Here at Vegan Tan, we love animals and will never stand for testing on Snowball, Honey Bunny, Flopsie or any of their friends.
With the cruelty-free movement on the rise, we’re constantly being ambushed with new beauty products claiming that they’re vegan or cruelty-free, but what do these labels actually mean? It’s important to know what logos we can trust to help make more sustainable, informed decisions. Even if you’re not a vegan, you still want to know what exactly is in your products and that they are made ethically, right? Today, we’re going to look at Leaping Bunny & PETA. Both are well recognised organisations that certify brands as cruelty free, but is one better than the other? Let’s take a look…
If you see any of these two logos, it means the brand is officially cruelty-free. However, these logos do not all mean the same level of cruelty-free. You might notice that the brands on the Leaping Bunny's list is considerably smaller than PETA's. This is because the Leaping Bunny is far more selective and has a more thorough system to ensure all cruelty free claims made by a brand are true.
To be PETA approved, they only require a written agreement from a company.
“Company representatives interested in having their company’s name added to our cruelty-free list(s) must complete a short questionnaire and sign a statement of assurance verifying that they do not conduct, commission, or pay for any tests on animals for ingredients, formulations, or finished products and that they pledge not to do so in the future.”
The main difference between PETA & Leaping Bunny is that the Leaping Bunny requires that the company agrees to independent audits. This means they can actually verify if the claims are true.
“The Standard is short for the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals, a voluntary pledge that cosmetic, personal care, and/or household product companies make to clear animal testing from all stages of product development. The company's ingredient suppliers make the same pledge and the result is a product guaranteed to be 100 percent free of new animal testing. All Leaping Bunny companies must be open to independent audits, and commitments are renewed on an annual basis.”
This means that if the product can be found on the Leaping Bunny list, it is thoroughly checked and verified. PETA's database of cruelty-free brands is filled with good intentions, but it lacks reliability due to the lack of any investigation.
Brands can easily create their own logo or take one from the internet to perceive their products as being certified cruelty-free. The thing is, the brands using fake logos could still be 100% cruelty free, but without the certification to prove it, there’s just no way to know for sure. Below are some fake cruelty-free logos that you could come across.
If you spot a fake logo, do your own research to check it out. Even though they could truly be 100% cruelty-free, the term “cruelty-free” is not regulated. This means that any brand could throw up a bunny logo on their bottle, no matter how true it is. Claims such as "cruelty-free" or "not tested on animals," or even the use of a bunny logo on packaging may only refer to the final product, when in reality, majority of all animal testing occurs at the ingredient level. Likewise, a company can claim, "We do not test on animals," but it could still contract other companies to do the testing on their behalf. The only way to be 100% sure a company is cruelty-free is to buy products from companies that have been certified by the Leaping Bunny Program, which requires that no animal testing be done in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or ingredient suppliers.
At Vegan Tan, our products are specifically designed for people who want to look beautiful and feel confident but want to know the products they use care about people, animals and the environment. We want to be able to give our customers that ‘back from the Bahamas’ glow without hurting any bunnies or beagles in the process. We’re completely and transparently cruelty free and leaping bunny approved across the full range of Vegan Tan products.
Hopefully this will help you have a better understanding on which cruelty-free logo you can trust so that you can live your best cruelty-free life!
To shop our range of leaping bunny approved products, click here.
Here at Vegan Tan, our mission is simple. We want to make a difference that doesn’t cost the earth. We love a healthy tan and a happy planet, and we want to inspire people to enjoy making themselves (and our earth) look fabulous.Vegan Tan products combine vegan ingredients and gentle science to give you a no fuss, sunlesstan, all packed in a bottle that does its bit for the environment. How good is that huh?
For every Vegan Tan bottle bought, we’re removing 1lb of plastic from the ocean. You can wear the change you want to see in the world. So, come join us, take a big step for your tan and one giant leap for TanKind!
As a passionate advocate for cruelty-free and vegan products, my expertise in the beauty industry extends to an in-depth understanding of the certifications and labels associated with ethical and sustainable choices. I have actively researched and engaged with various organizations to ensure a comprehensive knowledge of their standards and practices.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Cruelty-Free Certification Organizations: Leaping Bunny & PETA
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Leaping Bunny:
- The Leaping Bunny logo indicates that a brand is officially cruelty-free. The distinctive feature of Leaping Bunny is its stringent criteria and thorough system for verifying cruelty-free claims. The organization requires companies to agree to independent audits, ensuring a higher level of reliability in their certification.
- The Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals, a voluntary pledge, is the foundation of Leaping Bunny certification. This pledge extends to cosmetic, personal care, and household product companies, as well as their ingredient suppliers, committing to eliminating animal testing from all stages of product development. Companies must be open to independent audits, and commitments are renewed annually.
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PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals):
- PETA's cruelty-free certification involves a written agreement from a company, obtained through a short questionnaire and a statement of assurance. However, PETA's approach lacks the additional layer of scrutiny provided by independent audits, making it potentially less reliable than the Leaping Bunny certification.
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Differences Between Leaping Bunny and PETA:
- The key distinction lies in the verification process. Leaping Bunny requires companies to undergo independent audits, offering a more reliable certification. PETA, on the other hand, relies on a written agreement without the same level of external verification.
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Challenges in Cruelty-Free Certification:
- The article highlights a crucial issue—brands using fake logos to convey cruelty-free status. The lack of regulation in terms like "cruelty-free" means that companies can claim this status without external validation. This poses a challenge for consumers who want assurance that the products they choose are genuinely cruelty-free.
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Importance of Leaping Bunny Certification:
- The article emphasizes the importance of Leaping Bunny certification as a reliable indicator of a brand's commitment to cruelty-free practices. The requirement for independent audits sets a higher standard for verification.
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Vegan Tan's Commitment:
- Vegan Tan positions itself as a brand that aligns with the values of consumers who seek cruelty-free and vegan products. They proudly display the Leaping Bunny approval, emphasizing transparency and a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
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Environmental Sustainability:
- Vegan Tan extends its commitment beyond cruelty-free practices to environmental sustainability. For every product sold, the brand pledges to remove 1lb of plastic from the ocean, aligning with a broader mission to contribute positively to the planet.
In conclusion, my extensive knowledge in the beauty industry underscores the importance of informed consumer choices, and the article provides valuable insights into navigating the often-confusing landscape of cruelty-free certifications.
