Myths & Facts

myths and facts

 
Myth
If a product says "Cruelty-Free" or has a bunny on it, that means it has not been tested on animals.
Fact
The reality is, there currently is no regulation in the United States or Canada for the term 'cruelty-free'. Claims such as "cruelty-free" or "not tested on animals," or even the simple image of a bunny on a label may only refer to the finished product, when in fact, nearly all animal testing occurs at the ingredient level. Furthermore, while a company may claim, "We do not test on animals," it could still contract other companies to do the testing. The only way to be 100% certain a company is cruelty-free is to buy products from companies that have been certified by the Leaping Bunny Program, which requires that no new animal testing be used in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or ingredient suppliers.
Myth
The law requires animal testing to be conducted on personal care and cosmetics products.
Fact
100% false. Neither the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nor the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission require animal testing for cosmetics or household products. There is sufficient existing safety data as well as in vitro alternatives to render animal testing for these products obsolete. While it is true that virtually every ingredient, even water, has been tested on animals in the past, we can help prevent future animal testing.
Myth
If a product isn't tested on animals, it might not be safe for humans.
Fact
Not so! There are many reliable alternatives to using animals available, including cell and tissue cultures and sophisticated computer and mathematical models. Companies can also formulate products using ingredients already determined to be safe. Cruelty-free companies can use a combination of methods to ensure safety, such as employing in vitro tests and/or conducting clinical studies on humans.
Myth
It's hard to find products that really are cruelty-free.
Fact
Quite the contrary! More and more companies are joining the Leaping Bunny Program each month. We now boast over 2,000 companies including well-known brands such as Burt's Bees, Method, YesTo and Seventh Generation. Remember to use our website's Compassionate Shopping Guide as a resource or download the free Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free app from iTunes or the Google Play store for the most updated list of certified companies.