What’s The Difference Between Cruelty Free And Vegan?

More than ever, humane bathroom product companies are choosing to manufacture their products without testing on animals. Yet, a lot of brands are referring to the terms ‘’cruelty free’’ and ‘’vegan’’ as if they are the same thing. It’s true to say that the line between these two terms is often blurred, as what they mean to one person can be very different to what they mean to another. Yet, one thing that we can confirm is that neither terms are regulated or have an approved definition.

However, the two terms can broadly be recognised as:

• Cruelty-free: The ingredients used to create the products were not tested on animals at any stage of the production process.
• Vegan: The products being sold contain no animal ingredients or by-products. These include well known ingredients like honey, beeswax, gelatin, yogurt and other less obvious animal by-products like lanolin (wool grease), squalene (shark liver oil), carmine (crushed-up beetles), ambergris (whale vomit) and placenta (sheep organs).

Even though the words “vegan” and “cruelty-free” certainly don’t mean the same thing, they are used by brands to convey the same impression – they both stand for protection of the rights of animals. But, with this fundamental principle in mind the definitions seem to contain an ethical gap:

• Cruelty-free products: While these products aren’t tested on animals, they can still contain animal ingredients or by-products that assisted the death of an animal. Consumers would be entitled to ask if these products are truly cruelty-free.
• Vegan products: While they don’t contain any animal ingredients, may still be tested on animals, which is most definitely not not in the spirit of veganism.

To illustrate this, a face cream may state it’s cruelty free while still containing beeswax – making it not vegan friendly. On the other side of the spectrum, a vegan shampoo or a mascara that is free of animal ingredients or by-products may at some point in its development have been tested on animals – making it not cruelty-free.

So where does this leave us consumers? Labelling can be confusing at times, especially when we receive a lot of mixed messaging. To be 100% sure that the products we buy align with our values, the safest option is to keep an eye out for products claiming to be both vegan and cruelty free.

Floe is proud to say that we are both vegan AND cruelty free.

Floe is an oral health care subscription model that proves that good habits have a bigger impact on oral health than quick fix gimmicks. Not only for your teeth, but for the good of the planet. Our subscription helps you develop healthy habits that are kind to your mouth and the ocean.

Our packaging is fully certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), who are dedicated to the promotion of responsible forest management worldwide. These standards are underpinned by environmental, social and economic principles.

Our toothpastes are both vegan and cruelty freeboasting stevia instead of artificial sweeteners, fluoride (1490ppm), hydrated silica cleaning boosters, nano-HHydroxyapatite, and coconut oil. The toothpaste tubes are made from sugarcane instead of petroleum.

Our floss is made from bamboo charcoal fibres, coated with candelilla wax and organic peppermint oil. It comes in a reusable glass jar with a metal cap. All importantly, it’s certified by PETA as cruelty-free & vegan friendly.

Floe is one brand that you can have faith in when it comes to being vegan and cruelty free.