For a reason, I assume you already know both are related to animals. Vegan and Cruelty-free are both very different claims made by product-based brands. These claims are nowadays more seen in skincare products. For a clear idea about the difference between Vegan and cruelty-free products, you need to first separately understand them.

What is Vegan?

Veganism is a lifestyle that stands against using anything that comes from animals. Whether it’s the food we eat or the products we use, being vegan means no to animal ingredients. In the beauty world, a product earns the title of ‘vegan’ when it contains no elements sourced from animals, resonating with those who aspire to live kindly and compassionately.

Being vegan is like having a lifestyle that says ‘no’ to anything that comes from animals. This includes what we eat and what we use. For skincare products, it means they don’t have any ingredient that comes from animals. It’s a choice made by people who want to live without using things that come from animals.

The word “Vegan” is a way of living or lifestyle of an individual person or community. So if someone is vegan, it means they are having a lifestyle that says ‘no’ to anything that comes from animals. Which will include all the stuff people buy or use. Like the food, utilities, consumables, skincare products, furniture, etc.

Vegetarian is a word that means someone who doesn’t eat animals or flesh. But they can use or have things related to animals like leather, milk, etc. This is the point that differentiates between vegetarian and vegan. Vegetarians may not be vegan but if someone is vegan, he is also vegetarian for sure.

Vegan products

For the best example, almond milk, vegetables & fruits, and nuts are all non-vegan products. following are the examples of what are vegan products

1. Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
2. Vegetable Proteins
3. Grains and Legumes
4. Nut Butters
5. Fruits and Vegetables
6. Hummus
7. Whole Grain Products
8. Plant-Based Sweets (Without Diary Products)
9. Plant-based Leather

Non-Vegan products

For the best example, Animal milk, Leather, and Meat are all non-vegan products. following are the examples of what is not vegan products

1. Dairy Products
2. Meat
3. Eggs
4. Seafood
5. Honey
6. Gelatin
7. Bone Broth
8. Dairy-Based Baked Goods
9. Milk/diary-based Candies
10. Leather and Wool Products

To understand more about the Vegan lifestyle you should click here.

What is Cruelty-free?

Unlike Vegan, Cruelty-free isn’t about a person’s lifestyle or preferences. But Cruelty-free is a claim made by a company/brand for its product. This means that a product wasn’t tested on animals in the whole development process. Not only during production but it should not be tested on animals from any time between research to the final stage.

You must have seen in movies or series where the scientists keep on having a few caged animals in their labs. Before any samples are tested on humans, animals are subjected to lab tests. This is called cruelty. Creating the final product without conducting such tests on animals up to the final stage is termed a cruelty-free product.

It’s a way of saying ‘no’ to hurting or harming animals when making or testing a product. It’s about being kind to animals, especially when it comes to testing beauty products. Today, every brand claims to be Cruelty-free, which is also a healthy practice.

Difference Between Vegan and Cruelty-Free

If you have read everything until here, I don’t think you will still not know the difference between vegan and Cruelty-free. People know Vegan as a way of living, and a Cruelty-free label will describe a product’s make.

Let’s keep it simple: being vegan is about ingredients, and making sure there’s nothing from animals in the product. Cruelty-free is about testing – assuring that no animals were harmed in the process.

Following are the 4 combinations of vegan and cruelty-free a person would consider following themselves or follow accordingly:

• Vegan but not Cruelty-Free
  • products used don’t have anything from animals, but they might have been tested on them while making or developing the product.
• Cruelty-Free but not Vegan:
  • They use or eat things from animals, but no animal testing happens in the lab or during development.
• Both Vegan and Cruelty-Free:
  • It’s free from animal ingredients and was never tested on animals in any stages of development.
• Not Vegan and Not Cruelty-Free:
  • No limitations as any of the above to be considered relating to animal or meat.

Indian Government Regarding Vegan and Cruelty-Free

In India, the awareness and demand for vegan and cruelty-free products are on the rise. The government has also started taking steps to regulate and encourage ethical practices in the industry. Various organizations and initiatives are promoting cruelty-free testing and the usage of plant-based ingredients. It’s a promising sign for the future of compassionate consumerism in the country.

There are also a few rules to be cruelty-free in a few sectors which are already implemented and followed. Due to this few companies have started doing their lab tests in different countries.

Vegan and Cruelty-Free Labels in Skincare Products

The skincare industry has witnessed a massive shift towards these kinds of ethical practices. More and more skincare products now proudly carry vegan and cruelty-free labels along with other safer ingredient labels. Ingredients like plant-based oils, botanical extracts, and natural minerals are the heroes in these products, ensuring that no harm comes to animals in their creation. It’s about beauty with a heart!

Like we in Beyond Rice have been following Vegan and Cruelty-free practices. we use Rice milk in our products as a better alternative to dairy products. If not we also have an option of rice bran wax to alternate a few butters.

It’s about choosing kindness and making a positive impact with every product we purchase. As consumers, we have the power to drive change. Let’s embrace this power and contribute to a world where compassion and beauty go hand in hand.

Thank You!