PETA Vegan Certification: Everything You Need to Know About the Cruelty-Free Label in Cosmetics
During this period when Earth Hour reminds us of the importance of every action for the planet, thinking about what we put on our skin takes on its full meaning. PETA vegan certification is one of the most reliable benchmarks for choosing animal-friendly — and environmentally-friendly — cosmetics. We'll explain everything to you, simply.
What is PETA vegan certification?
PETA vegan certification, also known as the Beauty Without Bunnies program, is a label issued by the PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) organization. It guarantees two essential things: the product has not been tested on animals, and it contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Specifically, a PETA-certified brand commits not to conduct, commission, or fund any animal testing — whether for its finished products or its ingredients. This is a comprehensive commitment, not just a promise on the label.
According to PETA data, over 6,200 brands worldwide are currently listed in their cruelty-free database (2025 figure). In Switzerland, this figure remains much smaller: only a few dozen brands have completed the full process.
Key figures
- 115 million: number of animals used each year worldwide for cosmetic testing (Cruelty Free International estimate, 2023)
- 80%: percentage of countries that still have no legislation banning cosmetic animal testing
- 40+: number of countries that have adopted partial restrictions or bans on animal testing in cosmetics
- 6,200+: brands listed in PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies program
PETA Beauty Without Bunnies vs Leaping Bunny: what are the differences?
When it comes to cruelty-free cosmetics, two labels dominate the global landscape. Here's what sets them apart:
| Criterion | PETA Beauty Without Bunnies | Leaping Bunny (CCIC) |
|---|---|---|
| Organization | PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) | Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics |
| Type of certification | Verified self-declaration + contractual commitment | Independent audit + supplier verification |
| Coverage | Entire brand (all products) | Entire brand (all products) |
| Animal testing — finished products | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Animal testing — ingredients | Prohibited (if commissioned by the brand) | Prohibited throughout the supply chain |
| "Vegan" option | Yes — specific "PETA Vegan" label | Not included (cruelty-free only) |
| Cost for the brand | Free | Paid (audit fees) |
| Renewal | Continuous commitment, ad hoc verifications | Mandatory regular audit |
| Recognition | Worldwide, very strong reputation | Strong in North America and Europe |
In summary: Leaping Bunny is stricter on ingredient traceability, but PETA offers a vegan distinction in addition to cruelty-free. The two are complementary. At basic., we chose PETA vegan certification because it perfectly matches our commitment: zero animal testing and zero animal ingredients. Period.
Why choose PETA-certified cosmetics?
1. For animals
This is the most obvious reason. Cosmetic animal testing often involves painful procedures — skin irritation, forced ingestion, eye tests — on rabbits, mice, rats, or guinea pigs. By choosing PETA, you know that your purchase does not fund any of these practices.
2. For transparency
A PETA label means that the brand has taken a voluntary step. It has contacted PETA, signed a formal commitment, and agreed to be publicly listed. This is an act of transparency not found in brands that merely use vague mentions like "not tested on animals" without certification.
3. For the environment
And this is where the link with Earth Hour makes perfect sense. Vegan cosmetics tend to have a lower environmental footprint. No animal farming for ingredients, no animal by-products (beeswax, lanolin, carmine...), and often shorter, cleaner formulas.
A study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production (2022) showed that plant-based cosmetics generate, on average, 35 to 50% fewer CO2 emissions in their production cycle than their animal-based equivalents. This is significant.
4. For your skin
Vegan formulas are not just "ethical" — they are often gentler. By eliminating animal derivatives (lanolin, animal keratin, bovine collagen), the risk of irritation and allergy is reduced. Plant-based alternatives — shea butter, coconut oil, carnauba wax — are just as effective and better tolerated by sensitive skin.
Criteria for obtaining PETA vegan certification
For a brand to be certified PETA vegan (and not just cruelty-free), it must meet these conditions:
- No animal testing — neither on finished products, nor on ingredients, nor by third parties
- No animal-derived ingredients — no honey, beeswax, lanolin, carmine, animal keratin, animal collagen, milk, silk, etc.
- Formal commitment — signing an official statement with PETA
- Supplier transparency — the brand must be able to guarantee that its ingredient suppliers also do not test on animals
- No sales in mainland China — because China still requires mandatory animal testing for imported cosmetics sold in stores (even if regulations are evolving)
This last point is crucial. Many large brands that claim to be "cruelty-free" in Europe sell in mainland China — which makes their commitment incompatible with PETA requirements.
basic. and PETA certification: our concrete commitment
At basic., PETA vegan certification is not a marketing argument. It's the starting point for everything we do.
100% plant-based formulas
All our products — from Le classik deodorant to solid shampoos — are formulated exclusively with plant-based or mineral ingredients. No beeswax in our deodorants (we use carnauba wax). No lanolin in our balms (we use shea butter and coconut oil). No compromises.
Short and readable formulas
Our INCI (ingredient lists) are among the shortest on the market. Le classik rechargeable, for example, contains fewer than 10 ingredients. When the formula is short, there's nowhere to hide an animal ingredient.
Here's the comparison:
| Criterion | basic. Le classik | Average conventional deodorant |
|---|---|---|
| Number of ingredients | < 10 | 20-35 |
| Animal-derived ingredients | 0 | 1-5 possible |
| PETA certification | ✅ Yes | Rarely |
| Packaging | Refillable aluminum | Disposable plastic |
| Manufacturing | Lausanne, Switzerland | Variable (often offshored) |
Packaging consistent with our values
Our vegan commitment goes beyond the formula. Our aluminum cases — refillable and infinitely recyclable — eliminate single-use plastic. This is a coherent choice: when we refuse to exploit animals, we also refuse to pollute their habitat.
Bubbly by Nature, our soap foam deodorant, perfectly illustrates this philosophy: a minimalist, vegan formula in a zero-waste format.
How to recognize a truly vegan and cruelty-free product?
The market is full of misleading claims. Here's how to navigate it:
Reliable logos
- PETA Beauty Without Bunnies (pink bunny): certified cruelty-free
- PETA "Global Beauty Without Bunnies" + vegan mention: cruelty-free AND vegan
- Leaping Bunny (leaping rabbit): certified cruelty-free (not necessarily vegan)
- Vegan Society (sunflower): certified vegan (not necessarily cruelty-free)
Common pitfalls
- "Not tested on animals" without a logo: this mention is not regulated in Switzerland. Any brand can display it without certification
- "Vegan formula": may apply to a single product, not the entire range
- "Natural" or "organic": does not guarantee the absence of animal testing or animal ingredients. An organic product may contain honey or beeswax
- Sales in China: if the brand sells in mainland China (not Hong Kong), its products are potentially tested on animals by Chinese authorities
The simple trick
Go to crueltyfree.peta.org and search for the brand. If it appears there with the "vegan" badge, you're good. This is the quickest and most reliable way.
Comparison: natural cosmetic brands and PETA certification
Here's an overview of the certification of some well-known brands in the natural cosmetics world:
| Brand | PETA Certification | Vegan | Made in | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| basic. | ✅ Beauty Without Bunnies | ✅ 100% vegan | Lausanne, Switzerland | Deodorants, body and face care |
| Respire | ✅ | Partially | France | Deodorants, care |
| Native | ✅ | Partially | United States | Deodorants |
| Comme Avant | Not PETA certified | Partially (honey, beeswax) | France | Natural cosmetics |
| Lamazuna | Not PETA certified | Partially | France | Zero waste |
| Weleda | Not PETA certified | No (uses lanolin, beeswax) | Switzerland/Germany | Natural cosmetics |
Note: this information is verified as of the publication date (March 2026). Brand policies may evolve.
This table shows an important reality: being "natural" does not mean being vegan. Weleda, for example, is a benchmark in natural cosmetics but uses animal ingredients. And popular brands like Comme Avant, despite their eco-responsible image, do not have PETA certification.
Earth Hour and vegan cosmetics: the link that matters
On March 28, 2026, Earth Hour invites the entire world to turn off its lights for an hour — a symbolic gesture for the planet. But environmental commitment is not limited to 60 minutes in the dark.
Every product you choose has an impact. A vegan deodorant in a refillable case means:
- Zero animal exploitation in the formula
- Less plastic in the bathroom
- Fewer emissions in production
- Infinitely recyclable packaging (aluminum can be recycled without loss of quality)
That's the spirit of Earth Hour every day: simple, concrete choices that last longer than an hour.
At basic., we manufacture everything in Lausanne with responsibly sourced plant-based ingredients. No unnecessary intercontinental transport, no overpackaging, no compromise on ethics.
FAQ — PETA vegan certification in cosmetics
Is PETA certification free for brands?
Yes. Unlike other labels (Leaping Bunny, for example), PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies program is free. The brand signs a formal commitment and provides proof of compliance, but does not pay certification fees.
Is a PETA cruelty-free product necessarily vegan?
No. PETA distinguishes two levels: "cruelty-free" (no animal testing) and "cruelty-free AND vegan" (no animal testing AND no animal ingredients). You must check that the badge explicitly mentions "vegan". All basic. products are certified cruelty-free AND vegan.
Is PETA certification recognized in Switzerland?
PETA is a globally recognized international organization. In Switzerland, there is no equivalent national label for cruelty-free cosmetics, which makes international certifications like PETA all the more important.
Can a brand be PETA certified and sell in China?
No, not in mainland China for imported cosmetics sold in stores. China still recently imposed mandatory animal testing for these products. Since 2021, exemptions exist for "general" (non-special) cosmetics manufactured locally, but the situation remains complex. PETA-certified brands like basic. do not sell in mainland China.
What is the difference between "vegan" and "cruelty-free"?
"Cruelty-free" means that no animal testing has been conducted. "Vegan" means that no animal-derived ingredients are used. A product can be cruelty-free without being vegan (e.g., contains beeswax but is not tested on animals). The ideal is to look for both, as with basic.
Are vegan cosmetics as effective?
Yes. Plant-based alternatives to animal ingredients are now just as effective, if not superior. Carnauba wax is a good substitute for beeswax in terms of hold. Plant-derived squalane (from olive) is identical to animal squalane. And vegetable oils (jojoba, argan, sweet almond) offer optimal nourishment without any compromise.
How can I check if my favorite brand is PETA certified?
Go to crueltyfree.peta.org and use the search tool. You can also download the PETA Bunny Free app to scan products in stores.
Key takeaways
PETA vegan certification is the most accessible and recognized standard for identifying cosmetics that respect animals and the planet. When you choose a PETA vegan certified brand like basic., you know exactly what you're putting on your skin — and what you're not.
This Earth Hour week, it might be a good time to look at what's hiding in your bathroom. A small gesture, a big impact.
Sources and references
- PETA Beauty Without Bunnies Database: crueltyfree.peta.org
- Cruelty Free International — Statistics: crueltyfreeinternational.org
- Journal of Cleaner Production, "Environmental impact assessment of plant-based vs. animal-derived cosmetic ingredients" (2022)
- Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament on cosmetic products
- PETA, "Beauty Without Bunnies Program Guide" (2025)
- Swissmedic — Regulation of cosmetic products in Switzerland