Cosmetics and therefore also our shaving soaps, after shave balms, beard products have not been tested on animals in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the EU for many years. We at Manandshaving.nl and many of our customers think that is a good thing.
Animal testing for cosmetics and skincare products has been legally banned within the EU since 2004. Under the Cosmetics Regulation, products whose ingredients have been tested on animals may no longer be traded within the EU. In fact, all cosmetic products in the Netherlands and Belgium are cruelty-free. The claim 'not tested on animals' or 'cruelty-free' may be used according to the law if the manufacturer can prove that no animal testing has been used throughout the entire production chain from raw material to finished product. This claim is quite difficult because this usually happened a long time ago. In the past, much more animal testing was done to investigate the safety of the ingredient.
As you know, we always try to inform our customers as well as possible. If the manufacturer explicitly states that their product is cruelty-free, we also mention this on our website.
The following product categories fall under this Cosmetics Regulation and are therefore not tested on animals:
- Shaving products, such as shaving soap, shaving cream, shaving foam, and shaving gel
- After shave products, for example after shave balm
- Skincare, such as moisturizer and anti-wrinkle cream
- Beard oil, beard balm, and beard shampoo
- Shampoo and pomade
- Other care products, such as bath soap, body lotion, and deodorant
Do not confuse "cruelty-free" with "animal-friendly." Products may still contain ingredients of animal origin. Some shaving soaps contain various animal fats, such as beef tallow, lanolin (wool fat), and milk components. But of course also shaving brushes made from badger and pig hair. Most shaving products are made from plant-based ingredients and oils, and there are now also many shaving brushes made from synthetic hairs.
Unfortunately, a lot of animal testing for cosmetic products still takes place in China. These products are therefore not allowed to be traded within the EU. If you regularly order a shaving product, beard oil, or skincare cream via, for example, AliExpress or another Chinese online platform, you run the risk of buying a product that has been tested on animals. Of course, everyone makes their own choice. But you should ask yourself if you feel comfortable with a shaving soap or beard oil that has been tested on an animal.
After reading this blog, you can now shave yourself early in the morning with peace of mind using your razor and wonderful shaving soap or your favorite beard oil in your beard.
