Understand if your product is really cruelty free
How to check which company is certified. A step-by-step guide to ensure it’s a verified cruelty free logo.
Leaping Bunny Logo from CCIC and BUAV International symbol
Caring Consumer Logo from PETA, USA-based
CCF Rabbit Logo from Choose cruelty-free, Austraila Based
Step 1 :
Recognize the 3 trustworthy cruelty free bunny logos to look for. There are multiple other logos out there that companies use but there are no regulations around those logos. Make sure to only look for one of these three. (image above)
Step 2 :
Make sure to double check each organizations websites to verify the company is authorized to use the logo.
Step 3 :
Check each website to get a full list of every company that is certified cruelty free by that organization. Because companies have to pay an extra fee to display the logo on their packaging not all companies display the logo but they are still certified cruelty free.
Understand what each logo means and what it requires to earn the certification. The different cruelty free logos compared.
LEAPING BUNNY :
The company does not conduct, commission or be a part of animal testing.
The company does not purchase any ingredient, formulation or product from any Third Party Manufacturer or supplier that conduct or commission animal testing.
The company must implement a supplier monitoring system that follows compliance with CCIC.
The company must pass an independent audit once every three years.
Partners with protection groups in Canada and Europe.
The Company shall not allow Animal Testing to be performed by or for submission to regulatory agencies in foreign countries.
Concerns : Does not mean the product is vegan
Read the full regulations here.
CARING CONSUMER PETA:
The company does not conduct, commission or pay for any tests on animals for ingredients, formulations or finished products
PETA verified
The company must complete a short questionnaire and sign a statement of assurance
Companies must pay to use and license the logo
Concerns : There is no monitoring or audit of company. Does not mean the product is vegan.
You can read more about PETAs regulations here.
CHOOSE CRULTY FREE :
The product’s ingredients have never been tested on animals by the company or anyone on the companies behalf, its suppliers or anyone on the supplier’s behalf.
All products and ingredients must be free of animal testing by the applying brand, owning company, contract manufactures, ingredient suppliers and anyone acting on their behalf for a period of five years immediately preceding the date of application for accreditation.
The product must not contain any ingredients derived from the killing of an animal or as a by-product from the killing of animals.
Verified by Choose Cruelty Free (CCF)
The companies parent and subsidiaries must all be accredited
The companies must fill out a Questionnaire and Application for verification which includes a legally binding contract
CCF will not certify brands who sell in retail markets that require animal testing i.e. China
Companies must pay to use and license the CCF logo.
Concerns : There is no audit of the company. This does not mean the product is vegan.
Did you find this article eye opening? Interested in getting a cheat sheet into other helpful logos to look out for? Download the label guide to give you the spark notes.
Disclaimer : These three labels do not mean the products are vegan. Those require other labels which I will write a different post about.
A great guide to cruelty free and vegan is Ethical Elephant.
