Hey ladies!
If you’ve been following us for a while, you know we promote organic skincare solutions and we strongly believe no animal ever should be harmed in any way in the pursuit of cosmetics or any other purposes.
If you’re tired of supporting brands that test on animals, there’s good news: more and more companies are going cruelty-free, and many are producing high-quality skincare that actually works.
Below are some of the best cruelty-free skincare brands worth switching to, tested by real people, loved by real skin.
Note: We order, test and try various beauty products for hair, nails and skincare, to give you the best reviews that we can. Our articles contain our affiliate links – meaning we get a small comission per each sale at no cost for the buyer, which helps us cover the costs of running the site.
1. Paula’s Choice
Why it stands out: Science-driven formulas, real results, no fluff.
Paula’s Choice is a go-to for anyone who wants clean, effective skincare without the marketing gimmicks. They’re fully cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny certified. Their cult-favorite BHA Liquid Exfoliant is legendary for a reason—it clears pores, reduces breakouts, and gives your skin a visible glow.
What to try:
2. The Ordinary
Why it stands out: High-performance ingredients, ridiculously low prices.
Owned by DECIEM, The Ordinary is transparent, minimalist, and completely cruelty-free. If you like no-nonsense skincare that tells you what you’re getting (literally in percentages), this is your brand. Great for skincare nerds and budget-conscious beauty lovers alike.
What to try:
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (hello, red mask!)
3. Youth to the People
Why it stands out: Superfood-based, sustainably sourced, and all about that glow.
This California-based brand uses kale, spinach, green tea, and other powerful plants to create vegan and cruelty-free products. Bonus: they package everything in glass and are constantly working on improving sustainability.
What to try:
4. Versed Skincare
Why it stands out: Affordable, clean, and found at Target.
Versed is proof that you don’t have to spend big to be kind to animals (and your face). Their products are cruelty-free, vegan, and made without over 1,300 questionable ingredients. It’s skincare that actually fits into your life and your budget.
What to try:
5. Herbivore Botanicals
Why it stands out: Instagram-worthy packaging with real-deal natural ingredients.
Herbivore isn’t just pretty to look at. Their products are truly clean, cruelty-free, and packed with plant-based powerhouses. Plus, their focus on transparency means you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin.
What to try:
6. Drunk Elephant
Why it stands out: Clinically effective, cruelty-free luxury.
Though on the pricier side, Drunk Elephant delivers visible results. They’re serious about clean beauty and make a point of excluding what they call the “Suspicious 6” (essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and SLS).
What to try:
7. Krave Beauty
Why it stands out: Simplicity, sustainability, and skin respect.
Founded by skincare influencer Liah Yoo, Krave Beauty is all about going back to basics. Their line is small, intentional, and totally cruelty-free. They’re also big on reducing overconsumption, which is rare in the beauty world.
What to try:
8. Biossance
Why it stands out: Biotech-powered, clean formulas with a conscience.
Biossance uses sugarcane-derived squalane in all their products, which mimics your skin’s natural oils and delivers hydration like nothing else. They’re also EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny certified, and committed to clean science.
What to try:
- Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
- Squalane + Omega Repair Cream
- Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum
The Bottom Line
Cruelty-free skincare is not a trend—it’s a conscious choice that aligns beauty with ethics.
The brands above are leading the way, offering real results without compromising on compassion. Whether you’re a minimalist or a 10-step routine type, there’s a brand here for you.
Let’s make loving and compassionate choices – let’s create a new, kinder world for all animals, one where no animal ever should be tested on.
