Shop cruelty-free
Every year, hundreds of thousands of animals are still used globally to test cosmetics and household products.
New Zealand has banned animal testing for cosmetics. However, about 90% of cosmetics sold here are imported and may have been tested on animals overseas.
To see how imported products align with local regulations, find more on animal testing laws in New Zealand.
For consumers who want to avoid supporting animal testing, choosing independently verified cruelty-free brands is the most reliable option.
At Beyond Animal Research (BAR), we support the Cruelty Free International Approval Programme which is recognised as the leading global cruelty-free standard.
The Cruelty Free International approval logo
Seeing the Cruelty Free International logo means the brand has been independently verified as cruelty-free.
This means the company and its entire supply chain have been checked to ensure no animal testing is taking place.
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Cruelty-free brands available in New Zealand
The following brands are verified under the Cruelty Free International Approval Programme and are available in New Zealand.
The Cruelty Free International criteria
The Cruelty Free International Approval Programme is the most rigorous, science-backed and independently verified global cruelty-free assurance programme. To become verified, brands must commit to:
No animal testing
Companies do not test their products or ingredients on animals at any point in their supply chain.
Supplier monitoring
Brands must actively monitor suppliers to ensure no animal testing occurs at any level.
Independent audits
Verified companies undergo regular independent audits to verify compliance.
Annual recommitment
Brands must reaffirm their pledge to cruelty-free practices every year. This level of assurance goes far beyond self-declared claims and is why verification matters.
Why cruelty-free shopping matters
Every time we choose cruelty-free products, we shift demand away from animal-tested products.This helps:
- Reduce the number of animals used in testing
- Encourage companies to adopt non-animal testing alternatives
- Send a clear signal to governments and regulators
As more consumers choose cruelty-free products, it becomes harder for companies to justify animal testing.
Your choices genuinely make a difference.
Frequently asked questions
Why does BAR endorse the Cruelty Free International Approval Programme?
At Beyond Animal Research (BAR), we believe consumers deserve clear and trustworthy information when choosing cruelty-free products.
Many lists of “cruelty-free brands” exist, but verifying whether a company is truly cruelty-free requires considerable resources and expertise. It involves:
- Independent audits
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Supply-chain verification
- Ongoing monitoring
This goes far beyond simply asking a company to complete a questionnaire.
Rather than creating our own verification system, BAR supports an established programme with the infrastructure to ensure it is done properly.
That’s why we endorse the Cruelty Free International verification, which is widely recognised as the most trusted cruelty-free assurance system globally.
Another key reason is that the programme is designed to drive real-world change.
It allows companies to transition toward cruelty-free practices, even inside complex global supply chains.
For example:
Cut-off dates for animal testing
Companies can commit to a date after which no animal testing occurs, preventing new testing while allowing the transition of existing ingredients.
Brands owned by larger parent companies
A brand can still be verified even if its parent company is not fully cruelty-free, as long as the brand and its suppliers meet strict criteria.
These provisions are designed to encourage large global brands to move away from animal testing, helping drive wider industry change.
My favourite brand isn’t on the Cruelty Free International approved list but claims to be cruelty-free. What does that mean?
Some brands describe themselves as cruelty-free without independent verification.
While these claims may be genuine, they are often self-declared and not externally verified.
Without independent auditing, it can be difficult to confirm whether a company and all its suppliers truly avoid animal testing.
The Cruelty Free International Approval Programme is the most rigorous, science-backed and independently verified global cruelty-free assurance programme.
If your favourite brand isn’t verified, you can encourage them to apply. Consumer demand plays a powerful part in driving change.
Interested in cruelty-free verification for New Zealand companies?
New Zealand brands can apply through the Cruelty Free International Approval Programme run by Cruelty Free International.
The process includes:
- Reviewing company policies
- Verifying supplier practices
- Agreeing to ongoing compliance
Wondering which product types can get verified?
A wide range of products can be verified, including:
- Cosmetics and skincare
- Haircare
- Household cleaning products
- Personal care products
- Animal care products
Any company producing these products can apply if they meet the criteria.
Do Cruelty Free International approved products meet vegan criteria, too?
No. The Cruelty Free International Approval Programme focuses on animal testing, not ingredients.
Some verified products may still contain animal-derived ingredients such as:
- Beeswax
- Honey
- Lanolin
- Milk
Many brands also offer vegan products, often marked separately.
If you want to avoid both animal testing and animal ingredients, look for cruelty-free, vegan products.
So why is independent cruelty-free verification vital?
The Cruelty Free International Approval Programme provides independent verification that a company meets strict standards. For consumers, this means:
- Greater transparency
- More confidence in purchasing decisions
- Assurance that claims have been properly checked
Every choice matters
Your choices shape the future of science
Every cruelty-free product you choose helps reduce demand for animal testing and supports a better way forward.
Together, we can accelerate the shift toward science that works without harming animals.