Searching for makeup that doesn’t involve cruelty? I understand. Finding brands that align with your values can feel overwhelming.
In the past, a lot of makeup enthusiasts preferred BECCA Cosmetics, particularly for their well-known Champagne Pop highlighter. What you should know, though, is whether BECCA is cruelty-free.
I’ll go over BECCA’s certifications, policies regarding animal testing, and the brand’s demise. Eleven fantastic cruelty-free substitutes that are equally effective are also included.
Additionally, I’ll take the guesswork out of creating a comprehensive cruelty-free makeup collection.
Together, let’s solve this.
What Does Cruelty-Free Mean?
A cruelty-free brand doesn’t test products on animals at any point. Not during development. Not for ingredients. Not for final products.
Some people confuse cruelty-free with vegan, but they’re different. Cruelty-free means no animal testing. Vegan means no animal ingredients like beeswax or carmine.
Animals shouldn’t suffer from lipstick or eyeshadow. That’s the heart of it.
Many people also believe cruelty-free products use safer ingredients. Brands often use better, more modern testing methods instead.
Some countries require animal testing for cosmetics. China used to mandate testing on all imported cosmetics. That’s changed recently, but it’s still complicated.
BECCA Cosmetics Overview
BECCA started with a mission to create flattering products for all skin tones. They became famous for their Shimmering Skin Perfector highlighters.
Champagne Pop, created with Jaclyn Hill, sold out constantly. Other favorites included Under Eye Brightening Corrector and First Light Priming Filter.
The brand shut down in September 2021. Parent company Estee Lauder Companies discontinued BECCA entirely.
BECCA offered some vegan products, but not all of them. The brand focused on skin-loving ingredients and shared ingredient lists openly.
Is BECCA Cruelty Free?
BECCA’s cruelty-free status was complicated. The brand is now closed, but understanding their policies helps you make better choices going forward.
Official Statements & Certifications
BECCA never had PETA certification or the Leaping Bunny logo. That’s usually a red flag for cruelty-free shoppers.
The brand stated they didn’t test on animals themselves. But that’s only part of the story.
Without third-party verification, there’s no independent proof backing up those claims.
Animal Testing Policy
Here’s where it gets tricky. BECCA was owned by Estee Lauder Companies. Estee Lauder isn’t cruelty-free because some of their brands sell in mainland China.
BECCA products were available in China before recent policy changes. When China required animal testing for imported cosmetics, that meant BECCA couldn’t be considered cruelty-free.
Even if BECCA didn’t test directly, their parent company’s policies and distribution choices mattered.
Consumer Experiences & Expert Opinions
Cruelty-free advocates consistently said BECCA didn’t meet the standards. The China connection was the main issue.
Some people thought BECCA was cruelty-free because the brand’s own testing policy sounded good. But selling in markets that require animal testing means you’re not truly cruelty-free.
Many former BECCA fans switched to certified alternatives once they learned the full picture.
How to Spot Cruelty-Free BECCA Products
Real cruelty-free products often display PETA’s cruelty-free logo or the Leaping Bunny symbol. These certifications mean independent organizations verified the brand’s claims.
BECCA products didn’t carry these logos, which was one clue about their status.
Apps like Cruelty-Free Kitty and Logical Harmony maintain updated lists of verified cruelty-free brands. I use these constantly.
PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies database is another reliable resource. These sites do the research so you don’t have to.
Always check company websites too. Look for clear statements about animal testing policies. Vague language is usually a warning sign.
11 Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands You’ll Love
These certified cruelty-free brands offer quality products at different price points. All of them skip animal testing completely.
- bareMinerals: Their mineral-based formulas work great for sensitive skin. Clean ingredients. Many vegan options. Full range from foundation to skincare.
- ColourPop: Super affordable with bold color payoff. Their eyeshadow palettes rival high-end brands. Everything is cruelty-free and most products are vegan.
- e.l.f. Cosmetics: You can grab these at drugstores for under $10. Great for beginners. Their Poreless Putty Primer is a cult favorite.
- Josie Maran: Built around argan oil from Morocco. Natural formulas that feel luxurious. Higher price point but worth it for clean beauty fans.
- Laura Mercier: That Translucent Setting Powder is legendary. Professional quality. Cruelty-free across the board.
- Stila: Their Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick lasts forever. Good color range. Accessible pricing.
- Tarte:PETA-certified with tons of vegan options. Shape Tape Concealer is a bestseller. They’re serious about ethical practices.
- Too Faced: Fun packaging and quality formulas. Better Than Sex Mascara lives up to the hype. Fully cruelty-free.
- Urban Decay: Famous for Naked palettes. They went 100% vegan in 2020. Bold colors and long-lasting wear.
- Fenty Beauty: Rihanna created this with 40 foundation shades from the start. Inclusive and cruelty-free. Pro Filt’r foundation is amazing.
- Milk Makeup: Vegan and cruelty-free. Cool, minimal packaging. Hydro Grip Primer is a favorite for keeping makeup in place.
Tips for Maintaining a Cruelty-Free Beauty Routine
Going cruelty-free is easier when you have a system. Here’s how to stay consistent without stress.
- Look for Leaping Bunny and PETA’s cruelty-free logo on packaging. These certifications are the most reliable way to verify a brand’s claims.
- Use apps like Cruelty-Free Kitty, Logical Harmony, and PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies database to check brands before buying.
- Watch for misleading phrases. “Not tested on animals” might only mean the final product wasn’t tested, but ingredients could have been.
- Don’t throw out everything at once. Use what you have, then replace it with cruelty-free options as you run out. Start with products you buy most often.
- Give yourself time. It took about a year to fully switch. Focus on one category at a time and join online communities like Reddit’s r/crueltyfree for support.
Conclusion
Although BECCA is no longer available, you are now aware that their cruelty-free status was called into question because of parent company policies and sales in China. The good news?
There are eleven excellent substitutes that are frequently completely vegan and certified cruelty-free. I have completely changed my routine, and to be honest, I don’t miss anything.
Right now, my favorites are ColourPop for vibrant colors and Fenty for base products. It is completely possible to create an ethical makeup line.
Replace things as you go, start small, and make use of the verification tools I described. Have inquiries concerning particular products? Please leave a comment below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BECCA cruelty-free and vegan?
No, BECCA wasn’t fully cruelty-free due to parent company policies and China sales. Some products were vegan, but not all. The brand closed in 2021.
What happened to BECCA Cosmetics?
Estee Lauder Companies discontinued BECCA in September 2021. You might find old stock at discount retailers, but no new products are being made.
Which brands are truly cruelty-free alternatives to BECCA?
Fenty Beauty, ColourPop, Milk Makeup, and Tarte are certified cruelty-free with similar products. All have PETA or Leaping Bunny verification.
How can I tell if a makeup brand is actually cruelty-free?
Look for Leaping Bunny or PETA logos. Check databases like Cruelty-Free Kitty. Avoid brands selling in mainland China through physical stores.
Are cruelty-free products more expensive than regular makeup?
Not necessarily. Brands like e.l.f. and ColourPop are budget-friendly. You can build a kit for under $100 or splurge on premium options.
