A Little Background on Vanicream
Before telling you “is vanicream cruelty free?”, I wanna tell you a little bit about the company coz it’s important. Born out of the need for gentle, hypoallergenic skincare, this brand creates products that are kind to the most sensitive of skin types.
Vanicream prides itself on being dermatologist-recommended and free from common irritants. The founders had a vision of skincare that’s simple, effective, and, most importantly, inclusive. Their philosophy revolves around creating products that everyone, and I mean everyone, can use without fear of irritation or reactions. But a common doubt people have is “is vanicream cruelty free?”. So today, I am gonna clear all your doubts after conducting a comprehensive research. There is another common doubt that people have these days is if Cerave products cause cancer? I have another article on this topic so make sure to check it out here.
Diving Into Vanicream's Product Range
Now, let’s talk about the products! Vanicream has a lineup that reads like a love letter to your skin. They’re all about the basics, and by basics, I mean the essentials that make your skin go “ahhh!”
1. Gentle Cleansers
Vanicream’s cleansers are like a gentle hug for your face. Think soap-free, fragrance-free, and no-nonsense cleaning. They get the job done without making a fuss.
2. Moisturizers
Dry skin, meet your match! Whether it’s their famous Moisturizing Cream or the Lite Lotion, Vanicream knows how to keep your skin happy and hydrated. And yes, they’re formulated to play nice with even the touchiest skin types.
3. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is non-negotiable, and Vanicream gets it. Their sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection without the drama of fragrances or irritating additives. Sunshine with no compromises? Yes, please!
4. Specialty Skincare
Got specific skin concerns? Vanicream has you covered with specialty products designed for conditions like eczema and sensitive skin. It’s like a tailored suit but for your skincare routine.
So, Is Vanicream Cruelty free or not?
First , What's the Deal with Cruelty-Free?
Imagine a world where bunnies, puppies, and all our furry friends can live their best lives without being part of skincare experiments. That’s the dream, right? Well, cruelty-free is the magic term that brings us a step closer to that dream.
When we say a brand is cruelty-free, it means they’re taking a stand against animal testing. No bunnies harmed, no little paws involved in making sure our skincare is safe. It’s like a big, compassionate high-five to our animal pals.
"Not Tested on Animals" - A Quick Guide:
When you see “not tested on animals” on a product, it’s like a golden seal of approval. It means that from the first dab to the final swoosh, no cute critters were subjected to testing to make sure the product is safe for us. It’s a promise that your skincare routine is guilt-free and animal-friendly.
Breaking Down "Vegan":
Now, let’s talk about the cool term “vegan.” Vegan skincare is like the plant-powered superhero of the beauty world. When a product, like a Vanicream gem, is vegan, it means it’s free from any animal-derived ingredients. No beeswax, no lanolin – just pure, plant-based goodness.
So, when you go for a vegan skincare pick, you’re not just being kind to animals; you’re also opting for a more plant-tastic approach to beauty. It’s like giving your skin a green smoothie, but on the outside!
Why does it matter?
Choosing cruelty-free and vegan isn’t just a beauty trend; it’s a statement. It’s saying, “Hey, let’s pamper ourselves without putting our furry pals through any fuss.” Plus, it’s an eco-friendly move because happy animals and a happy planet go hand in hand.
Is Vanicream Cruelty free? The truth
As of now, Vanicream has not added anything about being cruelty-free on their website. However, they have mentioned on their website that they do not test their products on animals. This is what is written on their website “Pharmaceutical Specialties Inc. (parent company) does not test our products on animals.” Despite their statement, Vanicream is not cruelty free. Let’s find out why.
Is Vanicream Cruelty Free Certified?
Vanicream is not certified cruelty-free by any third party accreditation like Peta. They claim that they do not test on animals. However, their suppliers might be and they do not disclose if they turn down the suppliers that do test on animals.
How is a skincare brand certified cruelty-free?
To really check, Is Vanicream Cruelty-free? It has to comply with the following rules. To be considered truly cruelty-free, skincare companies need to meet specific criteria and adhere to certain standards. Here are key criteria and considerations that contribute to verifying a skincare company’s cruelty-free status:
No animal testing:
- A cruelty-free skincare company must not conduct any form of animal testing on its products or ingredients. This includes not testing finished products on animals or commissioning third parties to perform such tests.
Ingredients sourcing:
- The company should ensure that none of its ingredients are tested on animals. This extends to both the individual ingredients and any combinations used in the final product.
No Animal Testing for Regulatory Compliance:
- A cruelty-free brand does not engage in animal testing to comply with regulatory requirements in any market. This is particularly important in regions like China, where animal testing has been historically required for certain cosmetic products.
Cruelty-Free Certification:
- Many cruelty-free brands seek certification from recognized organizations, such as Leaping Bunny, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), or Choose Cruelty-Free. These certifications involve a thorough examination of a company’s practices and supply chain to ensure compliance with cruelty-free standards.
Supply Chain Audits:
- A commitment to cruelty-free practices includes auditing the entire supply chain. This involves verifying that suppliers and manufacturers also adhere to cruelty-free principles.
Vegan Products
- While not a strict requirement for cruelty-free status, some consumers consider a brand to be more aligned with cruelty-free values if it offers vegan products. Vegan products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
Transparency and Communication:
- A cruelty-free brand should be transparent about its animal testing policy. This information is typically communicated on the company’s website, product packaging, or in response to customer inquiries.
No Sales in Regions Requiring Animal Testing:
- Some companies commit to not selling their products in regions that require animal testing for cosmetics or skincare. This ensures that the brand’s products remain cruelty-free even in markets with different regulatory standards.
Is Vanicream Vegan?
Vanicream, while being recognized as a cruelty-free brand (which it is not), does not classify as entirely vegan due to the presence of certain animal-derived ingredients in some of its products. Notably, beeswax and honey are components found in select items within their product range.
Beeswax, derived from honeybee hives, is a commonly used ingredient in skincare products for its emollient and protective properties. While appreciated for its beneficial effects on the skin, the use of beeswax does exclude those products from being considered vegan-friendly.
Similarly, honey, a natural sweet substance produced by bees, is another ingredient found in specific Vanicream products. Honey is often used in skincare for its moisturizing and antibacterial qualities. However, its inclusion means that these particular items cannot be classified as vegan, as they involve the utilization of an animal byproduct.
Does Vanicream Sell In China?
Many cruelty-free brands choose not to sell their products in mainland China to maintain their cruelty-free status, as the Chinese regulations have involved mandatory animal testing on imported cosmetics.
Vanicream does not sell in China where animal testing is mandatory. China is a vast market and the fact that they are not selling their products in China, really means that they do not test on animals despite not being cruelty-free certified.
Still in doubt? Here are 6 Best Alternatives:
1. Versed Skincare
Versed Skincare, which is slowly becoming one of my favorite drugstore brands on the market. It’s sold at Target, and the price point of the products is right about $10 to $15 each. They have a lot of fragrance-free products, and they are vegan as well.
Best Product: Versed DEW POINT MOISTURIZING GEL-CREAM
2. Elf Skincare
Elf Skincare is another option, and their Happy Hydration Cream with hemp seed oil is a standout. They are really improving their skincare products and I am genuinely impressed.
Best Product: Elf. Happy Hydration Cream
3. Deceim/ The Ordinary
Deciem, the parent company of The Ordinary, is cruelty-free and vegan. Their AHA 30% + BHA Solution is a fantastic exfoliating mask.
Best Product: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
4. Krave Beauty
Krave Beauty, founded by YouTuber Liah Yoo, is both cruelty-free and vegan. She is incredible, and the brand promotes so many valuable ethics that are really important to me. The Great Barrier Relief is a personal favorite.
Best Product: Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief Reparative, skin-soothing serum
5. Paula's Choice
Paula’s Choice is an excellent online brand known for its 2% BHA Exfoliating Solution, a game-changer for minimizing pores.
Best Product: Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
6. First Aid Beauty
First Aid Beauty has so many amazing products. Their Coconut Water Cream is lightweight and perfect for oily skin.
Best Product: First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Water Cream
The Verdict: Is Vanicream Cruelty Free?
While Vanicream declares its commitment to not testing on animals, the waters become somewhat murky when examining the finer details. The lack of a clear, official cruelty-free certification might leave some consumers in a state of uncertainty.
It’s commendable that Vanicream refrains from animal testing, aligning with the values of compassion and ethical skincare. However, the absence of a recognized cruelty-free certification might leave cautious consumers seeking more explicit assurances.
As consumers, it’s crucial for us to stay informed, continually seeking clarity from brands and supporting those that share our ethical principles.
