15 Best Cruelty-Free Skincare Brands To Buy In 2023
If you have been in the market searching for cruelty-free products, then this article is for you. In this post, we have researched and gathered the best 15 best cruelty-free skincare brands across various price points to help you make an informed decision. So, if this is what you came for, let’s dive right into it.
To help you choose a brand that fits your budget range and lifestyle, we have categorized our list of items into three categories to suffice all budget ranges:
- 5 Drugstore brands
- 5 mid-budget brands
- 5 premium brands
See Related: How To Fix Dehydrated Skin
Key Takeaways
- Best Premium Cruelty-Free Skincare Brand: Viviane Woodard
- Best Mid-Budget Cruelty-Free Skincare Brand: SkinFix
- Best Cruelty-Free Skincare Drugstore Brand: Burt’s Bees
What Is A Cruelty-Free Skincare Brand?
A cruelty-free skincare brand refers to any brand that doesn’t test its beauty or skincare products on animals. It is important to note that the term “Cruelty-free” is different from vegan skincare brands.
With vegan skincare brands, the company shies away from including animal products in its skin-care product.
Often, before a product is released, some companies test the efficacy of the new product on animals such as rabbits, rats, and whatnot. This is unethical because the animals are caged and they go through pain when used for experiments.
In the worst-case scenarios, these animals end up dead. At Viviane Woodard, we believe it is not right for anyone to make money or enjoy a skincare product at the expense of an animal’s life.
Some things to consider when researching cruelty-free brands:
- Look for brands that have a cruelty-free promise
- Look for a certified cruelty-free badge from an official and reputable source
- Look for a cruelty-free and/or vegan certification such as cruelty-free international or listing on PETA’s beauty product network or bunnies program
- Know that cruelty-free and vegan are two different things!
- Look to see if the skin care products and ingredients are ethically sourced
- Products produced in mainland China are not cruelty-free or vegan as they are most often produced in places that require animal testing, and contain animal byproducts. Be very cautious about purchasing skin care products that are manufactured in mainland China.
How Does A Cruelty-Free Skin Brand Test Their Products?
To help save these animals from pain and death, scientists have come up with a cruelty-free way to test the efficacy of skincare products. Some of these testing methods include:
- Using computer simulation to replicate human body parts such as 3D skin modules.
- Using actual human tissues
- Cell culture
- Human volunteers
These alternatives are used by some cruelty-free companies to produce their various products.
Our Top 5 Premium Cruelty-Free Skincare Brands:
#1. Viviane Woodard
If you want skincare that has a historical legacy, old Hollywood star power, and a reputation for real results, this is the brand for you. Founded in 1958, Viviane Woodard became the gold standard for skincare and makeup in old Hollywood.
Starlettes like Sophia Loren, Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Grace Kelly, Greta Garbo, and Audrey Hepburn were all long-time customers of Viviane Woodard.
The brand has a unique formula that is water-based and goes through a vigorous vita-moisturization process to ensure its effective products result in healthy, hydrated skin. They are committed to using high-quality ingredients and provide a wide skincare range, with a unique skincare routine that accommodates all skin tones.
This cruelty-free beauty brand:
- Does not test on animals (nor does their supplier or third parties).
- Is against animal testing
- Is certified cruelty-free
- Has gluten-free and vegan skincare and makeup options
- Is a listed business in PETA’s bunnies program.
- Uses low-waste packaging
#2. Tatcha
If you love luxurious skincare products, then one brand you will love is Tacha. Tacha is a Japanese brand that is focused on producing highly-effective premium skincare products.
Their products range from makeup products and tools to facial products and skincare products. You can either shop by skin type, category, or benefit.
If you are confused about what skin product to choose, you can easily book a consultation or take a quick quiz to help you make an informed decision.
Their products are made with some of the rarest and most exquisite ingredients such as gold, red algae, rice bran, Japanese indigo, peony, green tea, and many more. In terms of ensuring the sustainability of the environment, the company supports four strong models:
- Reduce greenhouse footprint
- Reduce the use of virgin plastic
- Cruelty-free products
- Projects vetted by carbonfund.org
You can purchase Tatcha products from their website or any Sephora store near you.
#3. Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant is a company that presents skincare in a fun way. Their website uses interactive and colorful themes to make it easy for you to navigate the platform.
The company’s base ingredient is Marula oil, which is one of the oils with superior effectiveness for treating problematic skin. The company offers three types of products: skin products, hair products, and body care products.
The company’s philosophy revolves around three main philosophies:
- Choosing biocompatible products
- Avoiding six problematic ingredients
- Cruelty-free testing of products
Their products can be purchased on their website or via Sephora.
#4. Dr. Alkatis
Our list would not be complete without the classic organic skin products from Dr. Alkatis. The company is a pioneer in luxury cruelty-free skincare products and their products are nothing short of amazing.
The company observes strict ethical methods throughout its supply chain and every production method. The base ingredient for their products is aloe vera, which has super antioxidant and anti-bacterial benefits for the skin.
The company believes in five core models that set them apart:
- All their products retain their enzymatic properties
- The company produces its extracts
- The company combines science and the spiritual benefit of plants to ensure that you not only enjoy the physical benefits but also the spiritual benefits of every plant extract used.
- They are 100% organic and produced in small batches
- All products are cruelty-free
You can purchase Dr. Alkatis on either the company’s website.
#5. Mukti Organic
Mukti Organic is an Australian-based company that focuses on producing high-quality organic skincare products that are cruelty-free. Their products use native Australian extract and bioactive peptides which nourish existing skin cells and help regenerate new skin cells.
The company is centered on 7 core principles:
- Certified by COSMOS and ACO to ensure all ingredients are 100% natural and free from any chemical or GMO ingredients.
- Using native Australian Extracts such as leaves, flowers, seeds, nuts, berries, and roots.
- Using naturally occurring bioactive peptides such as keratin and elastin, which are derived from marine collagen
- Using Biophotonic violet glass to protect products from sun rays
- All products are produced under ethical methods
- They give back to society via charity events and donations.
- They use the stringiest method to examine all raw materials.
Our Top 5 Mid-Budget Cruelty-Free Skincare Brands:
#6. SkinFix
Skinfix is a brand that is focused on the sustainability of the environment on various levels. The brand’s goal is to ensure that we have an environment that isn’t only cruelty-free but environmentally friendly.
The company is committed to ensuring that neither they, their suppliers nor any third-party they work with use cruelty-free methods.
Their commitment to sustainability is based on five models:
- Planet love packaging
- Clean products
- Using Sustainable ingredients
- Using cruelty-free methods to test products
- Using vegan and beegan materials.
They produce various skincare products ranging from moisturizers, serums, cleansers, body creams, and eye creams.
#7. Attitude Living
Attitudeliving is a skincare brand that focuses on not only using cruelty-free methods to test products but also, using vegan products to produce products that are clean and safe for the skin; meaning they stay away from anything animal. Their commitment to environmental sustainability revolves around three core principles:
- Vegan products
- Cruelty-free testing methods
- Reforestation programs; for each product you purchase, they plant a tree.
AttitudeLiving is certified by location and international cruelty-free organizations; therefore, you can rest assured that all your products are truly cruelty-free.
Unlike Skinfix which has limited skin care options, Attitudeliving has a wide range of skincare options for various skin types, skin conditions, products for moms and babies, and even household products. Check out their catalog of products, and you will surely love them.
Bonus: What Is A Lip Exfoliator?
#8. OZ Natural
Just as the name suggests, OZ Natural is a company that produces all-natural skincare products that are free from animal cruelty, preservatives, and fragrances. Their products are produced under the strictest conditions ensuring premium quality for their buyers at a competitive price.
This brand is more focused on facial care products; however, they have only one body care product: their moisturizer. For those of you who might want to surprise that special someone, OZNatural has a gift page and a skincare gift page, to make it easy for you to purchase a bundled package with ease.
Buyers around the US get free shipping for orders above $25, and you can order your product via their website or on Amazon.
#9. Farmacy
Farmacy products are one of our favorites. The company aims to cultivate conscious beauty. As the name suggests, all their products are carefully sourced from farms and then get processed to produce clean skincare products that are free from any preservatives and cruelty-free.
The company’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable environment revolves around 5 main models:
- Producing conflict-free ingredients
- Waste-free packaging by the end of 2022
- Leaping Bunny certification
- Replanting Seeds
- Ensuring hunger relief in America
Farmacy produces a wide range of skincare, facial care, and lip care for various skin types and purposes. Farmacy beauty products can either be purchased on their website or any Sephora store or website.
#10. Sibu
Last on our mid-tier skin beauty brands, we have Sibu. All of Sibu’s products are paraben-free, 100% natural, Gluten Free, and PETA certified.
Their business revolves around the idea of “respecting the earth’s fragile resources.” They also ensure that their workers are paid a fair wage to ensure a sustainable relationship between workers and the company.
The foundation of all Sibu products is from the potent herbal plant Sea Buckthorn, which is sourced from the Himalayan mountains. Their products range from cleansing bars, facial products, body moisturizers, seed oils, and many others.
Our Top 5 Cruelty-Free Skincare Drugstore Brands:
#11. Versed Skincare
If you are looking for a cruelty-free skincare brand that you can get from a drugstore, then Versed Skincare is an option to consider. This brand specializes in producing high-performance, eco-friendly skincare products. Their commitment is focused on four major principles:
- Wildlife protection
- Waste reduction
- Climate action and ethically sourced ingredients
- Fair trade agreements
These principles cut across all aspects of environmental sustainability. They have various skincare products that are highly rated and affordable. You can either order a product via their website or at a Target store near you.
#12. Bliss
Another drugstore skincare brand we have on our list is Bliss. Bliss is an environmentally conscious brand that doesn’t only use cruelty-free methods to test its products, but also, gives back to the environment. They have partnered with Terracycle to ensure all their containers are recycled to ensure a zero-waste environment.
They deal in body and hair care, as well as, skincare products, ranging from products like skincare, face masks, toners, hair removal products, body moisturizers, and whatnot.
Bliss products can be found in Target, CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, Bliss SPAs, and many other locations.
#13. Burt’s Bees
When it comes to a cruelty-free skincare line or a common cruelty-free brand, Burt Bees is a household name. However, for those who may not know, Burt’s Bees is a drugstore skincare brand that is affordable, yet committed to sustaining the environment.
Besides being available in most drugstores, buyers whose purchases are equal to or more than $35 get free shipping to their homes. Unlike the first two companies, Burt’s Bees has an expansive list of skincare, makeup and lip care, body and hair, gifts, and baby and mama products to satisfy your various needs.
One thing we love about their website is that their skincare catalog is categorized into three sections: “By Category,” “By Skin Concern,” and “By Skin Type.” This makes it easy for you to choose the perfect skin product for you.
They use ingredients from nature, produce through only cruelty-free methods, and have committed to supporting various sustainability organizations such as Global Shea Alliance, AIM Progress, and many others.
Burt’s Bees can be found in any drugstore near you.
#14. E.L.F.
E.L.F is one of the largest yet most affordable cruelty-free drugstore brands in the US. Besides producing cruelty-free products, the brand is committed to producing 100% vegan products, and sulfur-free products.
This means their products are not only sustainable for the environment, but they are also safe for your skin. They are fully committed to helping you look your best at an affordable price.
They offer a wide range of products from eye care, skincare, brushes and tools, and lip care. Besides being affordable, the company offers various discounts for students and essential workers.
They have partnered and donated to various organizations such as Blacks Live Matter, the Pride Community, Campaign Zero, Minnesota Freedom Fun, and many others.
You can find their products in all drug stores across the country.
#15. Avalon Organics
The final drugstore brand on our list is Avalon Organics. This company is focused on producing hair care, skincare, and bath and body products for comprehensive body care.
The company boasts of having at least 70% organic material in its products and it is certified by the NSF/ANSI 305 standard. It is also EWG Trust certified which ensures that all chemicals present are safe to use on the body.
Avalon is also a strong member of the Leaping Bunny program which is an international organization that ensures that all companies under their jurisdiction adhere to the strictest cruelty-free standard.
Avalon products can be purchased on their website, Amazon, or various drug stores across the country.
We hope this list helps you find the best cruelty-free brands for your skincare range and your budget. Happy shopping!
Keep Reading: What Is The Best Face Wash For Sensitive Skin?
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For over 60 years, Viviane Woodard has represented “The Purity of Skincare”. We are the leading beauty brand for skin care products and promote the importance of good skin hydration. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for skin care tips, product discounts, and more.