Apr 22, 2024 by Foundry Brands

Are you concerned about the welfare of animals? You’re not the only one. Ethical consumerism is on the rise, and at its forefront is one major concern—animal testing.

Your choice of body lotion extends beyond just skincare benefits. It also has ethical implications. That’s why choosing grooming products like cruelty-free body lotion has surged and become an essential part of your browsing (and buying) process.

A study conducted by Carl Westmoreland and Anthony M Holmes highlights alternative testing capabilities and assures consumer safety without animals (aka animal testing). This study shows that alternative options are available without putting animals in harm's way.

Understanding what makes a product cruelty-free and why it matters is essential for conscientious spending. Several factors contribute to the cruelty-free label, and in this guide, we’ll cover what you need to know before buying a cruelty-free body lotion.

Join us as we explore cruelty-free body care and discover why it’s more than just skincare—it’s a commitment to compassion and ethical consumerism.

What Does Cruelty-Free Mean?

The cruelty-free label means products (and their ingredients) are not tested on animals. The term “cruelty-free” is generally used when talking about cosmetics or other grooming products.

Looking for products labeled cruelty-free is an easy way to ensure that no animals are harmed when producing a self-care product.

Is Cruelty-Free the Same as Vegan?

No, cruelty-free products are certified not to be tested on animals, while vegan products don’t contain animal-derived ingredients.

Vegan products are on the rise as consumers learn more about what is in their grooming products. An almost 33% increase in the vegan cosmetics market is expected from 2023 to 2030, which translates to a growth of 9 billion dollars spent on vegan products (on top of today’s spending).

A few premium brands, like Blu Atlas, create cruelty-free, vegan grooming products that are safe for your whole body. When shopping, be sure to check for both labels. Some of the top vegan skin care brands for men are also cruelty-free.

How to Identify Cruelty-Free Products

Here are the best ways to find out if products are cruelty-free:

Labeling and Certifications: The easiest way to see if a product is cruelty-free is to check for the cruelty-free bunny logo. Three official logos are The Leaping Bunny, Choose Cruelty-Free and PETA cruelty-free. To get the certified bunny logo, a company must pay to get a license for the logo. Some brands do not use the logo but may still be cruelty-free. For businesses like that, it’s important to research and see if they meet cruelty-free standards.

Researching Brands: Some grooming and cosmetics products don’t come with an evident “cruelty-free” label (like the bunny logo), and in these situations, a little research on an online cruelty-free database goes a long way. Three popular databases for brand lists are Leaping Bunny, Cruelty-Free International, and PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies.
Email the Company: Can’t find the company on a cruelty-free database? Another option is to email the company and send all your questions and concerns. Be specific and ask about their cruelty-free label or logo (or lack thereof).

Benefits of Cruelty-Free Body Lotion

It’s not just your skin that gets to soak in all the benefits of a cruelty-free body lotion. Here’s a list of benefits for you and the environment:

Ethical Treatment of Animals: Cruelty-free body lotions are made without testing on animals and ensure no harm is inflicted on animals.
Environmental Impact: Many cruelty-free body lotions (and other self-care products) use natural or organic ingredients, which reduce the environmental impact and consumption.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Popular cruelty-free items often contain cut-out artificial and synthetic chemicals, which can be harsh on the skin. They’re typically safer for the skin and contain more nourishing ingredients.
High-Quality Ingredients: Most cruelty-free body lotions contain high-quality, skin-boosting ingredients like plant-based oils, shea butter, aloe vera, and organic essential oils. These natural ingredients provide superior nourishment and hydration for the skin.
Support Ethical Consumerism: Buying cruelty-free products creates a higher demand for grooming products made by companies that prioritize ethical practices and animal welfare.

While these benefits directly reflect the “cruelty-free” benefit, lotions also provide other skin benefits, such as intense hydration and supporting the skin’s natural barrier. Some lotions also help treat skin issues like acne, roughness, bumps, inflammation, dryness and cracked skin.

What’s a High-Quality Cruelty-Free Body Lotion?

If you’re looking for a top-notch vegan, cruelty-free body lotion, check out Blu Atlas Body Lotion. As a clean, premium self-care elixir, it heals dry, tired skin while injecting the skin with naturally derived hydrators and soothing materials.

Blu Atlas Body Lotion is made with nutrient-dense materials like seaweed, jojoba oil, and shea butter to keep your skin healthy and vibrant. The company ditches harsh, toxic chemicals and instead utilizes naturally derived ingredients to nourish the body. The moisturizer is free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

But let’s address the bunny in the room. Blu Atlas doesn't currently have the official cruelty-free logo (but they’re working on it). The lotion is cruelty-free and never tested on animals. This means you can give your skin all the skin-loving benefits with a product that supports animal welfare. What’s not to love?

Check out the brand's top-selling bundles if you’re looking for other cruelty-free grooming products to upgrade your morning rituals. The Starter Set has everything you need to get started, while the Shave + Supply SE Razor Bundle has everything you need for a nick-free shave.