The mainstream beauty industry can be very harsh when it comes to treating animals with love and compassion; Many companies are still testing their products on animals. If that's not your jam, you might be interested in cruelty-free fragrances.
I know there's plenty of different arguments on the topic, but I have a hard time using any product that tests on animals. The practice isn't exactly news when it comes to cosmetics, but I was surprised to learn that even fragrance companies can test on animals, too. Perhaps I shouldn't have been, though: According to The Humane Society of the United States, “…animal testing is still surprisingly common in the United States, where it isn't mandatory to develop or sell products.”
There is progress being made across the globe, though. PETA UK reports, “In March 2013, a new European Union (EU) law was fully implemented that made it illegal to sell animal-tested cosmetics in Europe, even if the testing was done outside Europe — a spectacular achievement.” However, PETA UK also explains, “Although companies can’t sell animal-tested cosmetics in Europe, they can continue to test cosmetics on animals outside Europe and sell them in other markets. Therefore, companies can still profit from cruelty to animals — just not in Europe.”
Generally, in terms of animal testing worldwide, there are still leaps and bounds to cross for animal activists who want to limit the practice. In the meantime, you can support the companies that are opposing animal testing with their cruelty-free fragrances.
1. The Perfume For Unicorns
Sugared Amber Dreams Spray Perfume, $22, pacificabeauty.com
If the packaging with dancing unicorns adorning it and the vanilla and warm amber notes of this fragrance don't quite sell it to you, the fact that its 100 percent vegan and cruelty free will likely seal the deal.
2. The Lemon Sorbet Scent
Urban Organic, $65, aperfumeorganic.com
In addition to being cruelty-free and vegan, the ingredients in this fragrance are certified USDA organic. Plus, it smells like lemon sorbet with bourbon and features a whole host of other delectable notes.
3. The Sexy One
Lust Perfume, $16.95 — $42.95, lushusa.com
Described by its creators as an, "Unashamedly carnal jasmine" scent, this vegan perfume is definitely one for folks on the lookout for love.
4. The Sassy Solid Perfume
Sassy Solid Perfume, $12, aromibeauty.com
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty's Perfume Guide, Aromi's line of fragrances are cruelty-free. With humorous names such as, "Hot Mess," "Hipster," and "Foxy Lady," you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to Aromi's solid perfumes.
5. The Inspirational Fragrance
Inspired Action Perfume By Lotus Wei, $45, thedetoxmarket.com
Another brand featured on Cruelty-Free Kitty's Perfume Guide is the intriguing Lotus Wei. According to the product description of Inspired Action Perfume, wearers experience motivation, drive, and decisiveness among other positive attributes. It also "dissolves" procrastination, writer's block, and a distracted mind among others. Plus, it smells of "Exotic Citrus Spice." Sounds like this perfume has been heaven-scent!
6. The Dark Rose Perfume
French Girl Organics Organic Perfume — Rose Noir, $55, beautyhabit.com
You'll be glad to know this rose and dark spice scented perfume is made mostly of organic or wild-crafted ingredients, it's vegan, and it's tested on French girls not animals.
7. The Woodland One
Woodland — Eau De Parfum — Natural Perfume, $98, foragerbotanicals.com
This unisex, vegan fragrance is not tested on animals, it's handcrafted in Brooklyn, and you can get a 20 percent discount on perfume refills by sending back your empty bottle.
8. The Refreshing Body Mist
Rain Silky Body Mist, $16, terranovabody.com
If you're in need of something to keep you feeling fresh during the warmer months, this alcohol-free body mist should do the trick! Terra Nova is another gem listed in Cruelty-Free Kitty's Cruelty-Free Fragrance Guide.
9. The Lovely Lilac Roll-On
French Lilac Perfume Roll-On, $12, pacificabeauty.com
A one-hundred percent vegan and cruelty-free, French lilac scented perfume roll-on I can keep in my handbag, that's only $12? I'll take ten.
10. The Enchanted Aroma
Elfen Spring, $99, auphorie.com
Any fragrance that is vegan friendly, not tested on animals, and is described with a story about "the spring of life" found in an enchanted forest, is music to my ears.
11. The Pina Colada Perfume
Vegan Perfume Pina Colada 30ml, $16.25, etsy.com
If you like your perfumes, "vegan, cruelty free and only tested on willing human victims" this cheeky perfume could be the thing for you.
If it's an issue you're passionate about, there's no need to line the pockets of companies that test on animals — use your dollars to grab products that are cruelty-free instead.
Images: Image Source Trading Ltd/Shutterstock; Courtesy Brands
