Going Cruelty-Free (Without Suffering!)

Going cruelty-free - without suffering! There are great products out there that are not only not tested on animals, they're more natural and better for you!Last winter I watched a disturbing show about animal testing. It bothered me so much that I started thinking about the changes I could make by not supporting companies who test on animals. I must disclose that although I am mindful of the environment and all things living, I am not a vegan or a vegetarian (sadly, my road block = bacon), but once I opened my eyes to brands I don’t typically purchase, I realized it’s really easy to change out many products to cruelty-free AND those often use more natural ingredients. Better for everyone!

My first step was to identify which companies I was no longer willing to support. I found the following sites helpful:

My simple plan was this:

  1. Use up the existing products in my home that were still on the animal testing list to avoid being wasteful.
  2. Any new products I need will be researched: Is a cruelty-free alternative out there? Can I make the switch to a cruelty-free alternative without spending more? Am I going to be able to switch without sacrificing effectiveness and quality? Yes, this was a challenge, but I was willing to change for a good reason.

In the last 8 months, I’ve switched and love the following cruelty-free brands:

  • Bath and Body Works – The variety of scents Bath and Body Works carries is vast. I’ve enjoyed their lotions and body washes for decades. Since going cruelty-free, I pick up their shampoo and conditioner too. The orange ginger smells so fresh and vibrant during my morning showers. The price is slightly higher than your average shampoo but it’s easy to get on their mailing list and get coupons. Also shop their sales and stock up.
  • Method – This has been my favorite brand of cruetly-free products. I use their multi-purpose cleaner, hand soap, granite cleaner, and dish soap. They carry wonderful scents like french lavender and pink grapefruit. Every product smells incredible and works well. The price is similar to other products from the supermarket. I find Method products at Target, Safeway, and BJ’s. All of Method’s products it can be purchased online at Amazon, including the (affiliate) Mickey Mouse Hand Wash.

MethodCleaners

  • J.R. Watkins – I just discovered this brand at Target. I’ve only tried the Lemon Natural Room Freshener and it is light and effective. It’s a touch pricier then Glade or Lysol but it works well at eliminating odors and I’m willing to try other products from this company. They also carry dish soap, hand soaps, and body lotions. I may need to pick up the hand soap soon…I love how pretty the bottle looks.

J.R. Watkins handsoap

  • Physician’s Formula – Found in CVS and most other drugstores, this is my favorite makeup. I had sensitive eye issues a year ago, so I switched out all of my eye makeup to this brand and my irritations went away. I’ve since purchased foundation, blush, cover-up and all look great. The only problem I found was the absence of their waterproof mascara in drugstores. physicians formula
  • Jason – My son now uses this brand of shampoo and it really does an amazing job at cleaning up his mop, no tears and great lather. Once the other Johnson & Johnson products run out, I’ll likely switch his other body products and sunscreen to Jason and test them out. Jason products can be purchased at Whole Foods, Wegman’s, and on Amazon.
  • jasons shampooCleanwell – Ever since my son was a baby four years ago, I started purchasing Cleanwell’s All-natural Foaming Hand Sanitizer (affiliate) instead of the other brands of antibacterial lotion. Although I’m not thrilled with the light pine scent, it does not contain alcohol or any harmful chemicals. It also lasts a very long time. This product line I have only found on Amazon.

I’ve not yet discovered an acceptable laundry detergent or dish washing liquid, but I’ve heard good things about Seventh Generation, so that’s next on my list to try. Since this began, I’ve noticed many brands are cruelty-free. Even Dollar Tree carries a few, including Yardley of London soap and Spa Haus shampoo and conditioner. I’ve tried both and they’re bargains at only $1!

Lastly, Confession Time:

Items I am unwilling to replace include: toothpaste, antiperspirant/deodorant, Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Wand Refills (I can’t stand toilet brushes!), face soap and face moisturizer (my skin is prone to break-outs!), and the products my husband uses for his beauty routine (that overhaul will eventually happen!). I’m trying my best but some items I just can’t justify in replacing due to their superior effectiveness or low price.

Have you considered going cruelty-free? We’d LOVE LOVE LOVE to hear what products you enjoy that don’t test on animals- share in the comments!Going cruelty-free - without suffering! There are great products out there that are not only not tested on animals, they're more natural and better for you too! You won't miss a thing!


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