Hilary Jones, ethics director of Lush cosmetics and a 32 year vegan, discusses vegan beauty products, the difference between cruelty-free and vegan, hidden non-vegan ingredients, animal testing in cosmetics, Lush's mission to end animal testing, and alternative testing methods. The hosts also share resources for finding vegan products and debate the ethical dilemma of selling in China.
Lush cosmetics refuses to test any of its products on animals and believes that customer demand for cruelty-free products is a powerful force for positive change.
Lush ensures the safety of its products through a rigorous testing process that prioritizes finding alternatives to animal testing and creating safe products without compromising on ethics.
Lush's public demonstrations and campaigns aim to raise awareness about animal testing and other ethical concerns, even in the face of pressure and restrictions from landlords.
Lush recognizes the power customers hold in driving change and encourages people to support cruelty-free brands and make conscious purchasing decisions to shape the beauty industry.
Deep dives
Lush's Commitment to Cruelty-Free Beauty
Lush, a global beauty company, has always prioritized being cruelty-free. This commitment is rooted in the founders' personal values and has been a part of their previous business ventures as well. Lush refuses to test any of its products on animals, and this principle is integral to the company's ethos. While other beauty brands may face pressure to sell in China, where animal testing is mandatory, Lush has chosen to stay true to their values and not enter this market. The company believes that customer demand for cruelty-free products is a powerful force for positive change and encourages other companies to follow suit.
The Testing Process at Lush
Lush ensures the safety of its products through a rigorous testing process. The company primarily uses ingredients that have a long history of human use and avoids new chemical ingredients that may require animal testing. Initially, the products are tested by employees at Lush, ensuring they meet the company's standards. Then, a panel of volunteers, including individuals with various skin sensitivities, test the products. Their feedback and safety evaluations are further reviewed by cosmetic scientists and medical doctors. Lush's emphasis is on finding alternatives to animal testing and creating safe products without compromising on ethics.
Public Demonstrations and Staying True to Values
Lush has gained attention for its public demonstrations and campaigns, which draw attention to the harsh realities of the beauty industry. These efforts aim to raise awareness about animal testing and other ethical concerns. The company acknowledges that such demonstrations may not align with everyone's preferences, but they are committed to speaking their truth and standing by their values. Lush has faced pressure from landlords who want to restrict their campaigns in shop windows, but the company remains resolute in expressing their message without compromise. Sales figures have never dictated Lush's commitment to activism, as they prioritize conveying the truth and advocating for what they believe in.
The Role of Customers and the Fight Against Animal Testing
Lush recognizes the power customers hold in driving change. By choosing to support cruelty-free brands and making conscious purchasing decisions, customers can shape the beauty industry. Lush encourages people to carefully consider the companies they support and the products they purchase. They believe that by prioritizing animal welfare and choosing cruelty-free options, customers send a strong message to the industry. Lush remains dedicated to their mission of fighting animal testing and actively works towards creating a more compassionate and ethical beauty industry.
Vegan Lipstick Brands
There are several vegan lipstick brands that you can consider. Lime Crime and Kat Von D are popular choices known for their vegan lipsticks. Pacifica also offers vegan lip gloss options. Arbonne is another brand that offers vegan alternatives, particularly their skincare range.
Sensitive Skin Recommendations
For those with sensitive skin, Arbonne offers a calm skincare range suitable for sensitive skin. Superdrug also provides good quality vegan and cruelty-free options for sensitive skin. It is important to do your own research and find products that work best for your skin type.
Transition Support with Challenge 22
Challenge 22 is a 22-day vegan challenge that provides support and guidance for those transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. Volunteers like Beth offer mentorship during this challenge, providing support and advice to participants. To learn more and seek mentorship, visit challenge22.com.
This week Momo and Evy delve into the complicated world of vegan beauty products and how to make sure your vanity table is 100% vegan. We discuss the apparent oxymoron of cruelty free products that are not vegan, and why we demand more stringent measures from beauty brands than from food manufacturers. Later on (18.30) we interview Hilary Jones, the ethics director of Lush cosmetics, a 32 year vegan and a fierce and knowledgable advocate for ending animal testing. Also on this episode…
What is the difference between cruelty-free and vegan?
Crushed beetles, sheep’s wool and pig fat: Momo and Evy discuss the hidden non vegan ingredients often found in cosmetics.
Our favourite beauty bloggers.
The China thing: the legislation that blocks the world’s biggest beauty companies from being cruelty free.
Are our expectations too high? How can we expect makeup brands to be totally Cruelty-Free as we vegan food at non vegan restaurants?
How to veganise your cosmetics closet.
Why is fighting animal testing part of Lush’s mission?
“Companies create paranoia and sell products off the back of that... We don’t want to test on animals, we don’t want to make people feel bad about themselves.”
"That’s not science, that’s just brutality” -Hilary explains how animal testing is not necessary or effective way of verifying the safety of our products.
How do Lush test their products if not on animals?
What happens to animals during testing.
The LD50 test: Hilary explains the standard test that kills 50% of its subjects.
What is The Cosmetics Drive and the Lush Prize.
Will Lush ever go vegan? Hilary shares her feelings on being a vegan at a vegetarian company and her hopes for the future.
What can individuals do to achieve a world free from animal testing?
