What’s the difference between cruelty-free and vegan and clean?

Learn about the clean beauty basics for a healthier you and a healthier planet.

“THE EARTH IS WHAT WE ALL HAVE IN COMMON.”
— Wendell Berry

When it comes to beauty products, when you put the planet first, you’re putting yourself first. Most of the time, what’s good for the planet is good for you. That’s one of our core values at Undone Beauty. To reduce our negative impact on the planet and on the ecosystems thriving within.

Every product crafted by Undone Beauty takes into consideration your well-being and the planet’s well-being. 

Yet, in the beauty and skincare industry, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the terminology.  The terms “clean, cruelty-free, vegan, free-from, non-toxic, etc” are often put into labels without any context. 

Sifting through the meaning of each of these terms is confusing, we get it. Especially because most of these terms are not regulated by the government, which means any brand can use them. Even if they’re far from clean or non-toxic. 

But we’ll help you clarify these terms. 

Here’s a Quick Breakdown of the Terminology:

• Clean: Products free of toxic ingredients on their formulations--- either natural or chemical. There isn’t an official definition, so each brand defines clean beauty in its own way. Most of them offer a list of ingredients they avoid. You can check out Undone Beauty’s “No-no List” in our FAQ’s.
• Cruelty-Free: Products and ingredients that weren’t tested on animals. If they claim to be cruelty-free, make sure they have a certification, like leaping bunny, to back that claim.
• Vegan: Products made without any animal products or by-products. But vegan doesn’t mean cruelty-free or clean. Look on the label for a “vegan” claim, and always read the ingredients before buying. 
• Non-Toxic: The product is free from toxic ingredients. This is a tricky claim as it’s not regulated by the government. Especially because in the US, lots of harmful ingredients aren’t banned. Any business can stamp a “non-toxic” label, even if they use toxic ingredients. 

Always read the label to avoid falling for brands pretending to be clean and non-toxic when they aren’t. 

These Are Our Top 3 Tips to Help You Commit a More Conscious Lifestyle. 

1. Learn How to Tell What’s Vegan, Cruelty-Free, and Clean.

Over the last decade, the beauty industry saw the benefits of catering to a more conscious shopper. Indie brands capitalized on the green initiative with one philosophy: to protect our environment.

The beauty brands created with this philosophy came from a good place—and they took the world by storm. The resulting ideals these brands infused in the market disrupted the beauty sector for the better. 

Not only are these beauty brands more sustainable, but they were are better for you. Their formulations showed real results without harming the planet. And without harming the animals for Cruelty-Free products. 

The products these beauty brands created follow simple principles. These principles include not testing on animals, avoiding harmful chemicals, not using animal products, and using natural ingredients. 

The terminology that defined each principle made its way into the minds and habits of many beauty consumers. 

Beyond the meaning of each word, it’s important to do your due diligence to understand the roots of the clean movement. The differences between these terms are somewhat confusing, but as you learn more about them, you’ll be able to make more informed decisions. 

Along with the terminology, it’s important to learn how your body assimilates cosmetics, and the regulations protecting consumers. 

These Are the Top Facts You Need to Know About Clean Beauty:

• The FDA doesn’t ask companies to test cosmetics for safety. Also, they don’t approve ingredients before they’re sold.
• The EU banned 1,328 ingredients from cosmetics and beauty products. The US has banned less than a dozen. ¹
• Your skin absorbs up to 60% of what you apply to it. 
• Some chemicals can be excluded from labeling.

 

 

2. Make a Clean Break, Gradually.

The first step to take after deciding to switch to a cleaner lifestyle is to phase out the products no longer aligning with your values. If your makeup bag has products without clean ingredients and “vegan”, or “cruelty-free” labels, it’s time to replace them. 

There’s no need to throw them in the trash. Instead, slowly start changing those products as you’re done with them. This is also a great time to find your new favorite beauty brand. 

Many people, like you, are switching to clean beauty brands, like ours, because of our clean beauty initiatives. And this prompts us to do more. Especially when it comes to packaging. 

You want less plastic… and we heard you.

We’re walking the talk with our New Year’s resolution— to phase out unnecessary plastic. The resealable plastic bag from our Lip-to-Cheek Cream… gone. And expect more innovation and less plastic from now on. d that fact that all of our vegan beauty products don’t compromise on quality, we are walking the talk with our New Year’s resolution to phase out unnecessary plastic on a majority of our products such as the resealable plastic bag on our Lip to Cheek Cream.

Changing your habits won’t happen overnight, and we get it, so don’t beat yourself up.  Instead, be proud of your new approach and remember, your past purchases are in the past. 

Embrace your new values and habits and enjoy the switch! 

3. Find Retailers Who Share Your Philosophy

After decades of research, beauty brands managed to create effective formulas without harming the environment or your health. This means you have access to a ton of clean and effective products— equal to your traditional ones— but better. 

Better for you. Better for your health. Better for the planet. 

To ease the process of finding your new go-to beauty brands, you need to know where to shop. This helps you streamline your thought process and takes away the purchasing pressure.

We’re making it easier for you. These are our favorite retailers who focus on sourcing cosmetics to meet your green & clean standards:  

• Whole Foods
• Credo Beauty
• The Detox Market

Keep an eye on our up and coming favorites. Many retailers are making big strides towards building a clean and cruelty-free assortment. Check out these retailers and look for the clean beauty aisle:

• Target
• Sephora 
• Ulta

The cherry on top is many online stores allow you to filter your beauty products. Simply select Cruelty-Free, Formaldehyde Free, PABA Free, or Sulfate-Free to see the results. 

Kudos to you as you embark on this conscious-consumer journey and clean beauty enthusiast. Living a minimalist beauty lifestyle means many aspects of your life will start to change for the better. The planet, your health, and of course— your skin, will thank you! 

– Undone Beauty

Sources

1. http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/regulations/international-laws/