Cruelty-Free: Here Comes the Sun
Here in Tucson, it’s been feeling like summer for a while already. Now, with the end of the school year around the corner for everyone across the nation, it’s time for us all to start making summer plans and stocking up on some summer essentials. I can tell you that this city girl has developed a whole new appreciation for sunscreen since moving out here to the desert. I still like to be active outdoors in the summertime — whether it’s rollerblading, biking, or just walking the pups; and I’m all about pool-time with family and friends. Without sunscreen, I’d be crispy in about a half-hour! So sunscreen keeps me healthy, active, and social throughout the season.
Here are some sunscreen products by companies that do not test on animals:
- Alba Botanica Sun: Mineral Sunscreen (Fragrance Free)
- Badger Sunscreen for Face and Body, Unscented
- Desert Essence Age Reversal Mineral Sunscreen
- All Terrain (comes in Terrasport and Aquasport )
- Nature’s Gate Sportblock
- Kiss My Face Sunscreen with Oat Protein
- Mychelle Sunshield
- Best value! Trader Joe’s Sunscreen Lotion
for kids: - Alba Botanica Sun: Mineral Sunscreen for Kids
- All Terrain Kids All-Weather Skin Protectant (SPF 30)
- Avalon Organics Baby Natural Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 18)
- California Baby Moisturizing Sunscreen, No Fragrance (SPF 18)
How does your favorite brand measure up?
I recommend you have a look at the Sun Protection section on The Environmental Working Group’s site, Skin Deep. Their cosmetics database is extensive — you can look up any one of your favorite products to get the scoop on that company’s animal testing policy. While you’re at it, check out cruelty-free alternatives for sun protection lip balm and make-up, too.
Cruelty-Free: Bringing Sexy Back
Vegan condoms? Every once in a while, there’s a cruelty-free topic that surprises. The initial response to the subject of condoms usually is… aren’t all condoms vegan? Well, here’s the scoop: Nope. Although the latex in condoms comes from rubber trees, most condoms are made using a cheaply manufactured animal by-product called casein, derived from milk.
Here in America, the vegan condom of choice is Glyde, which uses a thistle extract instead. Available in regular and flavored. The fruity flavors come from sugar-free organic extracts.
If you’re in the UK or visiting, Condomi and Fusion condoms are other vegan brands.
How about alternatives for some fun sexessories? There are plenty of cruelty-free options for keeping it sexy and safe in the bedroom (or wherever). Here’s a couple of places to browse, though I recommend you wait until after-work hours
- The Sensual Vegan
This comprehensive site is proof that it’s possible to choose a cruelty-free lifestyle without hindering your adventurous spirit. - Babeland
If you’re in NYC, take a little trip to one of the Babeland store locations. Guaranteed to spark your imagination, and they have plenty of cruelty-free items. For those outside The Big Apple, there’s the online store (search under “vegan”).
Cruelty-Free: Hotel Kudos
This past weekend I was staying at The Charles Hotel in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In town for an Animal Law conference, I was already feeling inspired when I arrived at Harvard Square. Adding to my delight, I found my hotel room stocked with bath & body products by EO, one of my favorite cruelty-free product lines. It was like walking into my own private little spa! I’ve already extolled EO’s Hinoki & Ginger Bubble Bath; today, I sing the praises of The Charles and other hotels making similar choices that reflect a more eco-conscious and animal-friendly philosophy. When you consider just how many people come and go in a single hotel room, and then multiply that by the number of rooms in a single hotel — what an impact the hospitality industry can have in creating a greater demand for cruelty-free alternatives on the market!
In addition to the bath & body provisions, hotels also are making great strides when they offer down-alternative pillows and comforters. Although this is likely in large part a response to all of us with allergies, the availability of alternatives to down deserves some attention and praise as well. I recently booked a room for an upcoming conference at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park in Washington DC. As part of the online reservation process, I was able to select a feather-free room. Magna Cum Laude, Marriott!
Once upon a time, non-smoking rooms at hotels were available upon request. Now they’re the norm. I’m optimistic that “cruelty-free” rooms can be the next new norm. How to keep us moving in that direction:
- If you stay at a hotel that provides cruelty-free products and feather-free rooms, express your appreciation! Tell the front desk, tell the concierge… and include some kudos of your own in any written comments. Let as many people at the hotel know you noticed, you care, and you’re happy about what they have to offer.
- If you stay at a hotel that doesn’t offer such amenities, offer some polite feedback. Again, let the hotel know you notice the details, you care, and you’d appreciate any efforts they make in the future. Also, you might mention another hotel that does include cruelty-free options — nothing like a little bench-marking to provide some extra incentive!
Cruelty-Free: Hair Color
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Tints of Nature: I’ve used this for touch-ups when my schedule has no room for a salon appointment. Natural ingredients are easy on the hair and the results are great.
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Naturtint: I found a lot of positive feedback about this product on the web, and it’s supposedly great for covering up stubborn grey hairs. Available at Drugstore.com

