I get asked this question a lot — and I’m always surprised by how many people still find it a little confusing. So let’s clear things up!

It’s so important to understand the difference between cruelty-free and vegan, especially when you’re trying to shop consciously and kindly.

Quick summary?

  • Cruelty-free = not tested on animals
  • Vegan = no animal ingredients

But it’s not always that straightforward…

What are vegan cosmetics?

A vegan product contains no animal ingredients or animal-derived ingredients.
This includes things like:

  • Honey 🍯
  • Beeswax
  • Lanolin
  • Collagen
  • Albumen
  • Carmine
  • Cholesterol
  • Gelatin

Many people also assume that vegan means cruelty-free — but that’s not always true!
Because the term "vegan" is not regulated, some products may not contain animal ingredients, but still be tested on animals.

👉 Watch out! Some brands will call their products vegan, even though they’ve been tested on animals elsewhere in the production process.

Tip: Ask the brand directly if you're unsure — if they can’t give you a clear answer, it’s best to avoid.

What are cruelty-free cosmetics?

A cruelty-free product is not tested on animals — at any stage of development or by any third party.

However, cruelty-free products can still contain animal-derived ingredients like:

  • Beeswax
  • Honey
  • Collagen
  • Carmine

For example, I once spoke with a customer who said she was fully vegan and using Liz Earle’s cleanser. When I checked the ingredients, I had to gently let her know it contained beeswax — so it wasn’t vegan after all.

Also beware of the phrase "required by law" — in some countries, this means animal testing is still mandatory. So even if a brand doesn’t test themselves, they may still allow third-party testing to meet those legal requirements.

Bottom line: Not all cruelty-free products are vegan, and not all vegan products are cruelty-free.

How can you make your shopping easier?

Here’s what to look for:

  • 🐇 Leaping Bunny Logo – Certifies cruelty-free, but not always vegan
  • 🌿 The Vegan Society Logo – Certifies both cruelty-free and vegan!

Why BAO Skincare is Different

At BAO, I’ve gone the extra mile to meet all the gold-standard certifications:
✔️ 100% Vegan
✔️ 100% Cruelty-Free
✔️ Certified by The Vegan Society
✔️ Certified by COSMOS Soil Association

This means:
✨ No animal ingredients
✨ No animal testing
✨ Every ingredient is safe for you, kind to animals, and gentle on the planet

In Summary...

  • Vegan = no animal ingredients
  • Cruelty-Free = no animal testing
  • They are not the same, and a product can be one without the other
  • Look for trusted certifications to shop with confidence

Even swapping a few of your everyday products to cruelty-free or vegan makes a difference. We all start somewhere, and every conscious choice counts. 💫