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As someone who loves trying out new skincare treatments and sharing my experiences with you lovely readers, it’s important for me not only to trust what I’m putting on my face but also to consider the ethics behind each brand. I asked myself, “Is Murad Cruelty-Free?”
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 will share if Murad is 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 Murad Cruelty-Free?
Murad is cruelty-free. They have confirmed that they don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals, nor do their suppliers or third parties. They also don’t sell their products where animal testing is required by law.
Is Murad Owned By A Cruelty-Free Parent Company?
Murad is owned by a parent company that tests on animals. The parent company is Unilever, and this is not a cruelty-free company.
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 Murad Cruelty-Free Certified?
Yes, Murad 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 Murad Sold In China?
Murad is not sold in China or any other countries 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 Murad Vegan?
Murad is not entirely vegan. Some of their products contain ingredients derived from animals. However, Murad does offer some vegan-friendly options.
If you want to learn more about vegan beauty products, check out our What Makes A Beauty Product Vegan guide or our List Of 13 Vegan Ingredients In Beauty Products.
Is Murad 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 | Concerns |
Parabens | Potential hormone disruption, allergenic potential |
Phthalates | Reproductive and developmental issues |
Formaldehyde | Skin irritation, potential carcinogenic effects |
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) | Skin irritation, oil-stripping potential |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) | Skin irritation, oil-stripping potential |
Synthetic Fragrances | Allergenic potential, often not fully disclosed |
So, Is Murad A Clean Beauty Brand?
Murad might not be a completely clean beauty brand, as they still have products that may contain harmful ingredients. However, they do offer quite a lot of products that are “Formulated Without”. If this is important to you, make sure to use their tab on the product page.
Is Murad Fragrance-Free?
Murad offers fragrance-free options for those with sensitive skin or who prefer to avoid added scents in their routine.
To determine if a product you’re interested in is formulated without fragrance, visit the specific product page at the Murad website and look under the “Formulated Without” tab.
Is Murad Paraben-Free?
Murad is not completely paraben-free, but many products manufactured by Murad are formulated without parabens.
To determine if a product you’re interested in is formulated without parabens, visit the specific product page at the Murad website and look under the “Formulated Without” tab.
Is Murad Sustainable?
Murad is committed to green initiatives. They no longer use Styrofoam and instead use a completely biodegradable, corn-based “look-alike” peanut in their packages. They also endeavor to use the smallest possible shipping box for each shipment.
In addition, Murad has moved to sustainable solutions for their direct mailers (“cradle to cradle” certified); their plastic trays have been changed from PVC to PET, they recycle corrugate containers at their warehouse, and they print all packaging on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified stock.
On top of that, Murad also partners with organizations like TerraCycle to recycle their products after use. While no company can claim to be 100% perfect or completely sustainable given the complexities of global supply chains, it’s clear that Murad is committed to creating a product line that is both good for your skin and good for the planet.
Is Murad Gluten-Free?
Many products manufactured by Murad are formulated without gluten. To determine if a product you’re interested in is formulated without gluten, visit the specific product page at the Murad website and look under the “Formulated Without” tab.
Is Murad Soy-Free?
Murad does not have information on its website about products being soy-free. Based on this, I assume that their products may contain soy.
Is Murad Nut-Free?
Murad does not have information on its website about products being nut-free. Based on this, I assume that their products may contain nuts.
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 Murad Cruelty-Free
So, after researching and digging deep into the brand’s ethics, I have come to a conclusion – yes, Murad is cruelty-free! It’s great news for all those who want to look good without compromising on their values.
Knowing that a company is committed to using ethical practices in its production process gives me peace of mind as a consumer.
It’s essential that we educate ourselves about brands and their policies when it comes to animal testing. By taking this small step, we can make sure our money goes towards supporting companies that align with our beliefs.
Thanks for joining me on this journey of discovery. Remember always to check the labels before making your next purchase and support companies like Murad that are doing the right thing for animals. Together, we can make a difference!