This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read the full disclosure here.
This question has been on the minds of many beauty enthusiasts who want to choose products that align with their values. As someone who cares deeply about animal welfare, I understand the importance of using cruelty-free brands.
That’s why I did some research on Honest Beauty, a popular skincare and makeup line co-founded by actress Jessica Alba. In this blog post, we’ll dive into whether or not Honest Beauty is cruelty-free and what that means for conscious consumers like you and me.
The first step is to understand the difference between cruelty-free and vegan. Cruelty-free means that the products were not tested on animals, while vegan means that the products do not contain any animal ingredients or byproducts.
Some companies claim to be both cruelty-free and vegan, while others may focus on one or the other.
In this article, I answer the question, “Is Honest Beauty cruelty-free, vegan, and/or sustainable?” But also if it’s clean, non-toxic, fragrance-free, and/or paraben-free. This way, you can easily decide whether you want to buy their products.
Is Honest Beauty Cruelty-Free?
Honest Beauty is cruelty-free. They don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third parties. On top of that, their products are not tested on animals anywhere in the world, including mainland China.
Is Honest Beauty Owned By A Parent Company?
Honest Beauty is not owned by a parent company that tests on animals.
In the beauty industry, it’s pretty standard for brands to have a bigger company behind them, which we call parent companies. These parent companies are usually big global players like L’Oreal, Estee Lauder, or Procter & Gamble.
You might be wondering why this is important information. Now, here’s the thing: many of these parent companies aren’t cruelty-free themselves because they do some level of animal testing. And, to complicate matters, they might own a bunch of brands that also aren’t cruelty-free.
No immediate worries, though; some of the brands under these parent companies are proudly cruelty-free and have really strict policies against animal testing. So, you can still find ethically conscious options within these bigger brand families.
We do like to mention this because some consumers don’t buy from cruelty-free brands with an animal testing parent company. We respect everyone’s choice in this!
Is Honest Beauty Cruelty-Free Certified?
Yes, Honest Beauty is certified by Peta.
Companies can totally be cruelty-free without having official certifications, but these certifications from organizations like Leaping Bunny and PETA are a great way to spot the good guys who are really committed to ethical practices. These two groups are well-known for giving out the cruelty-free seal of approval.
Is Honest Beauty Sold In China?
Honest Beauty is not sold where animal testing is required by law.
China, for example, has mandatory animal testing policies for certain imported cosmetic products. To comply with these regulations, some brands choose to sell their products in physical stores in China, where animal testing may occur.
However, Honest Beauty does not sell their products in countries where animal testing is required by law. This ensures that their commitment to cruelty-free practices extends beyond borders.
Is Honest Beauty Vegan?
Honest Beauty is not 100% vegan, meaning that some of their products contain animal-derived ingredients. However, they do have many products that are considered vegan-friendly.
Vegan Alternatives For Non-Vegan Ingredients
There are many other vegan options for animal-derived ingredients. If you’re curious to know which non-vegan ingredients are replaceable with vegan alternatives, check out the following:
Non-Vegan Ingredient | Source | Vegan Alternative |
Squalane | Shark liver oil | Squalane (plant-derived: from olives, wheat germ, amaranth) |
Collagen | Animal connective tissues | Plant-based collagen (seaweed, algae) |
Lanolin | Sheep’s wool | Vegetable oils (shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil) |
Beeswax | Bees | Plant-based waxes (candelilla wax, carnauba wax, vegan wax) |
Honey | Bees | Agave nectar, maple syrup |
Carmine (cochineal) | Cochineal insects | Beetroot extract, berry extracts |
Keratin | Animal hair, horns, feathers | Plant-derived proteins (soy protein, wheat protein, oat protein) |
Gelatin | Animal bones, skin, and connective tissues | Agar agar, carrageenan, guar gum |
Guanine | Fish scales | Synthetic mica, bismuth oxychloride |
Silk | Silkworms | Plant-based fabrics (bamboo, hemp) |
Animal fats and oils | Various animal sources | Plant-based oils (coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil) |
Is Honest Beauty Considered Clean?
Let’s start with a little background on what exactly is meant by “clean.” The term “clean beauty” is controversial because it isn’t regulated; this means that brands can slap ‘clean,’ ‘green,’ ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ on their products whenever they want.
How I personally approach “clean beauty” is the same as Goop explains it: clean beauty products are those made without ingredients shown or suspected to harm human health, animal health, or the environment.
What Are Harmful Ingredients?
Sadly, there are quite a few (actually… thousands) of harmful ingredients or ingredients that are suspected to be harmful to humans, animals, and/or the environment. Here are some of the most frequently used ingredients:
Ingredient | Commonly Found In | Concerns |
Parabens | Cosmetics, personal care products | Potential hormone disruption, allergenic potential |
Phthalates | Fragrances, nail polishes, hair sprays | Reproductive and developmental issues |
Formaldehyde | Various cosmetic and skincare products | Skin irritation, potential carcinogenic effects |
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) | Cleansers, shampoos, body washes | Skin irritation, oil-stripping potential |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) | Cleansers, shampoos, body washes | Skin irritation, oil-stripping potential |
Mineral Oil | Skincare and cosmetic products | Potential for clogged pores, skin barrier disruption |
Triclosan | Soaps, toothpaste, deodorants | Antibacterial resistance, potential hormone disruption |
Oxybenzone | Sunscreen products | Hormone disruption, potential harm to coral reefs |
Talc | Powder-based cosmetics | Potential contamination with asbestos, carcinogenic |
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) | Cosmetics, personal care products | Allergenic potential, potential endocrine disruption |
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) | Cosmetics, personal care products | Allergenic potential, potential endocrine disruption |
Synthetic Fragrances | Various cosmetic and skincare products | Allergenic potential, often not fully disclosed |
Petrolatum | Lip balms, ointments, moisturizers | Potential for clogged pores, skin barrier disruption |
Aluminium cyclic silicones | Antiperspirants, cosmetics | Concerns about neurotoxicity, potential health risks |
Benzene | Nail polishes, hair dyes, detergents | Carcinogenic potential, associated with blood disorders |
Toluene | Nail polishes, hair dyes, fragrances | Neurotoxicity, potential developmental and reproductive issues |
So, Is Honest Beauty A Clean Beauty Brand?
Honest Beauty is considered a clean beauty brand. They created a NO List™ — a list of over 3,500 chemicals/materials they choose not to use in their products.
Their NO List™ is made up of category-specific lists because what causes a chemical/material to pose a risk is dependent on how and where it’s used. Some ingredients on their no list include parabens, SLS/SLES, Formaldehyde Donors, synthetic fragrances, and dyes.
However, they do note the following: “However, manufacturing products is complicated, and we cannot always eliminate background or cross-contamination.”
Is Honest Beauty Fragrance-Free?
No, Honest Beauty is not completely (synthetic) fragrance-free. This means that their products do contain any added fragrances or perfumes.
However, they clearly state which products contain fragrance and they have an additional product line that is considered fragrance-free.
Is Honest Beauty Paraben-Free?
Yes, Honest Beauty is a paraben-free brand. Parabens are synthetic preservatives commonly used in the beauty industry to prolong the shelf life of products.
Is Honest Beauty Sustainable?
Honest Beauty is a brand that focuses on creating organic and natural beauty products. They promote sustainable practices in their manufacturing and packaging processes, making them an eco-friendly brand.
In addition to this, Honest Beauty also promotes sustainability through its ingredient sourcing process. They prioritize ethically sourced ingredients from local farmers or fair trade suppliers who use sustainable methods of farming or harvesting.
How To Find Out If A Brand Is Cruelty-Free And/Or Vegan Yourself?
The easiest way to tell if a brand is cruelty-free and vegan is to look for third-party certification.
Several organizations, such as Cruelty-Free International, PETA, and Leaping Bunny, offer cruelty-free certifications for companies that have agreed to adhere to their strict guidelines for animal testing.
Similarly, the Vegan Society provides a Vegan Trademark to companies that do not use any animal-derived ingredients in their products. Look for these certifications as a sign that a brand is truly cruelty-free and vegan.
It’s also important to look beyond the label. Many companies may claim to be cruelty-free and vegan but may not actually adhere to those standards.
Check the company’s website for information about their animal testing policies and ingredients.
Questions |
Does your brand test products or ingredients on animals? |
Do the companies you get your supplies from, test on animals? How do you ensure they don’t? |
Are there any other companies that test on animals for you? |
Do you test on animals when the law says you have to? |
In which countries can you find your products in physical stores (not counting online sales)? |
Finally, look for reviews from other cruelty-free and vegan consumers. They may have had firsthand experience with the brand and can provide insight into the company’s actual practices.
Moreover, they may be able to recommend alternative cruelty-free and vegan brands that meet your needs.
By following these steps, you can determine if a brand is truly cruelty-free and vegan. If you would like more information and tips, check out this cruelty-free makeup and skincare guide.
With more and more companies offering animal-friendly products, it’s easier than ever to find cruelty-free and vegan products that fit your lifestyle.
Conclusion On Is Honest Beauty Cruelty-Free
After conducting thorough research and analysis, I can confidently say that Honest Beauty is indeed cruelty-free.
As a conscious consumer, it’s important to be aware of the products we use and their impact on animals. By supporting brands like Honest Beauty that prioritize animal welfare, we can make a positive difference in the world.
I hope this blog post has provided valuable information for those who are interested in cruelty-free beauty. Remember to always check for certifications and do your own research before making any purchasing decisions. Let’s continue to spread awareness and support ethical companies.
Frequently Asked Questions