The Truth About "Cruelty Free" Makeup

We've all seen the How Cruel Is My MakeUp Bag challenge videos, looking at animal testing and vegan products. But how cruelty free are they really? I talked to two experts about the slavery and child labour used in our products.
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Some resources to begin with:
Reuter's Trust Women Conference:
www.trustwomenc...
Amnesty International:
www.amnesty.or...
Mica and Child Labour:
www.theguardia...
Cobalt and Child Labour:
news.vice.com/...
Labour in American Prisons:
/ 1196191780416279
A Thomson Reuters Foundation report (with images and videos) into the illegal mining of mica in India: tmsnrt.rs/2fS1iOG
A Thomson Reuters Foundation interview with Lush’s head of ethical buying on the challenges of ethical sourcing all ingredients as the company grows: tmsnrt.rs/29WE8ou
If you'd like to read other news on this subject, please visit: news.trust.org/...

[@margaesperanza]

I live in a country where child labor is evident in rural areas (Philippines) and I say boycotting is not the best way to end this. These are the poorest of the poor, in most cases children themselves volunteer to work to help their families. I've done countless research during my college days and most of the kids are like this. Its heartbreaking to know that these kids arent selfish, they need money for food, for medicine, for new clothes. These kids also repeatedly lose homes and family members from killer typhoons that only get stronger each year because of climate change (WHICH A LOT OF WESTERNERS I'VE MET INSIST ITS NOT REAL). I wish companies that claims to be crulety free would expand on actually helping people. After years of interacting with western NGO's one thing is true for me, we care more about animals and turn our heads away from people in need.

[@connier.8775]

Marga Esperanza thank you for your comment. I just watched a video called "The Slum" which is about the poverty in some parts of Manila, and I completely second your sentiments.

[@MaeBlythe]

This was a very good comment and I hope that someday you can make videos explaining stuff like this :)

[@MattisNearMello]

Marga Esperanza A lot of westerners do believe it's real

[@shynnelle8516]

We focused on animals because the children arent being fucking tortured. They CHOSE to do this type of job out of desperation. No fucking creature ever asked to have chemicals sprayed into its eyes and left in a cage its entire short life before being killed off

[@margaesperanza]

shynelle Again I'm from the Philippines, I was lucky enough to be in a middle class family. I got involved with a lot of humanitarian work in school, and I encounter these kids a lot. Please read up on "torture" and "modern slavery" before posting about something you obviously never encountered in real life. You are lucky to even have an electronic device to post that on youtube, the children are so poor they only own 1 pair of slippers that are torn and worn out, they only eat ONCE A DAY, and are badly malnurished and ignored by the government welfare services. They are literally left to die. Now isn't that torture? Good day.

[@jellosapiens7261]

There is no ethical consumption under late-stage capitalism.

[@kittysrock16]

DerMeisterXZ I like you

[@electrictwilight]

This should be commented under every "cruelty-free" video.

[@pandabear7177]

DerMeisterXZ Unfortunately, there is no way to have an ethical society in capitalism; someone is ALWAYS being exploited.

[@merelaartman5046]

SEIZE DA MEANS OF PRODUCTION

[@lestranged]

This is true, and even in the interview, he says it's not currently possible to buy clothing or electronics that are 100% ethical. But I fear this will make people just throw their hands up. People will just give up trying to make LESS harm if they feel those attempts are futile. "Why even bother if you can't be perfect?" is a terrible way to think, because perfection is unattainable, but improvement is attainable. There may not be any 100% clean product, but there are some which are better than others. So choosing a vegan brand is still better than a brand which harms animals. Living in the world is going to make a footprint of some sort. But that does not mean all footprints are the same size. You have to start somewhere, and for most products, it is possible to find a somewhat better alternative, even if it's not 100% perfect. I just don't want people to feel like any attempt at ethical consumption is pointless.

[@cristinayurss1653]

"Cruelty-free" label stands for not tested on animals, not for 100% ethical product (in fact that doesn't exist)

[@Uhohlisa]

I think you're missing the point... people buying these products and feeling a sense of arrogance need to open their eyes.

[@cristinayurss1653]

ella elise why? They are in fact contributing to a better cause than if they were buying maybeline for example

[@citizenknope]

+Tess Robertson you're still paying a corporation for products and therefore supporting an economic structure that allows billions of people to live in poverty. stop acting like saving a few rats makes you somehow better than everyone else. there is no. such. thing. as ethical consumerism and being a consumer is inescapable. we are all complicit in it and guilty.

[@electrictwilight]

+citizenknope Yupppp.

[@mcpowers26]

citizenknope best comment on this video yet!

[@alexrose6471]

I'm pretty into animal rights and try to be as ethical as I can with my purchases on that front but when I think about ethics involving the human labour that goes into what I'm buying it just seems overwhelming. As you said, the western world is rife with this sort of stuff, do you think you could make a video on at least the basics of learning to identify and avoid companies that exploit people? Like how cruelty free stuff has the leaping bunny logo and food products often say suitable for vegans or vegetarian, do other products have any identifiers like this for human cruelty?

[@EphemeralBeauty93]

I agree with this statement. It's often what makes me feel helpless and worried about our world. If you do have any more knowledge on the subject, I would love to hear it as well.

[@justynawisniewska1213]

Alex Rose I have tried to search things like this up for clothing but it is soooo hard to really find any ethical brands that would be easily available and have nice styles of clothing.

[@danceguardmusicgirl1]

Alex Rose if you are a vegan, check out the documentary Bananaland and the Food Empowerment project! I am a vegan, and I've also stopped eating bananas, chocolate, and coffee which have some of the worst human rights abuses. It seemed pretty contrary to what I had been preaching about minimizing harm. Hope this helps!

[@jujudaze]

The only thing I can think of are items that are fair trade certified.

[@rebekahnunes8480]

Fair trade items (usually food but there are a few non food items too) and local produce. I can't call myself an ethical buyer tbh but I think the shorter the supply chain the easier it would be to say where a product has come from.

[@mainspringguerrilla6841]

No surprise here, there is no ethical consumerism under capitalism.

[@RileyJayDennis]

this video is so important and not often talked about, thanks rowan

[@KatesAdventures]

This reminds me of a film I watched called "Blood in the Mobile" (Frank Piasecki Poulsen, 2010), in which the filmmaker traced the production of his Nokia mobile back to the Congo and examined the working conditions of the people who helped to source the materials needed to make it. I saw it at beginning of this year and it was shocking to me that in the 6 years since it was made, it hadn't had an impact on the industry (that I know of) or how we think about our products. It's definitely a factor that needs to be considered more, animal rights are important of course, but thinking about the items used to make a product and the process behind them can sometimes unearth a lot more cruelty.

[@ollie6307]

Kate's Adventures +

[@saraluna290]

Kate's Adventures Thanks! I'm going to watch it!

[@KatesAdventures]

Awesome, enjoy!

[@drquinzel2705]

i saw that movie in school! I remember i was kinda shocked that there had been no change in the industry

[@clairedevolder3993]

I might be missing the point here a bit, but in saying that none of the makeup we buy is truly ethical, than what is the point of buying makeup from companies that pin themselves as being cruelty free? I completely recognize that we must further the conversation on child labor and human cruelty in the production line of makeup and other products. But we can still do this and support the cruelty free makeup brands, right? I mean even if my makeup isn't completely ethical I can still try to be as close to ethical as I can get.

[@orionodegard6469]

devoclaire definitely! A lot people seem to be trying to make that age old argument that if it's impossible to do perfectly there's no point in making any change, but when two companies are doing the same things and supporting the same unethical industries except one also tests on animals, there is an ethical difference there and people should recognize that.

[@elonnabettini]

it starts a chain reaction to show highers up in big corporations that we want more ethical products, if everyone stopped buying makeup from brands that test on animals then they would need to push for their products to be more ethical (because that would be what "SELLS" and... you know... capitalism....) but then we need to take it a step further and say "Well it's not just about the testing on animals, it's about the child/slave labor and now y'all need to stop supporting that as well or else we'll move onto a company that's better" you know?

[@redbluue]

You didn't miss the point. Those companies you want to support only use this label as a marketing tactic, if you really care so much, stop using makeup altogether. Actually almost everything in your daily life contains something that is not 'cruelty free', unless you move into the wild, grow your own cotton, your own food etc, which is ridiculous imho, which is why I find this whole 'cruelty free' trend brainless and useless.

[@redbluue]

And about child labour and all that, I don't want to come off as cold hearted, but for you people who spend your whole life in a first world country, you will never ever understand the struggle of a family not being able to eat. Breaking the supply chain surely will make your hearts feels better, but that also means somewhere in a third world country, a lot of families will have no food on the table because your 'morality' if succeed will cause their jobs. This is a much bigger problem than you think. Until you understand the struggles of the third world countries' people, everything you do to the people who do understand only come off as hipsterish and ideological. By the way I don't support child labour at all, just stating the complex issue that you first world country people will never ever appreciate.

[@NECR0SIS]

There is no ethical consumption under capitalism

[@AriaLouisa]

I think this is definitely a good thing to be aware of, but I am also afraid that videos like this might discourage people to go cf because they think their efforts don't matter. I think going cf is at least better than doing nothing.

[@jordanbakhtegan8338]

Ariane Louise +

[@dacynthiamuthuselven]

Precisely! So many people who literally do about this complaining about people who do little, hypocrisy at it's finest!

[@sacmakiz]

I am vegan and I choose to support companies that do not test on animals and if they sell out to a company does test animals, I stop supporting them. The point here is about supply and demand. I don't know how effective this strategy is or is it more about comforting our conscious about animal testing, I cannot say one way or the other for sure but this is the BEST I can do for now based on available knowledge. If I know there's a way to stop supporting child slavery, human slavery in things I consume I would definitely choose companies DO NOT test on animals AND does not exploit humans for their profit either. I am glad that there is a growing consciousness about animal testing, we are far from victory because demand is going higher and higher every year but I am hopeful because people who wants to choose consciously are growing in numbers too. I hope there will be a solution at least better way to reduce child and human slavery too. As I said I would be happy to do my part; NOT support cruelty to anyone but till then 'cruelty free' tag only means 'animal testing free' and it is still an important issue to me. People say to vegans "You can't stop cruelty" but that's not the point as an individual. We can only stop supporting in our parts. It's not about perfection it's about doing our best to create a cruelty free world. And revolution comes slowly so we have to understand how things evolve in society. Till then, I will continue supporting companies who does not test on animals but since there's still not a clear labeling on human slavery on the products and I am lacking knowledge in this area, I am unfortunately very little aware of it and cannot do my part yet. I'd be happy to do my part, if I knew how.

[@andreaaparici9225]

tw do you know if Loreal test on animals??

[@MikaylaQuinn-hx9vh]

@@andreaaparici9225 yes they do

[@anabolicstephen8387]

just dont use make up,problem solved you still look sexier and prettier without it

[@xFuzzyLove]

veganism is a start. once the basics have been seen and done, veganism can go further. for example , vaccines.. we cant change that now yet we need them, they arent vegan but the things we can change, we should. veganism isnt just ethical, its health(humans), environment(humans) and other species of animals that live in this world. cruelty free makeup is still a big step in the right direction.

[@kinganeumann7681]

xFuzzyLove thank God you agree about vaccines, I hear of all these vegans who seem like they want their kids to die of some easily preventable illness

[@powpaow]

Most people don't even try to prevent sickness... everyone just take pills...no one think about food or lifestyle... WALL-E here we come....sigh

[@creativereindeer]

'What's your policy on forced labour' SUCH a good and useful phrase. LITERALLY this has been on my mind for the last few weeks, I've been so torn about this - THANKS for raising this issue, really well done, human rights cannot go by the wayside when people are distressed about bunnies. Well said on not 'either or' BUT we can do more and not just get carried away with the cruelty free label. THAAAAAAAANKS. Baroness Cox (one of my heroes) says 'we cannot do everything but we must not do nothing' in relation to this kind of thing.

[@beckiejbrown]

I spent hours researching yesterday, about every company that I have a product from, in my room. I was in shock - absolute shock. As I was researching, I was purely looking at animal cruelty - this element had not occured to me. Thank you for bringing this into the equation..... Thank you. Not good with my words, just wanted to say something. xx

[@AhsanteB]

You're so right, this isn't an issue that's being talked about enough. Thanks for this.

[@SolidSpadesIsANerd]

TLDR: There is no such thing as ethical capitalism!!

[@trashboat7948]

i hate to sound dumb, but what is tldr?

[@SolidSpadesIsANerd]

ailien no problem love! it means "too long didnt read"

[@AvacadoChan]

I think it's important to recognize that the man she was talking to in the video mentioned that one of the ways we can help is by simply asking all the companies we consume products from what their policies are on forced labor. You don't have to stop buying electronics, makeup, bananas, books, (or even shop at ethical companies if they do exist), you just have to make sure that the companies are aware that you and large amounts of people are genuinely worried and working to stop forced labor altogether.

[@QuitRuiningMyRecommendations]

I appreciate the topic, but vegan and cruelty-free products NEVER claimed to be the moral baseline. Don't antagonize Cruelty-Free and animal rights advocacy; they are still standing for taking some steps towards conscious consumerism. You should encourage people to build on their ethical ideals instead of acting like people have already given any "cruelty free" product an absolute gold stamp.

[@brookelee9745]

That's the sad thing it's impossible to buy 100% cruelty free. Most companies won't care where the product comes from just how much profit comes their way.

[@lindiortega]

not including make up, but how about if you buy things second hand? Doesn't that stop the cycle because you are not part of the supply and demand. But instead recycling?

[@clovesbian]

Lindi Ortega yeah thrifting and second hand is (most often) ethical because it’s not buying from a company (unless it’s a thrift company like Salvation Army that’s anti-gay). I think really in total if we can buy the least possible amount of things, the better (and it’s cheaper, obviously, to buy less). I try to be the most ethical but I also want to stress that it’s moreso on the hands of the 1% and big companies doing these things in the first place.

[@Thawah]

@@clovesbian Worth mentioning that Goodwill has a terrible history with their disabled employees. Underpaying them and such.

there is no ethics in making billions. someone somewhere will be always made use of. thank you for the information, I didn't know about this!

[@brookenemetz3668]

This is SUCH an important topic. We are not taught this in school, not even on the news. The fact that the question, "Is it possible to shop completely ethically?" is even a question is just sad. I'm so happy you addressed this issue. Love your message xo

[@mkidd955]

Also, I wanted to ask what everyone thinks of this idea. Of course child labor and abuse of third world workers are wrong. But, by boycotting those companies, instead of making next to nothing for an hour, those workers are making 0 an hour. So how do we protest poor treatment without putting people out of work who really need it? Please respond with your thoughts. xx

[@michelles7601]

M Kidd That is so important. I think we should support companies that try to make a change in their decision because if we would show companies that we support that, they may see that many people are willing to pay more for things that were made in good conditions.

[@carolinealmeida5606]

That's actually a good point. I'm a third-world citizen and I see that a lot of people around me depend on international companies to provide for their families. The way it's presented to us, first-world industries coming to our country is "progress" and sometimes you don't really have much of an option but to work for them. I can't really see a way out of it, to be honest, unless our entire system is destroyed and we start again from scratch. Capitalism is way too rotten to be any actual change from within.

[@mkidd955]

Caroline Almeida beautifully said, thank you. x

[@name-fv4du]

Monica R the thing with that it that it relies on what the people will buy, if you had the option to have a chepper, better quality thing you'd buy that one (considering you also don't have much money), so if you live in a third world country, (like myself) you should always buy local. its a shame most people in here don't really think about that (also corporations do this thing in were when a comunity is welthy enough they move unto a new one because the people ask for less money there, just thought it was kinda interesting)

[@samantarizzi248]

That's what I am always thinking! Companies (bad or not) give people jobs that aren't provided for them. Period. Of course, children shouldn't work, but it's better for their family to have something to eat on the table rather to starve because we're not buying the products these companies are making. Local authorities should think abot that and provide jobs for unemployed people, then these kids (or young adults) would have much better chance at fair jobs and respectful paychecks. I mean... minors shouldn't work but study! I'm talking about adults here, too. So let's just not all judge only the companies, but on people in charge in those 3rd world countries, too! Governments are usually in charge of the economy on their lands. When it comes to crimes we tend to stay away and let the police and other authorities handle it (because otherwise could not end very well for someone to get involved), but when it comes to industry people are acting so "smart", but in reality is not much we can do. If I won't buy a certain product from one company that won't stop world hunger. If we all work together we may manage that a company shots down, but kids and other workers will just turn to another one just so they could eat! And you know what? I don't fucking blame them. World can be cruel, we don't live in a fairytale (unfortunately so).

[@Nymphetopheliac]

As a long-time vegan and someone active in animal rights, it really pisses me off when people label their product as cruelty-free just because it's vegan and not tested on animals, and the label seems to be becoming more common (though possibly just because veganism is growing so fast, so it's a mixed bag). So far I've not been calling people out on it, but I'm going to start emailing companies which use the term with some of the information you've given in this video. I'll also be sharing your video on my local vegan groups to make them aware of this, and asking around some of the societies at uni to see if any of them are working on related campaigns.

[@HeyRowanEllis]

That sounds amazing, I definitely think that the drive and passion of people who already care about ethics and production, can really start to make a difference with this too.

[@carolynhance5588]

I totally agree. I see it a lot on IG when someone promotes an "accidentally vegan" item from somewhere like Steve Madden, H&M, Zara, Topshop, etc. I'm sorry, but as much as I don't want to wear leather, I'd rather buy a pair of 2nd hand leather shoes than buy any of that plastic garbage made in unfair working conditions and from materials that will end up in a landfill and take hundreds of years to break down.

[@thingslaurasays9995]

Thank you so much for this. I've thought about this a lot but my conclusion always came to NOTHING WE DO WILL CHANGE ANYTHING and then I do nothing. But I mustn't do nothing. My siblings put a hypothetical sitch and asked, if a store's sign said "We Sell Clothes Made By Child Slaves" would we still buy it?..... But we are.....

[@branditheempress]

This was a great video. I already knew about the cruel treatment of people by companies but when there are so many companies doing it it seems overwhelming.

[@namelessenigma]

very important video. and it shows two things - a) why i don't support people who are only concerned with the ethics of consumerism when it harms animals b) one of the many reasons i don't wear makeup and prefer to make my own beauty & hygiene products, diy style

[@malikathueler2529]

Just to anyone who is interested in ethical mobile phones go check out fairphones. This is the closest you can get to a cruelty free phone

[@MetalNettle]

Actually although Lush uses mica in their products, they use a variety that is made synthetically (perfectly safe for humans) which isn't mined using child labour for exactly that reason.

[@HeyRowanEllis]

I should maybe have been clearer, I meant that they haven't been able to clear up their supply line of forced labour not necessarily mica in particular: news.trust.org/item/20160721122350-b5tp5/

[@lotopauankaz.4500]

cool video! but still isn't is better to buy things that are animal cruelty free than those which ham both humans and animals?

[@SupremeChii]

lotopauanka z. Depends. It's a bit of a "lesser of two evils" issue, imo.

[@KathyTrithardt]

I had never considered this. Thank you for bring it to light.

[@scruffylookingnerfherder1983]

Cruelty free makeup never claimed to be completely ethical, it means it's not tested on animals. I understand your point, but I fear this pushes a message of hopelessness.

[@melainebullock]

sweetkeet126 I agree, makes people give up and continue supporting animal cruelty brands since no brands are completely ethical yet

[@Rechard1107]

@@melainebullock exactly it's only hopeless for vegans with mental illness, not anyone else.

[@GrimFemme]

I think the world has, for the most part, made it clear that they don't care about the suffering of other humans.

[@k.g.7416]

that is more true than you know. They don't really even care about their friends or neighbors, let alone people on the other side of the world that they're exploiting

[@sarahaa5127]

You said it. One of the biggest lie is that we abolished slavery. Slavery is more massive. Only it is not televised. As long as it is not shared and keeps the economy in shaped the crime is invisible.

[@rubydaniels7631]

How do we fix this though? I want to help people, the earth and animals but I feel like you can only do so much. And it is very very hard cutting out cruelty, slavery and child labour, and things that harm the planet. I know every little bit helps but when I start thinking about it all i get very upset that I feel like i am not doing enough and sometimes very impossible to not purchase things that are all of those things.

[@A-No-One]

Sad truth. Don't be a cog and be one less. You are doing something. Never stop.

[@machinaheart]

Thank you for sharing these amazing interviews! It would be amazing if cruelty-free did not only mean free of animal cruelty but also 'human cruelty'. Thank you for all the links and information you provided in addition to this video! (And just fyi, while LUSH might not be the very best example for the best ingredients, the mica they use is synthetic now as to stop supporting child labour.)

[@HeyRowanEllis]

I should maybe have been clearer, I meant that they haven't been able to clear up their supply line of forced labour not necessarily mica in particular: news.trust.org/item/20160721122350-b5tp5/

[@machinaheart]

Dang, even more news like that? I knew only about the mica and that they switched to synthetic mica because of not being able to obtain natural mica without child labour. An uphill battle... Thank you very very much for the article!!

[@quireoyorkshiretea1238]

Rowan Ellis ++Hey you are so cool to talk about these issuez!!

[@baileyandthejets6240]

machinaheart Lush is full of all sorts of chemicals and isn't even remotely organic. as you said they use synthetics. synthetics cause cancer. the solution is don't wear makeup, we don't need it anyway.

[@haleylaplant9910]

Just this past week I've decided to become vegetarian, and to stop supporting companies that test on animals. My brother (who is vegan) and I were just talking about this. You can do your best to support companies that don't test on animals. It's a noble concept. But human suffering comes at the expense of many of the big names and companies, as you said. It's nearly impossible not to support companies where a living being doesn't suffer in order to make the companies products. I appreciate this video! People need to do more research and educate themselves. Maybe we can make some sort of difference then.

[@sara-mm9pb]

I think you should watch a documentary titled "The True Cost" that talks about forced labor in the fashion industry, I think you would like it.

[@ItsRadishTime]

thanks for this. another kind of nitpicky reason i don't like the "cruelty free" makeup focus on animal testing is that I've yet to find a cruelty free (not animal tested) brand that has an acceptable shade range for dark skin. If you want to speak out for bunnies but ignore black people, then i don't all too much want to be a part of the club. not that i think it's a useless pursuit, but that as you say, we should examine all the levels of cruelty that go into the products we consume.

[@alexl4085]

ItsRadishTime I know it's not the same but I really struggle to find one that's pale enough. I'm like a ghost and all the cruelty free stuff makes me look bright orange.

[@thatgirl1661]

There's 2 brands called black radiance and black opal in case you're interested in non-animal tested makeup specifically for dark skin :)

[@mybestfriendandi]

So you equate dogs, "bunnies", and other animals being prodded and poked with make up products (much worse happens but you get the general idea) than for someone with a darker complexion not having the most perfect shade? Am I seriously reading that correctly?

[@ChristopherisnotanAI]

I'm pretty sure her point was that brands are labelling themselves as ethical....yet don't even bother to produce products for anyone darker than 'mocha' or whatever word they give it. It can't be that ethically if it just ignores anyone who isn't white 😂

[@mybestfriendandi]

ChristopherisnotanAI except that's not even true and its ludicrous to claim that EVERY cruelty free brand ignores darker complexions.

[@ellengoesrawr7]

Lush use a synthetic Mica now, this was last year, I use to work at Lush and in our training we were told we used the synthetic type because of the child slavery.

[@HeyRowanEllis]

I should maybe have been clearer, I meant that they haven't been able to clear up their supply line of forced labour not necessarily mica in particular: news.trust.org/item/20160721122350-b5tp5/

[@minarose3193]

Julia butterfly Hill has been educating and working on human and women's rights for years. She is also vegan and understands the importance of vegan lifestyle and practicing a compassionate way of life towards animals. This action is important as a first step towards compassion for humans. " The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way it's animals are treated " Mahatma Gandhi. Go vegan! It's the first important step towards compassion. Specially in this hedonistic world

[@finnjames6912]

Veganism is not the answer to forced child labor and unethical consumerism. Veganism isn't even accessible to all people, and if we cannot even keep humans safe, then why could we ever judge a nation on solely its treatment of animals ?

[@xSerenaVDWoodsen]

Minarose SF I hope this doesn't come out wrong but you have no idea how privileged you are. You are vegan because you have a choice. These people do not have a choice. They starve. Honestly I don't think they care what they eat as long as they get something. Veganism is a privilege when all your other needs have been covered. It's not going to safe the world. It's not going to end child labor or slavery. The world is more complex than that.

[@BadActingWYIM]

:'( i dont wear make up but was about to invest in a bunch of cruel free make up until now. id be happy with lipgloss. i guess ill try rubbing berries on my lips

[@MiriamGallacher]

this is so interesting and important, thank you so much for talking about these difficult issues. even on a small scale, it's uncomfortable to talk about slavery in our society. if people are talking about a popular clothing brand and you say 'by the way, they use child labour', it's pretty much guaranteed to cause an awkward silence. but the thing is, topics like animal testing used to create the same reaction. now, it's much more likely that people will agree and suggest an alternative. obviously, like you said, cruelty free labels doesn't always equal what people think it does, but my point is that simply raising awareness, if nothing else, is better than ignoring the issue altogether. companies change according to the needs of their customers, and so why not make it clear that we need products that aren't harming other human beings in the process? maybe it's not that simple and maybe i'm rambling, but just thank you. i started crying when he mentioned the women's message about protecting her children. i really hope something changes.

[@AliJardz]

This was a really fascinating perspective, and a really great point. Also, love that hairstyle!

[@Asummersdaydreamer14]

Anyone know of a list of products that are cruelty free, free of environment harming ingredients (hydroflurocarbons), and ethical produced? Because buying products that don't make you feel like you're adding to the problem already a headache.

[@Mushycongee]

Thank you for making this video! I'm trying to spread the video around. Thank you so much for getting this to such a large audience ❤️❤️❤️

[@LadyWayen]

Is the slogan Cruelty Free on makeup and skincare used more for marketing purposes to get people to buy them.

[@alize0623]

Diana C As someone working in Marketing, yes.

[@sophiagotsuspended2387]

"Our children are safe from the illnesses, but they are not safe from human beings." Very powerful distinction made here. Thank you so much for making this video. We need more people talking about this, and I agree that the more people who are aware and informed, the more likely we are to make a change. Everyone should take that person's advice about simply asking questions( no matter who you ask) and start conversations about this global issue! inform as many people as you can, but PLEASE be respectful and kind when doing so!!!! Humans are capable of the worst kinds of cruelty but we are also capable of standing together to fight these injustices. If you made it this far into my comment, thank you very much and PLEASE go inform yourself on the subject, look into trust women, do what you can so that you can let other people know!! Btw I'm definitely subscribed! ✌️✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿✌️

[@mirandaruth2485]

There is no ethical consumption under late capitalism. Great video!

[@guccideltaco]

Where can we find out which cosmetics companies don't use child labor in their production?

[@eptile]

stringendo1 there is probably a list you can look up. but it is still very hard because alot of companies are insanely secretive about these practices since they don't need to disclose procedures since they are out if the u.s and within bounds of their own countries laws.

[@Sarah-gf8su]

Like the gentleman in the video said, its more important to ask the companies if they're using slavery etc. This will make them realise that we care and we are understanding the truth, this will eventually lead to them stopping if enough people participate continuously.

[@guccideltaco]

Sumayyah s Yes, but asking EVERY electronics company you might potentially buy from is time consuming to say the least, IF you can get a response from them. I know for cosmetics there are a number of resources that list companies which do or do not test on animals, so I thought there might be something for these products as well.

[@chloemansell4575]

no if only. companies don't release that information.

[@funghoul2199]

stringendo1 if you live in America, there is literally NO REGULATIONS on cosmetics only 8 vs Europe's 1300+. it's about greed and money and deception on a two centuries old broken system that wasn't okay in the first place. there is no "cosmetic grade" glitter or shimmer products, no crulty free or vegan lables by definition of law for them to be regulated by so it's up to the companies alone. the saddest part is that we might be lied to our faces right now with loopholes and we'd be none the wizer from entrusting too much

[@rocketrogert9649]

There are so many important issues that we need to be aware of as consumers. Thanks for shedding some light on these important ones

[@izzy2770]

Just looked at my favourite cruelty free pallete to find the main ingredient is mica. I'm off to educate myself and write some emails

[@Sarah-gf8su]

Yes girl! You write them emails I'm totally with you Xx

[@EphemeralBeauty93]

I love the way you conduct yourself in this video. You get your message across in a very respectful, educational way. As obvious as it is, we often forget the cruelty of those who can speak over those that don't have a voice. But it still shouldn't ever be overlooked. This was a wonderful video to stumble across. Thank you!

[@elliesandpancakes]

Thanks for making this video. I'd vaguely heard of cobalt before and knew I shouldn't really be shopping on the high street, but I had no idea about make up. It was also jarring to get a reminder that slavery happens in the UK. I know I won't change over night, but trying to shop more ethically has been floating around my mind for a while now and watching this has helped bring it to the surface more.

[@Alice45894]

Alot of vegans are obsessed with the welfare of animals which I agree with but what about the welfare of innocent human beings that are forced into a life of slavery?

[@izzyjean8097]

it's really hard to be 100% vegan..sadly :/

[@saringongin]

+izzy jean It is imposible to be 100% vegan. If everything is made out of resources that are not "animal based", it will affect them some other way. For example, in my country we have a Parrot that doesn't migrate. When I was a kid you could only see one if someone bought it in a pet store and had it in a cage. Nowadays they're everywhere in the city, which means that their habitat is being destroyed and they have no choice but to run to the city. Isn't that considered as animal cruelty?

[@izzyjean8097]

saringongin I know

[@elisepatnoe]

vegans care about the welfare of humans too you fucktard look up the meaning of vegan

[@alylopez3721]

Elise Patnoe everyone in this thread was calm and very reasonable critical. No one was attacked yet you felt the need to throw insults. What they talk about is very true many vegans forget that there is often another layer of cruelty and capitalism that affects a lot of our products. It's something to address.

[@pixiebomb28]

This was actually really interesting and very objective and well presented. 👍

[@ooXChrissieXoo]

it is cool that someone cared about something other than the obvious animals. Things like Nestle chocolates, or even those premium chocolatiers also use chocolate from a very bad source. I'm lucky we have local chocolates.

[@Nimaway12]

I feel like these two issues are very different but both very important, I think we should continue to encourage people to look into their makeup and wardrobe and see the cruel processes that go into things, and for many people makeup is an important first step. Not testing on animals is an extremely important cause, and I hope people don't get the idea that because you can't be perfect its not worth doing anything; which you mention. the click bait title just scares me because it opens the opportunity to shame people for ignorance by saying they only look out for animals, which everyone should also do in edition to fighting slavery. Animal abuse is also a very real form of slavery.

[@KatieM786]

Thank you for this video! I agree with you that we need to look deeper than "cruelty free" and "zero waste" tags.

[@PaulaRhy]

Thank you so much for making this video. I have always known that companies making nice promises about how they 'don't believe in sweatshop labour' is a really empty promise, and living in Cambodia really drove that point home. However, it really felt like there was nothing I could do - as you state, you can't actually ever shop 'ethically' and that just translated into a feeling of hopelessness. I mostly just try to avoid buying things and question myself sternly about what I need, but it's good to feel like there is more I can do.

[@sarahkeating8043]

Thank you for making this, as a vegan I try to get items are ethical for people and animals, this can be really difficult for certain items and can be really expensive. I really enjoyed that you interviewed people to add to the information you shared. 👍

[@katiekorcek8249]

I completely agree with this, it was a truly insightful video that make me reflect on a lot. I begun trying to research companies I support to see how ethical their products are in terms of human labor and there was little to no information about each and every part that goes into the process of making a product. It made me feel very trapped and overwhelmed because I now have so much guilt about purchasing almost any product. I want to purchase the most ethical products available but i'm just not sure how to go about it without just not purchasing anything at all.

[@FandomMatters]

Thank you for making this Rowan. I've been thinking about making my makeup collection more cruelty free, but thanks for making the point that there's a lot more to think about and look into.

[@zemimsky]

This is Massively Important to be shared and put out there! thank you for this and thank you for being involved as you are! You Truly make a difference (in comparaison to the vacation Thai Bike festival Vegans i seen around on youtube)

[@eviemaelyall628]

This is so informative! I agree that there is a lot more factors that constitute to being ethical than are generally considered. Such as the ethical and environmental ramifications of the production of almond milk and avocado farming. Something really interesting and worthwhile to discuss!

[@dana9956]

I feel that the title is misleading. It suggests the issue is limited to cosmetic brands but, as she even mentions, extends to companies exporting products like clothing, electronics etc.

[@Eva_R966]

This is the kind of content I have been yearning for on youtube!! Thank you for providing a great foundation for important discussions like these, we should really start asking all of these companies about their labor policies (the app "good on you" provides a look into many but not all companies), and hold them accountable.

[@xVanillaxBerryx]

Girl. This video is amazing! You really opened my eyes even more about what it really means to be an ethical consumer. I'm a cruelty-free blogger so I naturally clicked on this video and I really really loved all the points that you made, the interviews and the way that you addressed the topic. I want to make a post or a video about this topic some time in the future as well, because you are right, we do need to spread the message and its the lack of knowledge that is stiffing us from progressing into a more ethical future. Compassion for both animals and humans is vital.

[@matthias8122]

It's a shame when people care more about animals than they do about child slavery (and this is coming from an animal-lover who prefers products that do not test on animals, before y'all attack me).

[@ObliviateOrchestra]

That's really not something to be concerned about because there's so little people who actually care about animals

[@HousePetMarla]

It's still more than people who care about child slavery.

[@theaminswey9733]

Meghan Hirsh because a lot people are anti-human, believe animal=innocent, human=evil.

[@YoudonGettit]

Human = bad and animal = innocent. That's the most naive and incomplete belief ever... You just lack empathy for other human beings, don't call your cynicism reality.

[@theaminswey9733]

YoudonGettit I merely point it out, that's not what I believed

[@suga235]

Thank you so much for this video! I hope it goes viral

[@extremelyhappysimmer]

around 3:30 that guy said its impossible to be completely cruelty free when buying things. so isnt it kind of like why even bother? im not going to stop buying things. i want a cellphone, seafood, etc. maybe im just being cynical.

[@pinkpoet14]

extremelyhappysimmer Just because you can't go all the way cruelty free doesn't mean you shouldn't care or try.

[@enjogior5489]

"When consumers start asking about it it will encourage greater focus on the issue". What we all need to do is bring the topic up and start asking companies what their policies on these issues are, the more the companies are exposed the more likely they will start changing. Nothing breaks a reputation like these kinds of issues, they are aware and purposely not disclosing it to everyone.

[@pinkpoet14]

Enjogior Studio "they are aware of the issue" EXACTLY! These companies are not stupid, they know these issues exist. They just feel okay ignoring them because it doesn't hurt their bottom line. Consumers must take action!

[@YasminJohal]

after you mentioned this at the weekend i didn't realise the video would be up so quickly haha, but yay. i'm genuinely so glad you made this video, as someone who is very ethical when it comes to animal rights, i honestly hold my hands up and say i don't seem to consider human rights in the same aspect and i really should! thanks for sharing these interviews and the resources in the description xx

[@HeyRowanEllis]

no worries... I do think it's a case of not being visible and talked about, so hopefully it will start to gain more traction!(and what can i say yasmin, im a professional, speedy as fuck on the edit)

[@LuckyBadger]

Thank you so much for addressing mica! I just saw a full documentary on the production of mica, and now I'm giving the side-eye to all the sparkly makeup in my kit. I've already bought it, but I'm going to think twice before I ever do so again. I think I'm going to contact my fav makeup company, Colourpop, and see what they have to say.

[@LuckyBadger]

I just heard back from Colourpop. The source their mica ethically, from the US, Japan, and Europe. They also pay their employees a living wage, in a beautiful facility in the US. I love their customer service, and the fact that they answered me personally within 24 hours.

[@lisaha5565]

Who exactly do we ask "What's your policy on forced labor?" I definitely won't get answers if I ask a store associate, so who do I go to?

[@kiss4god]

Lisa Ha call the help line for the brand

[@Sarah-gf8su]

You email the company. Most big companies will have an email on their website, who you can email.

[@staceylim6773]

Honestly... slavery is definitely rampant. I am changing my makeup stash to brands that do not conduct animal testing, not even in China, and I feel that this is only possible because there are sufficient brands that are against animal testing policies themselves. But if you have to include human slavery and forced labour into our definition of "cruelty-free"... well it does make sense, yet I don't think it is entirely possible for consumers to have a huge stake in this. Ultimately, it's for companies to take the lead, and for the consumers to follow suit. There's too much complications in human slavery that just could not be eradicated easily - it delves deep into the problems of poverty in these poorer countries, for example, and I believe it cannot be simply solved by asking these companies about their policies on slaveries.

[@pinkpoet14]

Stacey Lim companies won't make a change until consumers show that it's what they want. The reason so many companies today are going animal cruelty free is because consumers like it. If you keep spending your money and wait for companies to take the lead, forced labor will never stop, because these companies will only listen when if hurts their bottom lines.

[@staceylim6773]

That is very true, and I'm glad that there's a growing concern in human slavery where it is concerned. I just think that tackling this issue could possibly be opening another can of worms, and it's definitely a great work in progress - but looking at how some companies still think that there is nothing wrong with animal testing, my only wish is that it would be a common understanding not to test animals at all in our beauty products, in my lifetime.

[@pinkpoet14]

Stacey Lim so because other problems within the system may be revealed ("opening another can of worms,) we shouldn't tackle the issue of CHILD LABOR and human trafficking?

[@staceylim6773]

I did mention that it makes sense to include human slavery-related issues in our definition of "cruelty-free" in my initial comment if you care to read it again, I just believe that doing so is exploring new and foreign territories that will prove to be complicated to solve just like the animal testing issue. It's a very grey area of ethical capitalism, and human slavery in modern consumerism such as in beauty products is indeed a new perspective that needs to be talked about, researched about. But my beliefs still stand that if companies could not care enough to consider animal testing as a big no-no, what do you think about these companies' values on human slavery? It's like wanting to run before you learn how to walk: if animals who are constantly tortured in labs are seen as a normalcy, I doubt companies would think much of leveraging on the slave trade for their own economic advantages.

[@pinkpoet14]

Stacey Lim that's exactly why CONSUMERS need to lead the way. And I'm confused. In your original comment, you said COMPANIES need to lead the way on these issues. Now you're saying it's consumers? So basically, because it will be difficult to address both animal cruelty and human trafficking, we should just focus on the animals and then once things look less "complicated," we should talk about forced labor? That's what I'm getting from your last statement.

[@lilymc1171]

This is an interesting video, i hadn't even thought of child labour when it comes to makeup- I feel informed now.

[@oliviaa2911]

this is literally the tip of the iceburg

[@savebee346]

i didn't know about a lot of these things. thank you for speaking about it.

[@sunshineyrainbows13]

This is actually something I've been thinking about, every time I saw a "made in China" label on something I own. And it's happening even closer than in China. We must try our best to inform and change.

[@birchalexandra]

Often a simple solution is to buy things from charity or resale shops that are local. This just puts money back into the local economy and that shop, rather than purchasing (voting with your dollar) products that are unethically produced. This is an excellent alternative to sweatshop clothes. Cosmetics are a bit harder, first would be cruelty free, then low impact packaging/plastic free packaging, then locally produced for order of ease to find the products. Cruelty free is fairly ubiquitous, plastics free is possible, and many independent companies are free of materials like mica and also cruelty and plastic free. Good video!

[@missk4381]

I think its very important that people realise just how difficult it would be to live completely cruelty free. Some people use cruelty free products and the promotion of them as a vehicle for their own self-importance and belittle those that don't or can't (some ethical choices are very expensive) make those choices. Cruelty against humans is often not factored into the discussion. It's really about doing as much as you can to contribute to the effort, NOT becoming a perfect saviour of the world overnight.....thanks for this vid! xx

[@MimiBrokkoli]

Wow, I did never even think about that.

[@syltwee]

Mimi i see you everywhere, pixielocks, i think markiplier, a lot of music, wowie

[@beckyemma4942]

Hey Rowan, a brilliant video as usual! I'd just like to say I admire you so much as a person, you're incredibly intelligent and compassionate, which is a fierce combination, and you inspire me to want to try and make a difference in the world. Thank you for this, and I look forward to more videos in future :)

[@lidu6363]

I absolutely love your hair!

[@xtnabcn]

Very well rounded discourse and research. Finally someone tackled this issue...

[@niidiimii]

Fantastic video! This is something that has irked me about whenever I saw "cruelty-free" which made/makes me feel very skeptical. I'm really glad you've brought more light to this issue though. I generally try to buy as much as I can secondhand (or to go without sometimes) since that seems to be the most ethical way, but when I do buy anything new, it feels like a bit of a minefield since so much supply chain information is just totally absent. I've written letters to my MP in the past, but it's good to see more ways to try to do something about this issue. Thanks.

[@nayu7267]

I'm really glad that you made this video. I've started gaining interest in makeup and fashion recently, but I've been hesitant to purchase anything out of fear of supporting fast fashion, wastefulness, and other types of unethical production I've become aware of. In the end, there's just a lack of information all throughout the marketplace, and it's probably next to impossible to buy anything in a capitalistic economy without hurting someone or something, somewhere down along the production chain. However, videos like this start conversations, and the more the message is shared, the more people will be aware of the issue, and hopefully, that'll start to influence businesses to change their policies and be more transparent in their production.

[@SandraPotisek]

I'm so glad you brought attention to this issue. I knew about technological and fashion companies using child labour, but it never crossed my mind that pretty much all makeup brands are involved as well, probably due to the word 'cruelty-free' being thrown around. Such a deceiving term...

[@ledabasile112]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been trying so hard to find information about this topic but it's usually vague and not cery conclusive.

[@JeraSky]

great video! ever since i saw some documentaries about sweatshops in dharavi, i think so much more about the stuff i buy and even all the stuff i see of countless hours of someone's lives sitting in shops around the world being used by NO ONE! Such an important message!

[@ruthestern]

Thanks, Rowan. The real question is the one you posed: "Can we benefit economically without exploiting someone else's suffering?" I say probably not. Not entirely. One system is always built upon the back of another. One person's loss is another's gain. And so it goes. But to be AWARE of it. That would help!

[@augustwogsland3309]

This is so important. Thank you. I'm very glad that I just found your channel. I completely agree with your points here. I can't wait to see more from you and I can't wait to take some time and watch some of your other videos as well. I think I'll also make my own video talking about this and I shared your video as well to spread the word.

[@dykerights4263]

in my religion class the first half of the year we learn about social justice and we often talked about the cruelty of child labor laws and forced slave labor I've always found it to be so heartbreaking so it's cool to see you who has over 15,000 subscribers using your platform to spread awareness and inform your viewers on these horrible injustices that occur to these child every day

[@jaicabardo4357]

i love that you tackle this in religion class! some religion classes mostly focus on theology

[@dykerights4263]

yeah i know I've been taking religion my whole life (even though my family belongs no no religion) and i' a junior in high school and this year religion has been the far most interesting we discuss everything from child labor to homelessness in different countries and it's just so enlightening and informative and so different from any other religion class i've taken before

[@suez7615]

Yes, girl.

[@sophieflorence2837]

Okay. So...don't buy or consume anything. Got it. Thanks.

[@Eccentrickittens]

Sophie Florence You clearly didn't get the message

[@sara-mm9pb]

She just means that it should just be talked about more, like non-animal tested products are talked about. Maybe if there is more buzz about it companies will try to come up with solutions, it's just about spreading awareness about a topic that's often overlooked.

[@LaLabutterfly]

Thank you for mentioning the cobalt mining. This fact goes over so many people's heads it's astonishing.

[@mkidd955]

I subscribed because of this beautifully done video. Thank you. x

[@mikkelinerasmussen6024]

I'm so thankful that I found this video! I've been thinking about this topic a lot lately. This really pushed me to try so much harder ✌🏼

[@silverhiker4549]

You changed me. I had no idea and immediately stopped wearing any makeup. For months, I went without because of you. Thank you. Now, I make my own from food and have found a very few number of companies that are good for ANY animals being used to make it. You are awesome. Thank you so much.💚💚💚

[@celesteponce6887]

Gosh Rowan, I seriously love you

[@samanthamillie899]

I am really happy that I came across this video and I am really happy that you made it and it was so informative and respectful and I just want to thank you because not only have you made me think more and want to go and research this more and do as much as I can to help and spread the word about this, I am sure almost everyone else who saw this is thinking the same thing so thank you so much for making this video