Animal testing is still a huge problem in the beauty industry. The biggest reason is the fact that China’s Food and Drug Administration requires certain types of cosmetics to be tested on animals before being sold into the market – and China is one of the biggest markets in the world. Luckily it looks like these regulatory processes will soon change.
As a point of clarity, in the case of China it is mostly their regulatory bodies that do the testing, not the cosmetics companies (though you could argue that the company is condoning the practice). It is also worth noting that in January 2017 Peta announced that the Chinese FDA “has waived its requirement for certain cosmetics to be registered with the agency, which will mean that animal tests for “non–special use” cosmetics will no longer automatically be required.”**
I decided that instead of naming and shaming, I would instead point you towards the brands that DO NOT test on animals and available locally. Hopefully this list will grow as more and more brands make the shift.
These are only the brands you can find on South African shores. I compiled this list using information found on PETA’s website, leapingbunny.org and the Beauty Without Cruelty Humane Guide, as well as information I gathered directly from the brands. I understand that different organisations have different requirements and rules, so it is worth researching the brands you support to ensure you are comfortable with their practices.
I would like to make this a growing list:
If you know of any brands that should be on here, please pop them into the comments and I will add them.
I have also started adding info on whether the brands are vegetarian or vegan friendly, local, and contain natural and organic ingredients. I will continue to refine this.
If a brand is marked as vegetarian/vegan it means they have products that are vegan friendly but not all are, so make sure you check the label.
Aesop
African Extracts Rooibos – Local, Vegetarian
African Indigenous – Local
Africa Organics – Local, Vegan, Natural, Certified Organic
Africology – Local, Natural
Afriderm
Aloe Unique – Local
Apostrophe Bath & Body – Local, Vegan
Back 2 Nature – Local, Natural, Vegan
Badger Balm – Natural / Certified Organic
Beaucience – Local
Beautiful Earth – Local, Natural
Beautyblender
Bee Pure – Local, Natural, Vegetarian
Biomedical Emporium – Local
Body Treats – Local, Natural, Vegan
Caribbean Tan
Catrice Cosmetics
Charlotte Rhys – Local, Vegan
Charwhite – Natural, Vegan
Cherish Beauty – Local, Natural, Vegetarian
Cherubs – Local
Comfort Zone
Couleur Caramel – Vegan, Natural/Organic
Davines
Decleor – Natural
Dermalogica*
Down to Earth – Local, Natural/Organic, Vegan
Dr. Hauschka – Natural/Organic, Vegetarian/Vegan
Dr. Organic – Natural/Organic, Vegetarian
Earthsap – Local, Natural
Eco Diva – Local, Natural/Organic, Vegetarian/Vegan
Ecologic Skincare
Eco Products – Local, Natural/Organic, Vegan
Enchantrix – Local, Natural/Organic
Environ – Local
Esse – Local, Natural/Organic, Vegan
Essence
Exuviance by Neostrata
Gaia Organics – Local, Natural/Organic
Giovanni – Natural
Good Stuff – Vegetarian/Vegan
GOSH
Hey Gorgeous – Local, Natural/Organic, Vegetarian/Vegan
H&M
Inglot – Vegan
Inoar
iS Clinical
Jane Iredale
Juice Beauty – Natural/Organic, Vegan
Kevin Murphy
L.A Girl
Lulu & Marula – Local, Natural, Vegetarian
LUSH – Vegetarian
Mbiri Natural Skincare – Natural
Molton Brown
Natraloe – Local, Organic, Vegan
Nimue
NeoStrata
Noughty Haircare – Vegan
NYX*
Ofra Cosmetics
Oh-Lief – Local, Natural/Organic, Vegetarian
Oh So Heavenly – Local, Vegetarian/Vegan
Optiphi – Local
Ordinary Skincare
Palladio
Palmer’s
Paul Mitchell
Paula’s Choice
Perricone MD
Physician’s Formula
Pradiance – Local, Natural/Organic, Vegan
Pure Beginnings – Local, Natural/Organic, Vegan
Pure Simple – Local, Natural, Vegan
Rain Africa – Local, Natural, Vegetarian/Vegan
RégimA – Local
Ren Skincare*
Sally Hansen*
Savane – Local, Natural/Organic, Vegan
Simply Bee – Local, Natural
Skin Creamery – Local, Natural/Organic, Vegetarian
SkinMedica
Skoon – Local, Natural/Organic, Vegan/Vegetarian
Smashbox*
SOiL – Local, Natural/Organic, Vegan
SpaRitual – Vegan
Stila Cosmetics
TanLab – Local, Vegan
Team Dr Joseph – Natural
The Body Shop*
TheBalm
Theranaka – Local, Natural/Organic
Theravine – Local
Unwash
Urban Decay*
Victorian Garden – Local, Natural/Organic
Vita Liberata – Natural
Wet n Wild
Woolworths Private Label & Earthfriendly products
Young Solution
* These brands do not test on animals but they form part of larger parent companies that are not entirely cruelty free. Make sure you research individual brands before you buy.
** “Non-functional” or “non-special use cosmetics” include shampoo, body wash, make-up and certain skin care products. (read more here). Special use cosmetics include products for hair growth, hair dye, hair perm, hair removal, breast shaping, fitness, deodorizing, spots removal and sun block; Cosmetics with skin-whitening and skin pigmentation reduction claims are also classified as special use cosmetics (anti-freckle category)
According to the Guidance on Regulations Compliance of Cosmetic Products in China 2016, “The CFDA has authorized 21 labs to perform hygiene safety tests and 6 labs to conduct human safety tests. Hygiene safety tests include physio-chemical, microbiological and toxicological studies, which are mandatory for non-special use cosmetics. For special use cosmetics, human safety tests are also required. […] So far, all toxicological tests are performed in animals in terms of OECD methods. As we know, animal testing can be waived for domestic non special use cosmetics from 30th Jun 2014.”
I’m pretty sure Woolworths Beauty is also cruelty free.
Thank you!
Morning. While while meant, Sally Hansen? The Body Shop, owned by L’Oréal? Aesop? The only acceptable lists are those found on https://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/LeapingBunny for international brands, even if they are not as rigorous, or http://www.humaneguide.co.za
Hey Toni. Thanks for the input. I referenced PETA’s site for the international list, and BWCSA for the local list. I will reference yours as well. I understand the issue around The Body Shop, but I think it is up to each person to decide whether they feel comfortable supporting them. In terms of the laws in China, the product must still be tested on animals before being sold in that country. So yes, the products we buy might not have been tested on animals, but the company still does it.
I am the national chairperson for Beauty Without Cruelty SA, so I don’t ‘have a list’
I know this is well meant, but confuses the public as to the truth. Of course people must make their own choices, but such confictling and inaccurate information doesn’t help anyone, even though intentions are good.
Furthermore, animal testing still takes places in countries other than China, and L’Oréal may be working to eliminate this, but they themselves continue to animal test outside of the EU anyway and have made no effort to stop.
It doesn’t matter what a brand SAYS it is what they can prove. Compiling an inaccurate and confusing list because there’s not enough choice is a disservice to the public as well as those brands which do comply with stringent criteria. The Peta requirements for inclusion are negligible and therefore all but meaningless. Is this about one’s own wants and convenience, or being serious about using proven non-animal testing brands? With well over 100 brands, http://www.humaneguide.co.za offers everything one may need, and there is never a cost to consumer or company for this service. Beauty Without Cruelty is the only recognized authority in this field, having audited companies for over 40 years in South Africa although there are a couple of non local brands which have applied and been approved. Cruelty Free International offers the Leaping Bunny guide which while accepting animal testing holding (parent) companies, is otherwise stringent in their criteria. The Bidy Shop is now owned by Natura which has also proven their non animal testing claims and is therefore acceptable.
They are BWC approved… But made in China ?
Morning. Chinese law confirms products sold Outside of China does not require animal testing.
Mina (3ina) is a new brand in RSA that apparently don’t test on animals either.
As for The Body Shop, I had enquired about their policy regarding testing, given they’re now owned by L’Oreal, & for the first time ever, I received no response…so I’m pretty sure they do test.
The Body Shop is a bit of a tricky one, but I found this on peta.org so for now I’ll keep them on the list. https://www.peta.org/living/beauty/body-shop-tom-s-maine/
mmm, I am trying to find confirmation on 3ina but no luck so far. Will update the list once I have clarity 🙂
Thats dissapointing. I really liked their bronzing gel
Kat Von D is moving to full vegan and is completely cruelty free, not sure if it is available in SA though
Thanks! I don’t think they’re in SA yet, but hoping they arrive soon.
Himalaya is an Indian beautey brand and is cruelty and animal free.
Yay thanks for letting me know Tracey!
African Extracts is cruelty free too
Awesome, thanks!
TheraVine is cruelty free!
Love this! Body Treats is another local, cruelty-free and vegan beauty brand that’s worth checking out 🙂
Hey, thanks for the list! Just to let you know, Body Shop falls under the Estee Lauder group which is unfortunately not cruelty free. : (
Hey Jannis. Actually The Body Shop falls under L’Oreal and while some brands in the group are not cruelty free, The Body Shop and Urban Decay are.
Hi! Depends how strict you want to be. The Body Shop itself does not, however the holding company does. Supporting thus indirectly supports the holding company.
Definitely! I think in general it is important to research the brands you use and make sure you’re comfortable with their ethics.
Jannis, Body Shop belongs to L’Oreal.
Kryolan is also cruelty free and is available in SA. Best makeup brand!
I believe that Kryolan is also cruelty free 🙂
Thanks for the list!? which of these brands make shampoo/conditioner?
@Calynhil Inoar makes great cruelty-free hair care. You can also try LUSH (they have a shampoo bar that requires to packaging waste!), Aesop, The Body Shop, Ahava, Rain Africa, Paul Mitchell and Noughty.
Hi Palmer does. They have an amazing shampoo and condotioner
Pureskin (Pureskin.co.za) natural, vegan and completely cruelty free and absolutely incredible make up and beauty products 🙂
Annique Rooibos products
Tattoo Addict Aftercare is vegan and not tested on animals 🙂
http://tattooaddict.co.za/wholesale/index.php?route=product/product&path=130&product_id=52
Victorian Garden products are local and cruelty free. They have a range of skin and hair care products that are really awesome.
Oh and also Innoxa and Young Solution
Innoxa has been discontinued.
So they have. Pity
Helllo great article. Have you looked into naturalmente hair products – Renee Short from Gentle Approach salon in Cape Town would be a great person to make contact with.
Hi there, I think Nimue may also be cruelty free. The answer to the China question is still not 100% clear – would love to know if you’d be able to confirm.
Bonafide Beards for men only test on husbands 🙂
We are in the process of being BWC Certified & some of our products are vegan friendly too, like our vegan beard balm, cleansing bars and fully synthetic beard brushes!
http://www.bonafidebeards.com
Good Stuff Is NOT vegan – they use ingredients like yoghurt, milk and honey in some of their products!
Thanks Des, I have adjusted the labeling. According to their site their lines are vegan, apart from their BEE range.
Skin Ceuticsls
Hey Mia. I will need to confirm this, unfortunately I don’t think they are completely cruelty free.
Thank you for the list! 🙂 It’s so good to be aware and purchase responsibly!
Is there no local brand that offers natural, organic, vegan/vegetarian and biodegradable skincare products, like face wash and moisturiser?
Gaia. Locally made. Organic. And it smells so great I often just open my products for a sniff.
Most of the products suggested have not provided proof of their claims.
Hey Beryl. I got most of the local brands from the BWCSA list on humanebeauty.co.za. The rest is endorsed by PETA internationally. If you have specific queries, please do elaborate on the brands so that I can investigate.
Peta has a very low threshold for testing, in fact they dont require any auditing, just a letter of assurance from companies. BWC & Leaping Bunny do actual tests. Unfortunately companies are unscrupulous in how they make money and lacking the legislation, they will happily advertise as cruelty free. It is safer to choose from the lists of companies such as BWC and Leaping Bunny rather than supporting the unethical businesses. It is also important that a consistent message is sent to consumers who are often in a hurry and frequently kind heartedly gullible. http://www.leapingbunny.org/about/faq#answer-12
Thanks Jo. Unfortunately the BWC South Africa list only mentions local brands and I personally found it very limited. Leaping Bunny meanwhile has loads of brands, but most of them are not available here. So that’s why I created this list. That being said I have tried to give people as much information possible so that they can make informed decisions when they shop. I have also left all of the comments, including those criticising this post, so that people can read them and get counter arguments. I really appreciate everyone’s input and hope that continued pressure will force the industry to change.
Hi Liezel, there’s a new brand in the market called Pradiance which has just launched.
http://pradiance.co.za/about-us/
Regards
Dani
Sh’zen is a local product for skin and body. It’s made using essential oils and not tested on animals
Dr Hauschka is 100% natural AND 100% organic : ) 99% vegan (bees wax used in a few of their products) and they have just launched their new make up range which is just DIVINE!!!
https://www.facebook.com/drhauschkaSA/
Hi Liezel, Heliocare and Epi-Max do not test on animals 😉
Thanks Mariska! Can you perhaps email me more info on Heliocare? I can’t find any confirmation of their status?
What about Elixir?im sure that cruelty free and local.
Hannon also does not test on animals as far as I know and the Rooibos skin range in SA is also sporting the anti-cruelty label.
Thanks Charlene. Yes African Extracts Rooibos is cruelty free – or are you referring to another range? I am looking into Hannon 🙂
Sh’zen products are also local, vegan and cruelty free
That’s my understanding too but I can’t seem to find any clear statement around this on the brand’s site or any Cruelty-Free sites. Will need to investigate.
During my research, I found Black Up is also cruelty-free and so is 3ina. Not so sure about whether they’re vegetarian or vegan. I stand to be corrected on Black Up though. That’s just what I found.
Thanks for letting me know! I will check it out!
Africology is also cruelty free
Thanks for reminding me! They are so lovely!
RegimA is south-african and do not test on animals
The Tan Lab is cruelty-free, vegan friendly and is made in KZN, South Africa! Amazing brand, check them out … http://www.thetanlab.co.za or @thetanlab on social media platforms.
Fab article, thank you! *
ELIXIR SKINCARE is a fab locally formulated and produced (in Cape Town) aromatherapy-based range that is cruelty-free and very, very, very kind to your skin! The results are excellent, their prices gentle on your pocket and their service very responsive and personal. I couldn’t recommend them more highly. http://elixirskincare.com/
Chinese authorities (the government) is not L’oreal, where did that little fact get lost in translation? http://www.lorealusa.com/csr-commitments/l%E2%80%99or%C3%A9al-answers/the-question-of-animal-testing
Yes, but Loreal still knows about the animal testing that is being done from their products, before Loreal can sell/enter their products in the Chinese borders they have to have a permit to sell their products in China in which Loreal has to agree to the animal testing Law. The fact that Loreal is okay with their products being tested on animais is why they are not cruelty free company.
Kevin Murphy is also cruelty free
Comfort Zone and Davines. Also consider the fact that companies might be cruelty free but the suppliers the get their base and active ingredients from are not.
Thanks Ola!
Nimue skincare and it’s a South African brand
Bee Natural LOCAL VEGAN ORGANIC
“Benefit” is a new brand, which is part of the LVMH group, available at Edgars stores. Their make up is easy and convenient for everyday use and they also don’t test on animals. They support the “fund for alternatives to animal testing” as well.
Hi Shae
I was also under the impression that Benefit Cosmetics were indeed cruelty-free but this is not the case, they are NOT a cruelty free company as they sell their products in China( excluding Hong-Kong) which require under their Law that any cosmetics outside the borders must be tested on animals as well as a fee is to be paid to permit these testings. In other words if Benefit wants to ship then sell their products in China they must first agree to the testing of animals and pay. Loreal brand does this too.
found this info at the Cruelty-Free Kitty site 🙂
https://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/news/is-benefit-cruelty-free/
I’m sure Sh’Zen is also not tested on animals – can anyone confirm?
Made with plant extracts & essential oils & made in SA…so not available on international market.
Clarins claims to be 100% plant-based and not test on animals – I personally contacted them here in SA and they confrimed (without verification) that they don’t. I’d really appreciate a direct answer on this – as I’m not convnced.
Same applies to MorrocanOil.
Hey Jolene. I know that Peta had an issue with Clarins in 2016, and they do sell in China (you can read their article here: http://www.peta.org.uk/blog/are-clinique-clarins-dior-and-more-illegally-marketing-cosmetics-tested-on-animals/). It’s all very grey because even though the companies themselves don’t test on animals, or use ingredients that have been tested on animals, their products are tested by Chinese FDA regulatory bodies before being allowed into the market. So unless Clarins has found a loophole I wouldn’t be comfortable putting them on the list. It’s a shame, they do incredible work otherwise in conservation.
Thank you! No Clarins for me… explains the merky and non-public statement of no animal testing!
No they are on Peta list for animal testing. So is Clinique.
Bulbinella
Also Oridinary Skincare. Great product locally made in Cape Town and specifically made for sensitive skins… they claim to not test on animals but not clear on the certifications. Would be great to verify
Red Dane Skincare for Men is animal friendly, not tested on animals, cruelty free, paraben free, contains natural ingredients, locally made in South Africa, suitable for vegans, suitable for all skin types.
http://www.reddane.co.za
You’ve left out Ecologic Skin Care. BWC endorsed and approved by the Vegan Society. Local and independent brand with love from me! ?✨
Sh’zen doesn’t test on animals either
You should most definitely add Simplybee products – they do not test their products on animals. Fantastic brand – especially for skins that’s extra sensitive
Herbalife skin range is not tested on animals and is an awesome product
Naturals Beauty is cruelty free! http://www.naturalsbeauty.co.za
Thank you for the list. Found it extremely useful.
Can u let me know if there is a similar list for household products?
Hello 🙂 My brand Back 2 Nature is all vegan and cruelty free. It is all hand made in Cape Town.
http://www.sa-back2nature.com
https://www.facebook.com/back2naturesa/
I would love it if you could please add Back 2 Nature to the list 🙂
Swiitch Beauty is locally made in SA and cruelty free.
Flormar is Cruelty free and available in SA
Please see http://www.humaneguide.co.za for almost 70 brands which have PROVEN their non-animal testing claims. EVERY brand says they don’t animal test, but often you’ll find in the small print they test ‘where required to do so by law’ which often means they choose to use ingredients that are tested for pharmeceutical use, for worker or food safety etc. It doesn’t matter what a brand says, it’s what they will prove!
Buying a brand which is owned by an animal testing company means you may as well just buy L’Oreal, which received almost 50 million pounds over two years from the Body Shop.
The only other guide to use is the internationally recognised Leaping Bunny guide, https://crueltyfreeinternational.org/
Using the PETA list, if one is serious about using non animal tested products, is a waste of tiem; their criteria for inclusion is so low as to be meaningless.
As there is no charge ever, to consumer or company, there is no reason for any brand making humane manufacture claims not to apply to BWC for listing. Unless of course, they don’t comply.
Image skincare found in South Africa
https://www.imageskincare.com/
Esse is certified organic by the EU Responsible Person certification as well as EcoCert certified. I’ved used their products for a while now an they are great especially for the cruelty free and eco concious person.
Hey Terry. Esse is on list already, they are wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
Sorry, I left out a few important facts
Certified organic – Ecocert France
Supports Fair Trade – PhytoTrade Africa
Registered by Beauty Without Cruelty
Registered with the Vegan Society of Europe
Is also on PETA’s list of cruelty free companies
Please check out Corium Skincare. It’s local and organic.
Hi Liezel. Thanx for the great list. Annique’s products are also endorsed by the Beauty Without Cruelty organisation. x
NO they are not, they were removed from our list YEARS ago for non compliance!
Hannon is a local product and they are animal friendly.
Hi there,
I live in Cape Town and make a range of high quality natural bath, body and beauty products only using organically produced or wildcrafted ingredients (besides the bath salts the rest of the products are basically carriers and essential oils). All hand-made and designed by myself. I only have a Facebook Page (@HeartTreeNatural) and Instagram account (heart_tree_natural) at the moment but working on a website that will hopefully be up by the end of October. My family, friends and I are the only guinea pigs involved.
I saw on Instagram yesterday that The Body Shop has a petition against animal testing… So I’m assuming that they then want to move away from being associated with parent companies that are not completely cruelty free, as you say? Not entirely sure, but maybe go check it out for an update :).
Thanks for this post, very helpful!!
They are still part of L’Oréal as far as I know, but yes, as The Body Shop they are against animal testing.
Oh okay, did not know that haha! Also have a look at Beauty Treats – they’re a Los Angeles based company, and PETA have listed them as cruelty free (although they’re not vegan, they don’t test on animals and they feature the peta logo). I found it at DisChem.
Will do! Thanks so much 🙂
Hi there, thanks for the list. Just wanted to mention that L A Girl sold at Dischem is made in China. All products sold in China have to be tested on animals, so on principle I won’t buy it. Seems a bit hypocritical to call yourself a cruelty free company and then to manufacture your products in China ?
Thanks Loren. As far as I understand through my research, makeup in general doesn’t have to go through the same testing methods as certain types of skincare, so in general it isn’t tested on animals even if it is sold in china. I put a bit more info on this lower down in the article.
Though I think it’s a nice sentiment Beauty without cruelly south africa spends an incredible amount of time and money compiling a list that is proven to be cruelty free. The companies are required to require proof and documentation and beauty without cruelty regularly checks up on them to ensure they stick to the correct practices. Their list is my absolute go to for ethical buying it can be found at http://www.humaneguide.co.za/ I would strongly recommend any south Africans use this list
I totally agree Tehne, and I used them as a base for this post. I just found they referred to South African brands, and not to international brands that are also sold locally. This is a combination of lists I’ve found, or research I have done. Of course I still urge people to do their own research about all the products they purchase.
O SO Heavenly brand from Clicks is also a beauty without cruelty brand
The South African Lamelle Research Laboratories? They tweeted in 2014 that they are cruelty-free. Just curious whether BWC has confirmed this.
Lamelle isn’t on the BWC list, so I’m not sure about their status.
KRYOLAN IS CRUELTY FREE AS WELL
Africology
Hi! I was wondering about Mandy’s hair removal products? I can’t seem to find any info on it.
I will see if I can find out. Generally though, the brands will state if they are cruelty free. They are proud of the fact.
I love this post and the research you’ve done with regards to cruelty-free companies who are owned by companies/parent companies who are not cruelty-free. Thank you for sharing this awareness!
Innoxa too. The 1st SA cruelty free brand.
Hi. Smith & Cult and Oribe are cruelty free and most of their products are vegan as well.
Thank you for sharing this! I’d also like to add that as far as I know – REN Skincare should also be on this list…. I’ve also googled it and a few other reviewers who confirm this…
http://meggiemoo.org/ren-skincare-vegan-list/
https://www.peta.org/living/personal-care-fashion/cruelty-free-beauty-sephora/ x
Great news! Their products are fantastic.
Can you verify if Lamelle (local) tests on animals ?
Oh wait I saw it was mentioned in a previous comment
Hi there. Anesi products (available in salons only) are cruelty free. Manufactured in Spain and distributed worldwide. 🙂
Hello, thank you for doing your best and giving us information to work with.
I also use Faithful To Nature as a good indicator for brands that do not test on animals. Great website for South Africans!
I agree, they are a great site to work with. Happy you found the post useful!
Hi there! I believe HASK (hair products available in SA) are also cruelty free. Thank you so much for this article. I would also like to mention how great http://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za are 🙂 xxx
Hi Can you add Essential Earth Remedies? 100% Natural and Produced locally
http://www.essentialearthremedies.co.za
Hi. I see that Sorbet has started selling shampoo and make-up. Is it anti-animal testing?
Hey Liezl, I will follow up with Sorbet.
Hi! Any news on Sorbet products being cruelty free?
Hi Malherbe Liezel 🙂
Thank you for this helpful list of cruelty free product in SA.
Would you know if Sorbet products are cruelty free and vegan? They have just launched their Sorbet make up range.
Also a great list of cruelty-free and vegan products/cosmetics can be found on the Cruelty-Free Kitty page. Unfortunately, most of the products mentioned are not found in SA, however the site gives a fantastic insight to other resources about cruelty and vegan free choices!
https://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/ultimate-guide-to-cruelty-free-makeup/
Thanks Philippa. I think we need as much info as we can get on this topic.
The French Lemon is local, vegan friendly and SLS free.
Hi there.
Regarding Essence, LA girl and NYX and certain products from these brands that I do purchase don’t have a Beauty without cruelty or leaping bunny logo. Can they be trusted to be vegan and cruelty free?
Hey Simi, that’s tricky. It might just be old packaging that hasn’t been updated yet but to be safe I would google the specific products to check.
AQ Skin Solutions does not test on animals