Readers’ Tips for Ethical Beauty

Earlier this month, as part of a competition to win some ethical shampoo, we asked you for your cruelty-free beauty tips – and were totally overwhelmed by the response! We received a deluge of great practical advice about how to incorporate compassion into your beauty regime and speak out against cruelty.

Many of you recognised that it’s what’s inside that counts and that kindness will shine through. “Beauty is more than skin-deep – compassion is the key. Don’t exploit or harm other creatures”, wrote Cynthia, while Robert’s tip is to embrace a fully ethical lifestyle: “Since going vegan I have a clean complexion and an even cleaner conscience!” he writes. Good food, fresh air, exercise and a positive attitude were also identified as sure-fire ways to look radiant.

Some of your favourite cruelty-free brands include LUSH, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Naked, Aveda and The Body Shop. Respondents also pointed out that ethical products don’t have to be expensive and recommended feel-good cosmetics from the Co-Op, Superdrug and Marks & Spencer.

It’s also really inspiring how many of you are committed to spreading the word and making your voices heard as consumers. “I … always give cruelty free gifts to friends and relatives with explanations of why they are better”, Carole told us, while Claire had some advice for letting companies know why they should be kind to animals – taking part in online surveys. “[T]his is a direct way to get your message to the manufacturers”, she explains. Others take to social media to express their opinions: “I use Twitter to ask the companies direct about their policies”, Laura told us – a great idea because, as Elizabeth eloquently put it, “The more people speak up the more [companies] will listen”.

Thanks to everyone who left a comment and to all of you who have made kindness part of your daily routines. And, if you haven’t already, how about taking it to the next level – pledge to keep animals out of your wardrobe and off your plate.