Terms like cruelty-free and vegan are popping up across the beauty and personal care aisles as consumers become more conscious of the ethics behind their purchases. But what do these labels really mean, and how can you tell if a product like deodorant is truly cruelty-free?
In this edition of Lone Kauri News, we’ll explore the difference between cruelty-free and vegan, take a look at animal testing laws, and highlight the certifications that help you choose products that align with your values.
So What Is Cruelty-Free deodorant?
At its core, a cruelty-free deodorant is one that has not been tested on animals at any stage of its development. This includes the final product and all the individual ingredients.
The terms cruelty-free and vegan are sometimes used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Cruelty-free does not automatically mean that the deodorant is vegan, natural, or even non-toxic. It simply refers to the absence of animal testing — a critical distinction for those looking to shop more ethically. Whereas vegan means it contains no animal-derived ingredients.
A deodorant can be cruelty-free but not vegan (e.g., if it includes beeswax or lanolin). Conversely, a product might be vegan but not cruelty-free if the ingredients were tested on animals during development.
For example, a deodorant made with only plant-based ingredients but tested on animals cannot be considered cruelty-free. Likewise, a product that avoids animal testing but contains animal-derived ingredients isn't vegan.
A Look at Animal Testing Laws
Despite growing awareness, animal testing is still legal — and in some countries, even required — for cosmetics and personal care products. Here’s a quick summary of our key trading partners:
- European Union: Animal testing for cosmetics is banned, including imported products.
- Australia: Animal testing for cosmetics was banned in 2020.
- New Zealand: Animal testing for finished cosmetic products is banned.
- United States & Canada: No federal bans; laws vary by each state/province.
- China: Until recently, China required animal testing for all imported cosmetics. Now, some exemptions apply for “ordinary cosmetics,” but the rules are still evolving.
This patchwork of laws makes it difficult for consumers to know where brands stand — and why certifications matter more than ever.
Trusted Cruelty-Free Certifications
Because product claims like “cruelty-free” or “not tested on animals” aren't legally regulated in many places, it’s helpful to look for certified logos from reputable organisations. These certifications ensure that a brand has gone through an independent verification process.
Here are the most trusted cruelty-free badges to look for:
Leaping Bunny (Cruelty Free International)
Perhaps the gold standard in cruelty-free certification.
To earn the Leaping Bunny logo, companies must not test finished products or ingredients on animals nor allow suppliers or third parties to test on their behalf. Companies must also submit to independent audits to confirm compliance.
PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies
PETA certifies two types of companies: “Cruelty-Free” (no animal testing); and “Cruelty-Free & Vegan” (no animal testing and no animal-derived ingredients)
While PETA’s process is self-reported (no third-party audits), it’s still widely respected in the cruelty-free community and can be a helpful guide when shopping.
Choose Cruelty Free (CCF – Australia)
This is a now-retired certification that was absorbed by Cruelty Free International. Some older products may still carry this logo.
How to Shop for Cruelty-Free Deodorant
When choosing a deodorant there are a few options to ascertain if the product is cruelty free:
- Look for logos – Leaping Bunny and PETA are your most reliable signs.
- Check the ingredient list – Watch out for animal-derived components if you also want vegan.
- Do your research – Use online cruelty-free databases like Ethical Elephant or Cruelty-Free Kitty.
- Ask brands directly – Responsible companies are usually transparent about their practices.
If you’re shopping from us at Lone Kauri, rest assured: our deodorants are proudly cruelty-free because we believe in ethical care that works for people and the planet. Our deodorants are not vegan, as we rely on beeswax to help bind the ingredients together, prevent separation and to make the deodorants easy to apply.
Not just a trend
Cruelty-free deodorant isn't just a trend — it's a movement toward a more compassionate, transparent, and sustainable approach to self-care. By understanding what cruelty-free really means, and how to verify it through trusted certifications, you can make more informed choices that align with your values.
