I. Introduction
The beauty industry has become more aware of the importance of animal welfare, and consumers are putting a premium on cruelty-free products. Drunk Elephant is one of the most popular skincare brands in the market today, but is it cruelty-free? In this article, we will take a closer look at Drunk Elephant’s policies and procedures to determine if they are truly committed to being a cruelty-free brand.
II. Drunk Elephant’s Commitment to Being Cruelty-Free
Drunk Elephant claims to be a cruelty-free brand, and they have the certifications and third-party testing to back it up. They also have partnerships with animal welfare organizations and have received accolades from leading experts in the beauty industry.
According to their website, Drunk Elephant is certified cruelty-free by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), Leaping Bunny, and PETA. These organizations require more stringent guidelines than the law requires, including not testing on animals at any point during the product’s production and not selling in countries that require animal testing.
Drunk Elephant is also transparent about their supply chain and requires their ingredient suppliers to adhere to the same cruelty-free standards they follow.
They have also conducted third-party tests to verify that their suppliers follow their standards. In 2018, Drunk Elephant commissioned The Vegan Society to audit their entire product line, and they were found to contain no animal-derived ingredients.
Drunk Elephant has also partnered with the International Elephant Foundation (IEF), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting elephants, since their inception in 2013. They donate a portion of their profits to the organization as part of their commitment to animal welfare.
“Drunk Elephant has been cruelty-free since the brand was founded, and we will remain cruelty-free,” said CEO Tiffany Masterson in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar. “Cruelty-free means that a brand doesn’t test on animals, but it also means that a brand doesn’t allow its products to be tested on animals on its behalf. I’m proud to have secured third-party certifications with organizations that have such strict animal welfare standards.”
III. Consumer Story
As consumers become more conscious of where their products come from, a growing number of people are looking for cruelty-free options. One consumer, who was hesitant to try Drunk Elephant, decided to investigate the brand’s cruelty-free claims before purchasing their products.
After conducting thorough research on the brand’s policies and testing procedures and speaking with their representatives, the consumer felt confident that Drunk Elephant adhered to their cruelty-free standards.
“I was relieved to discover the work that Drunk Elephant has done to ensure they are truly cruelty-free,” the consumer said. “I now use their products with the peace of mind that they are ethically made.”
IV. Alternatives to Drunk Elephant
For those who want to support only fully cruelty-free brands, there are several alternatives to Drunk Elephant. Some of the most popular cruelty-free skincare brands include Pacifica, Tata Harper, Herbivore Botanicals, and Youth to the People. These brands also use sustainable and eco-friendly practices in their production process.
What sets them apart from Drunk Elephant is their ingredients and product formulations, so it’s worth trying them out to see what works best for your skin.
V. The Cruelty-Free Movement
The cruelty-free movement is gaining more momentum as consumers become more aware of the impact of their purchases on animals and the environment. The movement first gained traction in the late 1990s when animal welfare organizations began advocating for alternatives to animal testing.
Nowadays, most consumers expect their beauty products to be cruelty-free, and they’re willing to pay a premium for them. According to a survey conducted by Humane Society International, 66% of consumers are not willing to buy products tested on animals, even if they are more expensive.
Drunk Elephant’s commitment to being cruelty-free is an example of how brands can respond to their consumers’ demands for more ethically made products.
VI. Criticisms and Controversies
While Drunk Elephant has received certifications from several animal welfare organizations, some critics point out that they are owned by Shiseido, a parent company that doesn’t have the same cruelty-free standards as Drunk Elephant.
Additionally, some ingredients in Drunk Elephant’s products are derived from animals, such as honey and keratin. While these ingredients may be ethically sourced, some consumers may prefer products that don’t use animal-derived ingredients at all.
It’s up to each individual consumer to decide what they are comfortable with, and what brands align with their own ethical standards.
VII. Conclusion
Drunk Elephant is a brand that is committed to being cruelty-free, and they back up their claims with certifications, third-party testing, and partnerships with animal welfare organizations. While there are critics who question their ownership and use of certain animal-derived ingredients, Drunk Elephant is still a leader in the cruelty-free movement.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide what their ethical standards are when it comes to their skincare purchases. With the growing number of cruelty-free options available, consumers have the power to make informed choices about the products they use.
Let’s continue to support brands that share our values and stand up for animal welfare.
