Cosmetics and thus 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 believe this is a good thing.
Animal testing for cosmetics and skincare products has been banned by law in the EU since 2004. Under the Cosmetic Regulation, products whose ingredients have been tested on animals can no longer be traded within the EU. In fact, all cosmetic products in the Netherlands and Belgium are therefore cruelty-free. The claim 'not tested on animals' or 'cruelty-free' can be made according to the law if the manufacturer can prove that no animal testing has been used in the entire production chain from raw material to finished product. This claim is quite difficult because this has often happened in a very distant past. In the past, much more was tested on animals 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 that on our website.
The following product categories fall under this Cosmetic 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 moisturizers and anti-wrinkle creams
- 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 can 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 boar hair. Most shaving products are made from plant-based ingredients and oils, and there are of course now many shaving brushes made from synthetic hairs.
Unfortunately, a lot of animal testing for cosmetic products still occurs in China. These products are also not allowed to be traded within the EU. If you regularly order a shaving product, beard oil, or skincare cream via 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 have to ask yourself whether you feel comfortable using a shaving soap or beard oil that has been tested on an animal.
After reading this blog, you can now shave yourself comfortably in the morning with your razor. and use delicious shaving soap or your favorite beard oil in your beard.
