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Making the switch to cruelty-free brands does more than just save animals’ lives. It also signifies an investment in skincare products that are much healthier for you and the environment. For one, cruelty-free products have significantly fewer chemicals and are mostly free from unnecessary additives, which means that your skin will only be soaking up the good stuff. What’s more, because the products are more organic, they are likely more sustainable and planet-friendly in the long run.
With thousands of safe and effective ingredients on the market, there is in fact, no reason to test on animals. So, if you’ve made the decision to shop more consciously, here are 10 of the best brands to support now (with options for every budget).
Note: My priorities for this list are cruelty-free and effective. There are a few brands (the final four) listed here that do contain fragrance additives and parabens. Most people do not find these problematic but it is worth mentioning.
1. PAULA’S CHOICE
I’d say that if I could only use one brand of skincare, it would have to be Paula’s Choice. There are plenty of other potent brands with great products, but Paula’s Choice has multiple great formulations.
While the brand is a bit on the pricier side, you can always count on Paula’s Choice when it comes to effective formulas backed by extensive research. Apart from being Leaping Bunny certified, I also love how they’re 100% transparent when it comes to product development, and even have an expert advice page and ingredient dictionary for consumers to learn about every skincare topic under the sun.
All of their products are praise-worthy, but I highly recommend grabbing their Barrier Repair Moisturizer which works wonders for renewing aged skin as it prevents moisture loss. It is a powerful Retinol treatment, so if you experience dryness, simply use it every other night until your skin becomes accustomed to it. This stuff truly works to make your skin smoother and rosier. Love it. I also love their Niacinamide 20% Treatment (the industry’s first!) that visibly brightens and evens out your skin tone.
Tip: The Niacinamide 20% Treatment is potent so it’s best for those whose skin is already habituated to niacinamide.
2. MAD HIPPIE
If you love natural skin care, then you’ll absolutely adore Mad Hippie’s lineup of vegan and cruelty-free products. The brand’s already got several awards from Marie Claire and Allure in the bag, and if that isn’t enough proof, they also have a 100% money-back guarantee should their products fail to meet your standards. Another reason to support the brand is their exemplary commitment to Mother Earth, with the brand donating $1 of every web sale to conservation.
For those looking to try out some of their award-winning products, I suggest starting with their Vitamin C Serum, This award-winning serum is not just vitamin c; it’s also loaded with skin-loving vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other hard-working actives. Their Face Cream With Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Complex is another popular formulation, with actives ranging from peptides, antioxidants, and other skin-healing vitamins. If that isn’t magic in a bottle, then I don’t know what is.
Tip: If you’re new to Vitamin C, try using it only during the day to avoid irritation.
3. SUNDAY RILEY
Since their launch in 2009, Sunday Riley has stayed true to their commitment to never test on animals, and are also double certified as a cruelty-free brand by PETA and Leaping Bunny. What’s even more impressive is that they’re B-corp certified (a global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy), and have a zero waste oil process—setting the bar for other skincare brands to increase their sustainability efforts.
Sunday Riley’s products are well-known for their transformative results, and if you’re looking for something that’ll give you a youthful, radiant, plump complexion, then you will love their Luna Sleeping Night Oil. Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon, people have only good things to say about this face oil. It is gentler than other retinol formulations, (such as the one I recommend in the Paula’s Choice line), so it’s perfect for new retinol users or those with sensitive skin. I love the scent of the nourishing Blue Tansy oil, and the combination with chia seed oil and avocado oil make this super hydrating. Another admired potion is Good Genes Lactic Acid. Lactic Acid is a milder alpha hydroxy acid than glycolic and for me it’s actually more effective. Good Genes combines lactic acid for brightening with flower extracts to soothe and soften. It’s a winner.
Tip: Despite the instructions, I recommend using this only at night.
4. iYURA KESARADI
iYURA Kesaradi provides an experience like no other, with a luxurious range of 100% natural, cruelty-free face oils that contain zero chemicals, minerals or additives. There’s something about these face oils that work so well for me! I use them in place of a moisturizer, over a serum during the day, and as a last step at night to seal in other products.
The ingredients are truly unique in the skincare world. A small sampling of the intoxicating components include turmeric, saffron, black chestnut, sesame oil, wild Himalayan cherry and much more. Radiant and glowing skin is the result. The reviews are mixed but I am whole-heartedly a fan, and and I think they’re worth every penny. Add their best selling Kesaradi Oil and Yauvari Amplified Youth Spring Oil to your next beauty haul and feel the difference for yourself!
Tip: You don’t need much product to make a difference. Rub a small amount between your palms and press into your face for best results.
When it came to keeping her skin supple and smooth, Old Hollywood star Mae West swore by coconut oil, and would apply it all over her face and neck daily.
5. ANDALOU NATURALS
For people who want beauty on a budget, this brand is a good bet. Though they aren’t 100% natural like iYURA, Andalou’s products are 98% nature-derived and they’re also the first brand to be non-GMO project verified. Andalou also never tests their products on animals, and neither do any of their suppliers or third parties.
With patented liposomal technology, Andalou prides themselves in harnessing nature’s most potent bioactive fruit stem cells extracted from heirloom apple, grape, alpine rose, argan tree, and hemp. Plant stem cell formulations ARE effective in preventing aging, however studies haven’t proven it’s the actual stem cell that provides the benefits, but the antioxidants and other actives found in the plants. Whatever the mechanism, the usefulness is there. Their products are effective in protecting your skin cells and promoting a healthy glow. If you’re curious about their patented fruit stem cell science, try out their Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask and their Resveratrol Q10 Night Cream and give your skin the extra nourishment it deserves.
Tip: The Honey Glycolic Mask is strong, so if you have sensitive skin you should do a patch-test first.
6. DERMA E
I am a huge fan of Derma E’s brand philosophy, which puts the environment—and everyone living in it—first. For over 30 years, the brand has never tested on animals, and are also 100% vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Derma E has also been transparent in their efforts to reduce clutter, with some of their initiatives being the use of biodegradable packaging and 100% renewable energy.
And importantly, they create top-notch, affordable products that are staples in a skincare enthusiast’s routine. If you’re looking for products that make you feel good and do good for our planet, consider their Advanced Peptides & Collagen Eye Cream which effectively combats fine lines and improves elasticity under the eyes, and their Advanced Peptides & Collagen Moisturizer which supports healthy elastin and can give your face a boost.
Tip: These creams are best mixed in your palm or between fingers before applying. 
Sophia Loren thanks olive oil for her youthful complexion, and would occasionally pour a couple of capfuls into her bath water.
7. AESOP
You may recognize the brand for their high-end aromatic hand soaps, but did you know that Aesop also carries a wide range of skincare products that offer the same luxury sensorial experience? Plus, the brand is also vegan, PETA-approved and Leaping Bunny certified, which means that you can indulge in a beauty ritual that you can feel great about.
If you’re interested in treating yourself to their nourishing (and incredibly fragrant) lineup of products, might I suggest starting with their Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream for deep hydration, delightful scent, and to seal in other active ingredients at night, and their highly-rated Amazing Face Cleanser . With mandarin rind and ylang ylang oil, it gets kudos from reviewers for leaving skin supple and glowing.
Tip: The Camellia Nut cream is intended for oily skin only, whereas the Amazing Cleanser is good for all skin types.
8. THE BODY SHOP
Everyone knows THE BODY SHOP, but not many people know that they’re 100% vegetarian, B-Corp-certified, and Leaping Bunny-certified. The brand has been around for over 4 decades, and still enjoys a large fanbase. While some people swear by their facial products, I prefer to stick with their delicious-smelling body-care potions, which are a sensual treat.
A few to try? Mango Body Yogurt, 24-hour moisturizer: You’ll want to eat it, but save it for your skin. Spa of the World Hawaiian Kukui cream is another standout, and to refresh your tired feet, you won’t regret using their Peppermint Intensive Cooling Foot Rescue.
AAAAh!…is all I can say!
Tip: The Body Shop has a wide variety of yummy scents so look to find your favorites: butter coconut, satsuma, strawberry…and the list goes on!
9. MARIO BADESCU
Mario Badescu uses simple yet effective ingredients to target specific skin concerns. I enjoy how their website has a skin analysis feature which gives users personalized skincare solutions. Mario Badescu has also made it clear that they do not test on animals nor sell to regions that require animal testing.
Some standout products in their line would have to be their Cellufirm Drops which enhance elasticity and skin tone. Ingredients include peptides, soy extract, and olive oil for firmness and moisture. Their Moisture Magnet SPF 15—a makeup artist favorite that locks in moisture and creates a smooth base under foundation.
Note: Mario Badescu is not paraben-free nor fragrance-free so be aware if you have any sensitivity to parabens or fragrance.
10. AVALON ORGANICS
Avalon Organics is another 100% vegan brand that’s also Leaping Bunny certified. A lot of their products have Vitamin C and CoQ10, which is great if you’re looking for organic anti-aging products that simply work.
Their Wrinkle Therapy Night Creme has all the vital nutrients needed to fuel the skin’s nightly restoration process and improve skin texture, while their Intense Defense Vitamin C Moisturizer protects the skin from free radicals and other environmental stressors during the day.
Note: while these are good products with high-ratings and are Cruelty-free, they do contain some possible allergens such as linalool and limonene.
DIY YOUR OWN CRUELTY-FREE SKINCARE
If you’d like to give DIY skincare a shot, there are plenty of simple recipes with easily accessible ingredients. Here are some of my current favorites:
Anti-Aging Facial Oil
2 tablespoons jojoba oil (lightweight and quick drying; great for anti-aging and acne-prone skin)
1 tablespoon rosehip seed oil (helps in skin cell regeneration and lightens the appearance of wrinkles)
10-20 drops of geranium oil – (calms and soothes the skin; has a relaxing floral scent)
Nourishing Lip Stain
1 teaspoon cocoa butter (deeply moisturizes lips)
1 teaspoon coconut oil (soothes chapped lips)
1 teaspoon soy wax (adds staying power and locks in hydration)
Plus: a small scoop of your favorite lipstick shade
For more information on an affordable and effective skincare line, see our full review on The Ordinary!
Comment below if you have a favorite cruelty-free brand!
2 thoughts on “10 Best cruelty-free (and truly effective) skincare Brands”
Good Genes is one of my favorite products. I am happy they don’t test on animals. Thanks for writing the information.
You’re welcome Geri! Good Genes is a very popular lactic acid product. Thanks for reading.