Beauty brands are starting to step up in blending their products with advocacies that matter such as being cruelty-free. Cruelty-free products are those that have not gone through animal testing but instead use alternative means to ensure that every creation is safe to use by the public.
Companies switching to go cruelty-free is important as over 100 million animals are killed each year in laboratories.
Unfortunately, the Philippines does not have any particular laws about animal testing. However, Republic Act No. 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 states that it is unlawful for any person to torture an animal or subject it to maltreatment for experiments not expressly authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare.
Despite not having a specific policy, we can advocate for anti-animal testing by purchasing cruelty-free products. Normally, these are officially labeled with a bunny sign from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) certifying the product to be 100% cruelty free.
If you are still not sure, here are 5 Filipino beauty products that are guaranteed to make you feel beautiful without the guilt of hurting any furry feline:
Ellana Cosmetics
Ellana Cosmetics started in 2007 and is best known for their loose mineral foundation powders catered for all Filipina skin tones. Founded by Theresa Carbonel and Coney Avellana, they aim to provide high-performance make up with a gentle formula for sensitive skin. More than just cruelty-free, the brand is also 100% vegan and planet-friendly.
Pink Sugar
Pink Sugar is a proud Philippine beauty brand that delivers premium quality cosmetics at affordable prices. Founded in 2014, it believes in feeling and looking beautiful with the help of their fun product line. Pink Sugar is committed to PETA’s Beauty without Bunnies program and all products are cruelty and paraben free.
Human Nature
Human Nature is a well-known organic brand that is both sustainable and affordable. From their line of makeup to skincare, a portion of your purchase goes to various Filipino communities such as Gawad Kalinga. Moreover, Human Nature was the first cosmetics and personal care brand to be awarded the Cruelty-Free certificate form PETA Asia-Pacific in 2011.
BLK Cosmetics
Founded by by actress Anne Curtis, BLK Cosmetics boasts its philosophy of uncomplicated beauty. It features the basic makeup essentials curated to suit every Filipino. In fact, it is one of the first locally made beauty brands that has an official cruelty-free certification from PETA.
MAGWAI
More than just a cruelty-free brand, Magwai is known for their reef-safe sunscreen. Every 1% of their proceeds goes to helping marine conservation movements. From sunscreens to sustainable shampoo bars, the brand ensures that the colors of the reefs are preserved and protected.
It is important to be responsible when purchasing any product to preserve the rest of our environment –animals included. No matter how small that tube of lipstick is, it might have been made using unethical means such as animal torture. By buying only cruelty-free beauty products, it sends a message to companies to change their practices and help save thousands of animals. Now, there is no reason to look good and do good with the beauty products we wish to buy.