How To Save The World By Switching To Cruelty-Free Skincare
Let’s face it, it’s pretty ridiculous that there are still brands out there in 2019, yes we’re not in the 70s anymore, that still test on animals. I mean, how barbaric is that?!
Now, I could name and shame those brands that are still highjacking the top shelves of our high street stores that carry out animal testing, especially today on World Animal Day, but I think it’s more important to rave about those that take more care more about our natural environment - because they’re the ones that really deserve to be on the news agenda. Whether that’s by making a commitment to creating only cruelty-free collections, or being really mindful about the impact of using certain ingredients - such as palm oil - and only using sustainable sources.
To be honest this is one of the key reasons why I decided to pack my bags and jump aboard the vegan train. I was constantly seeing, and feeling, the impact that these brands were having on our world; animals are being tortured and slaughtered, forests are being torn down and our world’s most natural medicines are stripped away. And on top of that, our atmosphere is being flooded with CO2 and other pollutants that really can’t be good for our health; gosh, even human poverty is on the rise! And why? Because of a serious lack of responsibility. But this needs to change! Good news is, veganism is no longer a niche lifestyle choice.
Testing on animals, thank goodness, has been banned in the European Union for around 15 years. Alongside this, in 2013 it was also deemed illegal to sell cosmetic products in the EU that have been tested on animals or contain ingredients that have been used in testing. So how on earth is this still happening? Again, because of a serious lack of responsibility - shops are still stocking these irresponsible products and brands, and people are still buying them none the wiser!
The past few weeks have been a huge eye opener for the world. Greta Thunberg has been making waves as part of a global movement to instil more responsibility in our people and businesses to start making the changes the world needs to survive. In all honesty, what a force to be reckoned with! She’s my hero! (If you saw her at US Congress you’d totally understand where I’m coming from).
But it’s not just down to the Greta Thunbergs and David Attenboroughs of the world - we all need to buckle down and look at the impact our personal choices are having on, well, the world! This is why I chose to look at my life (I know, a bit heavy for a Friday) and see what steps I could take to be more responsible!
I started by reviewing all of my skincare products. I wasn’t prepared to take the risk with brands that weren’t transparent or honest with their ingredients or processes. But I soon realised that shopping for clean and honest skincare was quite a challenge - I mean, shopping for skincare is overwhelming enough as it is - but when that toner you’re looking to buy needs to not only be cruelty-free, but vegan too, you can’t just pop into your local high street store and get exactly what you need.
So, I was really excited when I was approached by Freya+Bailey to try out their products because it ticked all of the boxes I needed it to.
First box ticked...the brand is 100% cruelty-free - from supply to production and retail - and while it does contain palm oil, it’s certified organic, certified sustainable and is from a farm on the RSp members list. It’s important to look at the whole process, because something I didn’t know, which is actually quite interesting, is that for a product to be truly cruelty-free it can’t be on sale in China, where imported products must be tested on animals before entering the market. Really? Is that necessary?
Next up, it’s vegan! Big tick for my second box. For a product to count as vegan, it needs to ensure that certain ingredients aren’t used. This includes anything that is animal-derived, which in skincare can include beeswax, honey, lanolin, and certain types of collagen (as typically this is sourced from fish bone marrow). Of course I double checked with Freya+Bailey about the collagen used in some of their products and they instantly confirmed that the collagen is sourced from seaweed. You can find out more about the ingredients they feature in their skincare collection by using the brands Ingredient Alphabet.
Another key feature that I loved about the brand was that it’s also tailored for each skin type to battle the constant assaults on our skin from toxins, pollutants and free radicals that erode its barrier. The harshness of urban environments and city living leaves us battling each day to combat against its impact - another repercussion of a lack of responsibility and care for our environment due to our modern way of living. So, being a skincare range dedicated to anti-pollution solutions, every formulation works in unison with your natural biology, meaning it battles micro-pollution through targeted solutions that combat skin hydration and premature aging.
None of the brand’s skincare collection of natural goodies - from cleansers and toners, to body creams and moisturisers - have compromised quality for ethics. They’re organic, free from parabens and synthetic fragrances and colours, and Freya+Bailey has also ensured that there’s no mineral oils that can be damaging to your skin.
I can honestly say that I can’t wait to see what this does for my skin because I’m already loving how it feels. It's made my soul feeling happier and has helped me to make a guilt-free addition to my daily skincare regime. So be sure to consider your own skin type and any issues you would like to address, for example redness, as they’re all targeted to deliver different results. They have a really cool Skin Type Quiz and also a Regime Guide that will help you choose the right products for you.
If you’d like to talk to me more about cruelty-free skincare, or Freya+Bailey, you can find me on Instagram @shannongoesvegan.
Shannon Peerless is a vegan enthusiast and animal lover that was gifted a tailored collection of Freya+Bailey skincare products.
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