals. Also, animal testing rushes it through our system to the market, versus other tests so they can get it on sale faster so they make more profit over all so can make it cheaper. The reason so many companies use animal testing even though the alternatives work FINE for a lot of things is because of how much faster it can get to the market if they use animals versus lab cultures and such.

But, on a whole, the smaller companies care more about the quality of their products so it’s so much nicer to buy the more expensive natural stuff.

I think I am going to try to find some sort of soap made with jojoba oil in it – I proved to the boyfriend that it works for people who have oily skin (he refused to use any massage oils, until I got that and now he uses it when his skin starts to break out ), so I think I could get him to try it if I can lol

[peppypoo]

Posted By Lagomorpheus on 09/25/2011 08:35 AM
It’s not cheaper because “corporations are evil” and “chemicals are poison” and various other leftist bromides

Ahahaha *high five*. You’re awesome, I agree.

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

I unerstand what everyone is saying. I do understand cheap products do have chemicals in them some of the cheap products I buy don’t test on animals. Maybe down the road when I have more money and financial situation is better I am going to buy all natural products the only place where I live that sells them is walmart and they ranged about $9.00 I did see an all natural 3 in 1 shampoo bodywash and conditioner. that i liked which had a coupon on it for $2.00 off i don’t use that much bodywash. I heard someone say they don’t use bodywash or soap I was wondering what you use instead?

[Joyfull_music]

Let me just clear one thing up that nobody has mentioned (at least that I saw.) The label “Not tested on animals” or “cruelty free” Can be very misleading and you need to be careful how you read it. A lot of the times the product is not tested on animals in it’s final states, HOWEVER the individual ingredients that went into the making of said product (any sort of scents, dyes, sulfates, sodiums, ect. ect. ect.) have almost all been tested on an animal at some point. It is nearly impossible to find a product in this day in age that is 100% not animal tested.

I know a guy who works in a lab doing medical testing on rats for prosthetic joint replacements on humans. And he has told me that those labels are all very misleading. Even a lot of the stuff that claims to be 100% organic.

[Tate]

Posted By Joyfull_music on 09/25/2011 02:05 PM
Let me just clear one thing up that nobody has mentioned (at least that I saw.) The label “Not tested on animals” or “cruelty free” Can be very misleading and you need to be careful how you read it. A lot of the times the product is not tested on animals in it’s final states, HOWEVER the individual ingredients that went into the making of said product (any sort of scents, dyes, sulfates, sodiums, ect. ect. ect.) have almost all been tested on an animal at some point. It is nearly impossible to find a product in this day in age that is 100% not animal tested.

I know a guy who works in a lab doing medical testing on rats for prosthetic joint replacements on humans. And he has told me that those labels are all very misleading. Even a lot of the stuff that claims to be 100% organic.

If I’m not mistaken, some laws require certain ingredients to be tested so even if a company claims to not test on animals, sometimes they HAVE to. Organic and free range/cage free labels are also complete crap. Lol.

[LoveChaCha]

Tate, you are correct. I read an article on free range and it can be a broad range of things.

I read the ingredients. I wish there was a smart phone app on scanning to see about health care products hahaha! I know there is a food one -Fooducate and I use that quite a bit.

There was even an article very recently on how blueberries in muffins and other food products are actually not blueberries lol. That is why I tell people to read the labels on things that they are unsure of

[LBJ10]

Wait? Communists? I’m confused. Who was this directed at? All I said was that many cruelty-free products come from smaller companies and that they have higher overhead costs.

[LoveChaCha]

Posted By LBJ10 on 09/25/2011 03:42 PM
Wait? Communists? I’m confused. Who was this directed at? All I said was that many cruelty-free products come from smaller companies and that they have higher overhead costs.

 

I don’t have a clue. I was interested in this topic, wanted to educate myself on it, and asked questions. I don’t get it either.

[Monkeybun]

Political bashing isn’t necessary, this topic is about cruelty free products, not political views.

That said, to be honest, I don’t check with the stuff I buy. Why? Because I can’t spend #10 on toothpaste. Definitely not in this economy. But, I also don’t use useless cosmetics. Make-up is silly. Shampoo, soap, yes.

Also, I agree ont eh medical testing.. it IS necessary. Testing on other humans without knowing how it would affect them, is just…

[peppypoo]

Eek – to clarify, I identify with Lagomorpheus’ attitude toward a lot of the marketing and trends of products, not the political/confrontational attitude.

Chacha, I saw the article you posted that addressed the fake blueberries…and I did actually notice a year or two ago on a cereal bar ingredients list “blueberry-flavored cranberries” or something, haha. Dried blueberries are expensive…

[LoveChaCha]

HAHA interesting Peppy! My aunt posted the article on it (oh facebook lol) and Maya posted an article on my wall.

I’ve only seen the dried blueberries in the small packages. I’ll have to hit up the bulk food section at work sometime hahaha. Chacha and I share snacks all the time

As this topic has gone on, I have seen a little increase in coupons for non-animal tested products. I’ve seen some for Toms, and for some food items that are gluten-free. It is good that coupons are coming out for those sort of items

I have 2 Annie’s coupons for .50 off in my bag…. *whistles*

[Tate]

Peppy, I started using the baking soda for shampoo… My hair kinda feels like I sprayed it down with hair spray, BUT my wavy hair is back!!! Yesssss! Hahah

[peppypoo]

Tate – haha, I’m glad you’re finding something positive about it…I was afraid you’d be like “what the heck is this random girl from the internet trying to do to me??!” Also forgot to mention – while transitioning, for a while I still used conditioner but baking soda for shampoo…makes things a little easier instead of “cold turkey”.

[Tate]

Haha, I told my boyfriend about it and he was like, “that’s what all the hippies do”. 😐
I still have regular shampoo and conditioner so I’m going to do a few days of just baking soda and then a day of shampoo/conditioner. Luckily, my hair doesn’t look nasty at all.. It looks clean, just doesn’t *feel* like it. Haha! I’ve also been bleaching my hair since I was 13 so I’m used to the dryness.

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

Well I see both views on everything. Just like when my dad was going for cancer treatement they asked him to be part of a clinical study and they didn’t know if it would work. I guess what I don’t like is that animals really don’t have a say. Us humans can realy voice are opinions. I also so don’t have alot of money either to go by expensive all natural products that cost $10. I don’t understand why companies put no animal testing on there if they really do test on animals. I am going to try to buy products that say no animal testing. I also decided today that it was a good day to become a Flexitarian. A semi vegetarian. I am not going to eat meat but I will eat all dairy products and like gravy beef broth and chicken broth just no meat. I have been struggling with this decision and came to a decision.

[LBJ10]

Posted By kamdynandsunshinesmom on 09/25/2011 05:15 PM
Well I see both views on everything. Just like when my dad was going for cancer treatement they asked him to be part of a clinical study and they didn’t know if it would work. I guess what I don’t like is that animals really don’t have a say. Us humans can realy voice are opinions. I also so don’t have alot of money either to go by expensive all natural products that cost $10. I don’t understand why companies put no animal testing on there if they really do test on animals. I am going to try to buy products that say no animal testing. I also decided today that it was a good day to become a Flexitarian. A semi vegetarian. I am not going to eat meat but I will eat all dairy products and like gravy beef broth and chicken broth just no meat. I have been struggling with this decision and came to a decision.

The problem is that there are no regulations on using the phrases “not tested on animals” or “cruelty-free”. If the finished product isn’t tested on animals, then they think it is perfectly acceptable to put it on the packaging. Products that are certified by Leaping Bunny are supposed to be cruelty-free in all stages of production. So that means the places where the company obtains supplies/ingredients aren’t supposed to test on animals either.

[LBJ10]

I do want to mention something and this isn’t directed at anyone. It is important to note that there is a difference between medical research and cosmetic research. In order for drugs to make it to the market, they must be tested on animals first to meet FDA requirements. For cosmetics and household products, however, the FDA does not require the products be tested on animals. I think the only things that they require animal testing on (that would fall under this category) is stuff like sunscreens, fluoride-containing toothpastes, etc.

[BB Administrator]

Posted By Monkeybun on 09/25/2011 04:11 PM
Political bashing isn’t necessary, this topic is about cruelty free products, not political views.

Thank you, Monkeybun. 

A reminder to everyone:  Debates about animal testing  are not allowed.   

FORUM RULE:   F.    ***Debates: Let’s keep this board light!  Light discussions and differing opinions about rabbit welfare is fine, but please refrain from getting into serious debates about ***God, Government, Animal Rights rights in general (eg. like anti-vivisection aka: for science/medicine, rabbits as food, and about controversial highly charged subjects and groups) or any serious ethical debate. 

Posts (or parts of posts), that have engaged in a debate have been deleted.  (though a few comments may have been missed). 

Please refrain from getting into debates about animal testing.   The OP was just asking for product recommendations for cruelty free products. Offering additional information about what cruelty-free may actually mean is okay,, but getting into an ethical or political debate it is not allowed.

If anyone has an itch to debate this subject there are many forums that are dedicated to debating issues. 

Please just focus on the original question: 

“… was wondering what products people use that aren’t tested on animals?”

Helloworld!!

[LittlePuffyTail]

Yes, like BB suggests, let’s get back to the original topic.

Not all cruelty-free products are expensive. For example, my shampoo and conditioner I get at Wal-mart for around $5.00 which is nothing compared to a lot of the other brands. It’s called “Live Clean” and I love it. KissMyFace brand can get pricey but you can get a bar of soap for a couple of bucks. The thing I find the most expensive is the cruelty-free toothpaste. My favorite body wash is “Jason” which is about 7 bucks but you get a giant bottle that lasts me for months. I also only buy cruelty-free vitamins (I take B12).

The Body Shop and Bath and Body Works only sell cruelty-free. We just got a Bath and Body Works store here. I was so excited. Have you smelled the “Secret Wonderland” collection? Everytime I put the body spray on and go out someone comments on how good I smell!

I’m going to e-mail the companies that make the grooming products I use for my horse as well to make sure they are cruelty-free.

Every Christmas my Mom always asks me to make her a “Wish List” and I include a list of my fave brands and where to buy them and she always gives me a big gift bag filled with my fave products. It’s a great way to stock  up on the more expensive stuff.

I asked the “Leaping Bunny” to send me some of their Cruelty-Free Shopping Guides to pass out around here and they sent me a big bunch that I keep in my purse and leave all over town. When I go for coffee I leave one on the table, at bus stops, etc. I put some in a lot of the wedding invites I sent through the mail. Spread the word for the bunnies!

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

That is such a great idea. I have never heard of the brand clean living I will have to look at walmart for it. I use nivea and vo5 I emailed nivea and they said none of there ever go through any testing on animals and the same for vo5. I did request a free shopping guide. thanks

[LoveChaCha]

LPT, I love Bath and Body works, but I barley wear any scented lotion lol. I do enjoy the body sprays though.

If I can fit it into my budget, I will get Organix Cherry Blossom and Ginseng shampoo/conditioner (together is like 13 dollars.. ouch and the bottles are small). It not only smells great, but the boyfriend can’t stop smelling my hair when I use it

[Joyfull_music]

I love Bath and Body works. I have a huge stash of body washes, sprays, and the wall flowers. <3 Can't use scented lotions though. (darn eczema)

[LBJ10]

I don’t see Bath and Body Works on the list, but the Body Shop is. Clinque isn’t on there either and they are always telling me they don’t test on animals. How do companies get on the Leaping Bunny list? Do they have to apply? Maybe there are companies that really don’t test on animals, but they don’t apply to be on the list so then consumers would never really know?

Oh boy, Urban Decay is on there!

[LittlePuffyTail]

LBJ10- You can get info about what qualifies a company on the LeapingBunny site.

[LBJ10]

LPT – Yes, I see it now. There is also a message on there saying that they want Clinique to join, but so far Clinique has refused to go through the process. I wonder why.

[LoveChaCha]

Yikes. o_O;;;

[Elrohwen]

Based on my experience in the consumer products industry, I would guess that Clinique hasn’t joined because the cost is prohibitive to them. Maybe they only use one ingredient that is animal tested and they haven’t been able to replace that ingredient – the R&D costs to get them compliant could be huge.

[Tate]

“Clinique Laboratories, LLC. is committed to the elimination of animal testing. We are equally committed to consumer health and safety, and bringing to market products that comply with applicable regulations in every country in which our products are sold.

We do not conduct animal testing on our products or ingredients, nor ask others to test on our behalf, except when required by law. We evaluate our finished products in clinical tests on volunteer panels.

Clinique Laboratories, LLC. fully supports the development and global acceptance of non-animal testing alternatives. To this end, the Company works extensively with the industry at large and the global scientific community to research and fund these alternatives.”

From the Clinique website..

I’m not sure what needs to be tested and what doesn’t– it was brought up earlier that medical testing generally does have to go through animal testing (by law, I’m assuming?), whereas cosmetic doesn’t. I don’t know anything about these laws, but perhaps some of Clinique’s products are considered “medical”??? I’m thinking about the anti-aging products and acne line, in particular.

[Elrohwen]

Tate, I think that’s likely – if it’s something regulated by the FDA like a drug, they wouldn’t have any choice.

[LBJ10]

Yes, if something has an “active ingredient” in it then I think the FDA requires it. That would include things like sunscreen, acne products, etc. I was reading on the website and it doesn’t really say anything about it. I did notice that Jason is listed in categories such as hair care, but they aren’t listed under dental care (and the company does make toothpaste, but it contains fluoride). So maybe companies can be approved for some products and not others. I don’t know. The thought is interesting though.

[LBJ10]

Wow, I sure had to dig. I found this though.

The prohibition against Animal Testing contained in the Standard does not apply
to the purchase of animal-tested Ingredients if
(a) the ingredient was tested to meet explicit statutory or regulatory
requirements for animal testing; AND
(b) the testing was not conducted to assess safety, efficacy, or environmental
effects of Cosmetics and/or Household Products.

[MimzMum]

I was disappointed to not find Aveeno products on Leaping Bunny. I just got the best dry hair shampoo from them. Probably a division of a bad parent company .
I do buy St. Ives though. They have nice stuff. Kiss My Face I found looking for calendula cream for Fiver’s feet.
One of the moisturizers I used during cancer treatment turned out to be tested on rabbits and I was crushed because it was the only one that helped with my radiation exposure.
I was able to find Jason’s, but I’m not wild about the shampoo. Too drying. Love the big jug of bodywash though!
Since Mimzy is sensitive to even mild perfumes I do not use any. Even the scent of natural deodorant can bother him so I have to use that sparingly…plus Jenna seems to like licking my arms all the way to my armpits right before bed! @_@

[want2B-BestBunMum]

http://www.peta2.org has a great set of search engines so you can look up products and companies. I am a cosmetologist and our salon only carries/uses products and lines that are okay by them, or is in the incredible process of trying to be certified. The labels are very misleading because the laws in the US are just lax about who can say and back up what. Peta is VERY strict. As I understand, it is not enough for you to not test on animals, your suppliers must not either, and neither can your parent organization.

[LBJ10]

MimzMum – Yeah, Aveeno is made by Johnson and Johnson.

[want2B-BestBunMum]

 Pravana makes an awesome dry shampoo, it doesn’t leave a greasy residue, and doesn’t leave a gray dust on your hair, and they are working with Peta to get their certification, I trust them  (I do hair for a living)

[LoveChaCha]

I love Aveeno haha. I’m gulity -__________-. I have their stress calm bath.

[MimzMum]

Thanks LBJ10, yeah, I googled it and found out who made it. Boo. It really is a nice shampoo and their colloidal oatmeal baths saved my hide back when I was a kid and ran my bike through a patch of poison oak one day. My face was so swollen up from the oils I needed a cortisone shot in the hip and oatmeal baths twice a day for two weeks. Gosh that was awful!

LOLZ, Brittany you and I can be guilty together…at least till I run out of this shampoo. ^_^

Thanks for the tip on the Pravana, BestBunMum. Is that a salon product or can I get it at the grocery store? (Of course in Alaska, even getting something like Neutrogena is a study in frustration.)

And if anyone has something that is good for keeping nail cuticles back/soft cuticles, please let me know. I am currently sneaking my bunnies’ Heal X to try to keep my fingertips/nail beds moist in the oncoming freezing weather. Hopefully something that won’t be greasy would be excellent.

[LBJ10]

Have you just tried getting almond oil at a health food store? They might have it at the grocery store. Anyway, you can rub that stuff on your nails.

[want2B-BestBunMum]

 It is a salon product, but I would be happy to become your “supplier” lol. I have friends in Alaska I already send stuff to, so one more on the mailing list wouldn’t hurt  

[LBJ10]

Okay, I picked up some of that Kirk’s soap. We will see if my husband likes it.

[equalsign]

Posted By LBJ10 on 09/29/2011 08:25 PM
Okay, I picked up some of that Kirk’s soap. We will see if my husband likes it.

Cool! Hope he does. Like any soap it takes a couple uses to reach its lather potential. Forgot to mention this, but that soap is also vegan. Sodium tallow, a main ingredient in most soaps, is cow fat. Kirk’s Castle uses coconut oil/fat.

[Author]

Messages