While animal products are still a concern in your beauty and health items, finding products that avoid animal testing can prove to be the bigger challenge.
Peta2 has an easily searchable database, but be sure to do your own research, as policies change!
http://features.peta2.com/shopcrueltyfree/
Here are some mainstays in any vegan’s medicine cabinet:
Many of these companies make too many wonderful, cruelty free products to list. See what you have in the natural section of your local grocery store and read the labels. Companies like to brag (as they should) about their commitment against animal testing. Many will even note if there are no animal products, but always read the ingredients to be sure. If you have a natural food store, the employees will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
Available at Kroger in Richmond:
KissMyFace: Hand soap, body wash, moisturizer, sunscreen, shaving lotion, tooth paste
Jason: Deodorant, bodywash, mouthwash, shampoo
Alba Botanicals: Acne supplies, sunscreen
Mrs. Myer’s Clean Day: Handsoap
Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap: Bodywash, barsoap
Things for thought:
Burt’s Bees (Also manufactures the Gud products) and Tom’s of Maine are both widely available. While they are technically not tested on animals, they are owned by Clorox and Colgate, respectively. This means that buying these products is supporting a company that tests on animals. Keep this in mind, as well as the fact that these products are inferior to many of the truly cruelty-free brands.
Also avoid Yes to Carrots/Tomatoes/Cucumbers products. They have recently begun selling their product in China, and have therefore changed their policies to allow for animal testing when required by law.
Deodorants tend to be an issue for many vegans:
Crystal sticks are fairly common in mainstream supermarkets, work well on odor, and last a long time. If you need something a little more “normal,” either pick up some Jason’s deodorant or head over to Ellwood Thompson’s (or most health food stores) and browse their selection. Our recommendation is Natural Grooming by Urban Cowboy “Dusk.” While the marketing is aimed towards men, the scent is very neutral.
Other recomendations:
Preserve Toothbrushes and Razors available at Ellwood Thompson’s
Shampoo:
Giovanni Cosmetics – ET and Target
Makeup:
NOTE: Lush is opening a branch at the Short Pump Mall. Known for their strong stance against animal testing, and a very large vegan selection, Lush is a great choice for soaps, lotions, shampoos, and Deodorants.