Everything You Do MATTERS
I had a very wonderful and unexpected experience with activism yesterday that I’d love to share with you.
Keep reading to find out the difference between “vegan” and “cruelty free” beauty products and how to practice responsible and ethical consumer habits!
About six weeks ago I had a haircut. At the end, the stylist tried to upsell me on some hair products.
They had produced really nice results in how she styled my hair, so I was inclined to buy them.
But instead of automatically purchasing them, I actually took the time to read the ingredients lists and labels.
I told her that I was checking to ensure that the products were “cruelty free” and “vegan.”
I noticed that there was neither a “cruelty free” nor “vegan” label on the products. So I pulled out my phone and looked up the company to find out about their practices.
Again, this was while she was standing right in front of me. Waiting.
I could tell this was not something she was used to. She seemed surprised that I was taking so much time and care to check for this information.
Upon a cursory google search, I was able to apprehend that the company does test on animals, and their products are not vegan.
So I said to her very politely, “I really love the way these products make my hair look, and you did an amazing job with the styling! However, these products are not “cruelty free” or “vegan,” so I am not going to purchase them.”
She just said, “Okay no problem!” and we proceeded to the check out.
I didn’t make a big deal of it. I didn’t elaborate that I, personally, am vegan. I didn’t get mad that she used non vegan products in my hair.
I just said clearly and politely - they’re not vegan, they’re not cruelty free, so I won’t buy them.
That was six weeks ago.
Yesterday, I had another haircut.
When I showed up, she said, “I know you prefer cruelty free and vegan products, so everything we will use today in your haircut will be cruelty free and vegan.”
She had done research and picked out entirely new products that fit my values.
A tiny little conversation six weeks ago had made an impact on her. She remembered it.
At the end, I bought one of the products that she had used. It was a good product and I liked what it did to my hair - BUT more importantly, I wanted to reward that behavior!
It was a great opportunity to vote with my dollar.
Now, I know the hair stylist is by no means going vegan overnight or shunning all products that aren’t cruelty free or vegan.
But this experience shows that if we are firm in our values, speak with conviction, AND treat people with kindness and respect, they listen. They will change their behavior.
Hair stylists make commissions by upselling clients on hair products. So it was only in her best interest to present me with products that fit with my values, because I was more likely to buy and she was more likely to make money!
The Bigger Picture
Although this is a very small circumstance, it is analogous to the larger situation in society.
Companies (or hairstylists) just want to make money. They don’t care if animals are tortured and killed or not.
It sounds bleak but it’s actually a good thing.
That means consumers have the power.
If consumers refuse to buy products that are tested on animals or contain animal products, then companies will change their practices to fit what the consumer wants.
It’s up to us to DEMAND ethical products and boycott unethical products.
The market (and hairstylists) will follow. Because profit is their bottom line.
These little conversations we have with people matter.
If you refuse to buy something because it’s not cruelty free or vegan, especially if it means someone doesn’t make money from you, that makes an impact. They listen to that.
So in our interactions with people on a daily basis, we have the power to plant seeds.
If you have the opportunity to do something similar to my experience with the hair stylist, do it!
Remember - be firm in your values. State why you are not purchasing the product. But be kind, be friendly. Don’t make it a big issue. The loss of profit alone speaks for itself. Always be compassionate.
Eventually, the market will shift so much that practices like animal testing will be phased out.
47 countries around the world have completely outlawed animal testing. We’re already well on our way.
Cruelty Free vs Vegan
There is often a lot of confusion when it comes to labeling in the beauty industry. It’s important to know the exact definitions of terms.
“Cruelty Free” means the product was not tested on animals.
“Vegan” means the product does not contain animal-derived ingredients.
A product can be “cruelty free” in that it wasn’t tested on animals, but it can still contain animal-derived ingredients.
A product can be “vegan” in that it does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but it could still be tested on animals.
It’s important to look for products that have BOTH “cruelty free” and “vegan” labels.
There’s one more important aspect to consider.
China and Russia require cosmetics to be tested on animals in order to be sold in their countries.
So a product could be labeled “cruelty free” in the US, but if the company sells their products in either China or Russia, the company itself still tests on animals.
In my opinion, I think it’s an important consumer choice to boycott companies that still sell products in China or Russia.
Even though your particular product may not be tested on animals, your money is still going to a company that puts profits ahead of ethics. The company is still being financially rewarded for unethical practices, so they will continue those unethical practices.
Here are two great resources for finding beauty companies that are both “cruelty free” and “vegan.” The World of vegan resource provides good information about parent companies who test on animals (the China/Russia dilemma).
“Vegan” products from Non Vegan Brands
With regard to brands that have “vegan” options, but the whole brand isn’t vegan - this can get a bit complicated.
Many people have many different opinions and approaches. I can only share my perspective.
In my opinion, I think buying “vegan” and “cruelty free” products from a non vegan brand is a good consumer choice.
It rewards the company for producing vegan products. It shows them, “I will support your vegan efforts.” It’s like casting a vote for their vegan products.
Many times, after observing consumer buying habits, companies will reformulate other products to be vegan as well.
Kat Von D Beauty, Bite Beauty, Aveda, Elf Cosmetics, MUA, Cover FX, Acure, and MECCA MAX are all beauty brands that started out non vegan, but reformulated their products to become 100% vegan after observing consumer demand for vegan products.
Everything We Do Matters
Every conversation we have matters. Every conversation is an opportunity to plant a seed for someone.
Everything we purchase matters. Companies observe and follow consumer habits. It’s our job to cultivate ethical buying habits.
We have power! We have agency! We create change!
We must be firm in our values. We must communicate clearly. And we must always be kind.
That is the recipe for creating a kinder world for all living beings.
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