Why the two claims aren't interchangeable
A brand can be genuinely vegan (no animal ingredients) while still selling in markets that legally require animal testing for certain product categories, and a brand can be genuinely cruelty-free (no animal testing) while still using animal-derived ingredients like honey or collagen. Checking for both labels separately is the only way to be sure a product satisfies both standards.
Why China used to complicate both claims
Mainland China long required animal testing for some imported cosmetics, which meant brands selling there couldn't simultaneously claim to be fully cruelty-free in the strictest sense. Regulations have loosened for many product categories in recent years, but checking a brand's current specific market practices is more reliable than assuming a blanket global standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a product is vegan, is it automatically cruelty-free?
Not automatically β vegan only describes the ingredients, not whether animal testing occurred. Look for a separate cruelty-free certification or claim to confirm both.
Which certification is considered the most rigorous?
Leaping Bunny and The Vegan Society's trademark are both widely regarded as strict, third-party-audited standards, since both require companies to commit to their standards across the full supply chain and recertify periodically, rather than accepting a one-time self-declaration.