Cruelty-Free Certifications: What Actually Matters in 2026

The cruelty-free beauty space has a credibility problem, and consumers are calling it out. Reports from animal rights organizations have revealed that some "cruelty-free" labels are self-certified, meaning the brand simply claims the status without third-party verification. This has sparked an important conversation about what cruelty-free actually means and which certifications consumers can trust.

The landscape of cruelty-free certifications is more complex than most people realize. Leaping Bunny, PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies, and Choose Cruelty Free each have different standards and verification processes. Some certify the entire supply chain, while others only verify the final product. Some conduct regular audits, while others rely on company self-reporting. Understanding these distinctions matters if you genuinely care about animal welfare.

What's encouraging is that consumer awareness is rising. Shoppers are no longer satisfied with a cute bunny logo on the packaging — they want to know which certifying body is behind it, what the standards are, and whether the brand's parent company also meets those standards. This level of scrutiny is pushing brands toward more rigorous certifications and greater transparency.

The European Union's longstanding ban on animal testing for cosmetics has influenced global standards, and several other markets are following suit. But regulatory progress varies widely by country, which is why independent certifications remain crucial. They provide a consistent standard that transcends geographic boundaries and holds brands accountable regardless of where they manufacture.

For consumers navigating this space, the advice from experts is straightforward: look for third-party certifications from recognized organizations, verify claims on the certifying body's website, and don't hesitate to contact brands directly with questions. Ethical companies welcome the scrutiny because they have nothing to hide.

Numbrrrz is proudly cruelty-free — always has been, always will be. Our products are never tested on animals at any stage of development or production. We believe beautiful lip care and ethical practices go hand in hand.