Where to Find Cruelty-free beauty products in South Africa
Cruelty-free and vegan beauty products are rapidly rising in popularity in South Africa. Consumers are seeking sustainable and organic alternatives as they become more conscious of not only the food on their plates but also the contents of their makeup bags, many are seeking
Some background to Cruelty-Free Products
Cruelty-free beauty brands won’t use animals in the testing of their products. While beauty products classified as vegan mean that the product contains zero animal-based ingredients. Organisations like PETA, Leaping Bunny, or local Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) evaluate and endorse cruelty-free beauty brands.
The Growth of Cruelty-free Products in South Africa
Key factors driving the growth of this market is increased consumer awareness about the side effects of animal testing, the beauty industry’s contribution towards pollution, and a rising preference for plant-based and meat-free products by consumers globally. This trend is being further bolstered by the serious health concerns raised over the chemicals contained in many cosmetics and personal care items that are used by women every day.
A 2019 report by market intelligence group Ipsos, found while half of North Americans are loyal to their beauty care products, “natural” ingredients are a strong trigger for brand defection, with 66% of respondents saying they would try new products from other brands if they were natural. Similarly, research by Mintel, another market intelligence group, found new launches of cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics represented a 175% increase from July 2013 to June 2018.
In a South African context, market research published by Beauty Africa estimated that the beauty industry in South Africa was worth $4.5bn in 2018. Cruelty-free and vegan beauty products are expected to capture more market share in the industry as consumers show greater interest in products formulated with natural and organic ingredients https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/south-africa-professional-skincare-product-market.
Furthermore, eco-friendly and wellness eCommerce sites such as Faithful to Nature and Wellness Warehouse are making it even simpler for time-pressed South African consumers to make more ethical lifestyle and beauty choices, with a wide range of cruelty-free and vegan products on sale.
Our Roundup of cruelty-free products in South Africa
Africology
Africology, a locally manufactured product range, loves Nature and its ability to provide plants that heal. They are strongly against animal testing and have never tested any of their products on animals. They choose to test on living human skin in their dermatological testing protocols and strive to only use ingredients that do not need to be tested on animals. Using the finest natural and organic ingredients, they work on formulations to ensure that they never contain harsh chemicals – they intend to treat all skin as sensitive and precious. Because their skincare products are packed with biologically-active ingredients, they know that their products nurture and nourish the skin, maintaining a healthy, natural balance.
Back 2 Nature
Back 2 Nature is a growing range of skincare products, inspired by the importance and abundance that nature has to offer us. The range of products includes a variety of skincare products as well as toothpaste and sunblocks. All of which are handmade in small batches, with an abundance of love and gratitude towards nature, in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa. We consider our products healthy food for the skin. All ingredients used are sustainably sourced, natural, vegan, mostly organic, contain no chemicals, no alcohol, no fluoride, no parabens, no preservatives and very importantly, have not been tested on animals. All products have been approved by the Beauty Without Cruelty Association of South Africa, as well as the South African Vegan Society.
Down to Earth
Down to Earth, a local South African brand, specialises in natural ailment and skincare solutions that harness the healing goodness of plant extracts. They offer practical, fuss-free and multi-purpose products to help simplify your everyday life and give you peace of mind. They aspire to be the go-to brand for anyone seeking natural relief from pain, inflammation, abrasions or skin conditions, and those wanting to make and keep their skin healthy through naturally active plant-based skincare. Inspired and assisted by nature, they support their customers through products that promote health and offer care.
Environ
Environ is a globally recognised and loved Professional Skin Care brand that is built on science, beauty and care. The company was founded in 1990 by Dr Des Fernandes, who pioneered research into the use of vitamin A and antioxidants in cosmetic products. The success behind Environ is that they believe that skin has a lie and vitamin A is the oxygen it needs to look beautiful and healthy for life – it is an essential skin nutrient that has to be replenished every day for skin to appear healthier and more resilient. Since then, vitamin A has become the cornerstone ingredient in the Environ Skin Care philosophy. Their products are suitable for men and women of all ages who are looking to guard their skin against environmental damage and pollutants while maintaining healthy, nourished skin.
Oh So Heavenly
Oh So Heavenly is a local brand that has always been passionately against animal testing. They are a brand with a big heart and believe that to make every day heavenly, you want to know that the products you are buying are not only kind to you but are cruelty-free too. The only tests done are on the very picky people that develop their products at Oh So Heavenly!
Pure Beginnings
Pure Beginnings, a local South African brand, believes in keeping your skin as pure as the day you were born by providing high quality, effective, organic skincare products. The brand was established in 2007 and is firmly rooted as an organic baby and kids skincare. Since then Pure Beginnings has been a leading baby and kids organic skincare brand in South Africa. Pure Beginnings specialises in creating products that combine traditional herb botanicals with some of Southern Africa’s most beneficial plant ingredients. Pure Beginnings products and the ingredients contained in them have not been tested on animals. They are endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa and have Vegan accreditation.
Rain Africa
Rain Africa is an organically African brand. Indigenous plants used since antiquity by African healers are the heart and soul of the Rain range. Their products include extracts and oils from Kalahari melons, Mongongo nuts, Marula fruit, Mafura seeds and the pods of the giant Baobab. The products are packed with antioxidants, moisturizers and nutrients to protect and replenish your skin. Knowledgeable, local women harvest these African botanicals in the wild. They blend locally grown natural ingredients to create body treats and treatments which deliver tangible results.
The Body Shop
The Body Shop has never been afraid to stand out from the crowd and stand up for what’s right, as they search the world for the finest ethically sourced ingredients to create a range of naturally-inspired beauty products. They now have over 3,000 stores in 66 countries and employ over 22,000 people. As part of their Enrich Not Exploit™ Commitment, they’ve made it their mission to enrich their products, people and our planet. That means working fairly with farmers and suppliers and helping communities thrive through their Community Trade programmes. They are 100% vegetarian and are always and forever firmly against animal testing.
Woolworths private label/ WBeauty
Private label WBeauty is on a mission to use only the finest quality ingredients, obtained in the most sustainable and environmentally-friendly way. WBeauty guarantees that neither their ingredients nor final products are tested on animals. Every product has been carefully selected – with the hope that we love using them as much as they love creating them.
Other brands that offer cruelty-free beauty products in South Africa include:
(List sourced from Beauty Without Cruelty http://www.humaneguide.co.za/)
- AFRICAN EXTRACTS – africanextracts.com
- AFRICAN INDIGENOUS – bsboutique.co.za
- AFRICA ORGANICS – africaorganics.co.za
- AFRIEARTH – hospitalitybrand.co.za/afriearth/
- ALOWAY NATURAL HEALTH – aloway.com
- APOSTROPHE BATH & BODY – apostrophebathandbody.com
- BACK 2 NATURE – Facebook Page
- BAOCARE – baocare.co.za
- BEAUCIENCE – beaucience.co.za
- BEAUTIFUL EARTH – beautiful-earth.co.za
- BEE PURE – beepure.co.za
- BELLABACI – bellabaci.com
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