If you’re interested in going cruelty-free, you might not know where to start. And as someone who’s been cruelty-free for almost a decade, I definitely know that feeling.

That’s why I put together this list of do’s and don’ts on how to go cruelty-free. This can be a great starting point or guideline to keep in your back pocket when transitioning to cruelty-free products. Let’s check it out..

The Do’s of Going Cruelty Free

Educate yourself on what it means for a product to be cruelty-free

I’d suggest learning the process of what makes a product cruelty-free. How do brands become certified cruelty-free? Does the brand sell in China? And lastly, does the company, suppliers, and other third-parties comply with cruelty-free practices?

These are all important questions you should be able to answer before you go cruelty-free.

Familiarize yourself with the terminology and logos.

Additionally, you should be familiar with certain terms such as “parent companies”, as well as knowing how to spot cruelty-free logos and what they mean.

The cruelty-free certifications include:

1. Leaping Bunny by Leaping Bunny
2. Cruelty Free by Peta
3. Not Tested on Animals by Choose Cruelty-Free

However, not all of these certifications follow the same guidelines. Check out Free the Bunnies post on understanding cruelty-free logos for more information.

Use online resources and guides

The Internet is a great tool to help you go cruelty-free. So take advantage of all the guides, articles, and resources you can find online.

Here are some of my favorites:

1. Ethical Elephant
2. Clean and Cruelty-Free
3. Friendly and Free
4. Cruelty-Free Kitty
5. Tashina Combs
6. The Good Trade

Phone apps are another great cruelty-free resource to have on hand. In-fact, I did a whole blog post about it! Check out my post on 8 must-have cruelty-free and vegan apps.

Related: 7 of My Favorite Blogs and Websites for Vegan and Cruelty-Free Living

Take it one step at a time

Going cruelty-free is a process that doesn’t happen overnight. So start incorporating cruelty-free products into one area in your life, like makeup products, cleaning supplies, or shower products.

The Don’ts of Going Cruelty-Free

Throw all your stuff away at once

Similarly, when you decide to go cruelty-free, use up all the products you already have and slowly incorporate cruelty-free products into your routine. This will also help you smoothly transition into a cruelty-free lifestyle, as it’s not such an abrupt change.

Related: What to Do With Your Old Products After Going Cruelty-Free

Forget that cruelty-free isn’t just cosmetics

Unfortunately, animal testing is common in a lot of unsuspecting products. Here is a list of 8 household products that are tested on animals.

Related: How to Shop for Cruelty-Free Products

Forget the difference between vegan and cruelty-free

Keep in mind that a product that is vegan doesn’t automatically mean it’s cruelty-free. An example of this is Garnier labeling their “Ultimate Blends” hair products vegan. The products are plant-based, but they are tested on animals.

[Update: As of March 2021, Garnier is now certified cruelty-free!]

So unsuspecting buyers might be under the impression that because the product is not made with animal ingredients, that it is also cruelty-free too.

Check out my blog post on the difference between vegan and cruelty-free for further reading.

Be hard on yourself if you mess up

Mistakes happen. It’s ok if you accidentally purchase something that isn’t cruelty-free. Especially in a world where everything seems to be tested on or made with animals.

You’re doing a great job, and it’s ok if you make a mistake!

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