How We Decide If a Company Is Cruelty-Free

Curious about how Cruelty-Cutter decides if a company can be classified as cruelty-free? The answer is simple — we follow strict standards, then verify them through hands-on research.

This page explains what cruelty-free means to us, how we make decisions, and how the app works behind the scenes.

What “Cruelty-Free” Means at Cruelty-Cutter

A company is considered cruelty-free in our app only if it meets all of the following criteria:

• Does not test its products or ingredients on animals
• Does not allow third parties to test on its behalf
• Does not sell products in countries where animal testing is required by law (such as China)
• Does not use suppliers that test ingredients on animals
• Commits to remaining cruelty-free in the future

   

If a company fails to meet any one of these standards, it is not listed as cruelty-free.

These rules exist for one reason: animals deserve more than loopholes and half-truths.

How the App Works

When you scan a product with the Cruelty-Cutter app, the barcode links to both the product and the company behind it.

Our database connects that barcode to detailed company profiles, including:

• Whether the company tests on animals
• Information about parent companies and subsidiaries
• Research notes explaining our decision

   

Our database is large and always growing. It includes many cruelty-free companies that may not appear on other lists because they haven’t paid to participate in certification programs.

We rely on evidence, not logos.

If a Product Isn’t in Our Database Yet

If you scan a product and it doesn’t appear right away, that doesn’t mean we stop looking.

Our research team begins a hands-on investigation, which includes:

• Reviewing the company’s public animal testing policies
• Contacting the company directly for clear, written statements
• Comparing claims with other trusted cruelty-free sources

This process takes time — and that’s intentional. Animals deserve accuracy, not guesses.

Every new product researched strengthens the database and gives shoppers like you more power.

By scanning, you’re not just shopping — you are holding companies accountable.

Companies That Sell in Certain Markets

Some companies claim they “don’t test on animals unless required by law.” That language sounds comforting — but it often hides the truth.

While animal testing is not required for cosmetics in the U.S. and is banned in the EU, China requires animal testing for many imported cosmetics.

If a company chooses to sell cosmetics in China, it is agreeing to animal testing — either directly or through third-party labs.

Because of this, companies that sell cosmetics in China are listed as NOT cruelty-free in the Cruelty-Cutter app, even if their products sold within the U.S. do not undergo the same development practices. 

Parent Companies and Subsidiaries

Many brands are owned by larger parent companies, and in most cases, the parent company’s animal testing practices determine the listing.

There are rare exceptions.

A subsidiary may be listed as cruelty-free only if it can clearly prove that it:

• Does not test on animals
• Does not use animal-tested ingredients
• Does not sell in China
• Has a firm commitment to remaining cruelty-free

Brands such as Tom’s of Maine and Burt’s Bees meet these strict requirements and are listed separately.

When a cruelty-free brand is owned by a parent company that tests on animals, we label the brand as cruelty-free and the parent company as cruel. This transparency encourages change while still recognizing ethical practices where they exist.

Pharmaceutical Companies

Some personal care brands are owned by pharmaceutical companies.

Because animal testing is currently required by law for prescription drugs before human trials, companies involved in pharmaceutical testing are listed as tested on animals in our database.

Pet Food Companies

Pet food companies may be listed as tested on animals if:

• They are owned by a parent company that tests on animals, or
• They keep animals in laboratories or kennels for testing

We believe that animals should not be confined and experimented on when ingredients are already known to be safe. Feeding studies can be done ethically with animals living in loving homes — not cages.

Have Questions?

Our database is always growing and improving.

If you notice a discrepancy, have questions about a listing, or want more information, we encourage you to reach out. Transparency matters — and so does community involvement.