Some months back South Korea implemented a ban on animal testing for Korean cosmetics for the time being the ban only pertained to the Korean skincare and finished products but the Ministry of food and rural affairs and agriculture, South Korea planned on taking it further to the next level by banning animal testing on Korean cosmetics ingredients as a part of the five year plan for animal welfare. There are many companies that claim to be cruelty-free but different policies and discussions suggest different opinions about the brands implementing the same.

What Actually “Cruelty-free” Means?
 

The term was given by the animal rights movement and it refers to products that do not hurt or harm animals in their research, testing and production and this phrase was popularized by the fashion industry in order to differentiate the fake fur manufacturers from counterparts those traded pelt. In real words, it is simply put any activity in the process of cosmetic production that involve hurting or harming animals. One of the easiest example is animal testing. Any brand that involves animals for testing their products is not cruelty-free.

Cruelty–free vs Vegan
 

It is very important to understand the terms “cruelty-free” and “vegan” properly, as they are not interchangeable. A vegan product will never contain any ingredient derived from animals thus, all vegan beauty products are cruelty-free but at the same time not all cruelty-free products are vegan.

Whether There Are Cruelty-free Korean Brands or Not?
 

When it comes to knowing the names of companies or Korean beauty brands that are cruelty-free, PETA does not list any of the Korean beauty brands on their animal/non-animal testing list. There are many companies or Korean cruelty beauty brands that are strict when it comes to animal testing or any other animal cruelty when it comes to Korean beauty trend. Some of the best and most preferred names in the region are Etude House, Hera, Mamonde, Laneige, IOPE, Sulwhasoo etc. and some of them are owned by Amorepacific and it has voluntarily discontinued animal testing on cosmetics ingredients and finished goods since the year 2008.
 

Cruelty-free International did advertise regarding the cruelty-free brands and the above mentioned companies are currently cruelty-free.

Cruelty-free International East Asia Manager Mr. Lee said that he feels delighted that after two years of extensive work done by cruelty-free International they achieved the breakthrough and that he looks forward to end animal suffering for cosmetics in Korea.

Countries Taking Initiative to Go Cruelty-free
 

The outstanding five year Animal Welfare plan makes South Korea, the 2nd Asian country to announce the ban on animal testing for Korean cosmetics and implementing to certain extend after India. Some other countries too adhered to a ban on animal testing for cosmetics and beauty products. Israel banned the import of cosmetics or toiletries that are being tested on animals.

European Union Ban on Animal Test

The European Union implemented full ban the same year meaning that all the beauty products or cosmetics that are tested on animals cannot be sold in the EU. Also, all the cosmetics companies that manufacture the products within the EU cannot test the product or ingredients on animals.

Complications with Application of “Cruelty-free” Trend?

China still holds the “animal testing required” stance because of which going cruelty-free is not as simple as it seems to be. All brands who do not test their products on animals compulsorily have to do so in order to sell their products in China. This in any way surely affects all the brands that are vocal about eradicating animal testing are participating in the practice as long as they want to sell their products in Chinese market. Some customers see this as no major issue and continue to buy products from these brands despite the fact.

Green Washing
 

While the matters of testing on animals remain a gray area for some buyers, there still persist another great issue of green washing, which is of more concern. Some beauty brands claim to be cruelty-free as they do not test their finished products on animals. However, they involve in animal testing of the ingredients supplied by the ingredient suppliers. This is a great deceptive tactic that helps them to greenwash their beauty brands without actually taking necessary changes.

How to Shop “Cruelty-free”?
 

There are brands that have strictly opted cruelty-free trend and provide best cosmetics to their customers but in order to know them you should be sure of reliable sources proving their worth.

At Q-depot, we lay special emphasis on the fact that animals are also living organisms with senses close to human beings, and hence make it our primary concern to supply with cruelty free cosmetic range as well. Most of our products are certified and we aim to provide cruelty free cosmetic product which will be approved by People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Thus, you can be sure to check these cruelty free brands such as Etude House, Hera, Mamonde, Laneige, IOPE, Sulwhasoo and Innisfree etc. on our website, and be assured that it is 100% safe from all perspectives.

NOTE

For cruelty-free Korean cosmetics brands list, we refer to the information provided by KARA (Korean Animal Rights Associates). Below is the list provided by KARA which can be accessed here>

 

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