When it comes to shopping cruelty-free, no organization has been so successful at changing our shopping habits as the Leaping Bunny Program. Not only do we feel safe shopping products that bear their label, but the label itself (the adorable jumping bunny rabbit) is a touch of cute overload to keep us all mindful of why the issue matters. We asked the ladies of LBP to give us a few insights on keeping our purchases free from animal cruelty and to share their fave Bunny-certified brands!

The Chalkboard Mag: When it comes to labeling, the rules can get so tricky! How can I absolutely know that a product I’m buying has been involved in 0% animal cruelty?

The Leaping Bunny: It is actually impossible to guarantee that a product has been involved in 0% animal testing. Virtually every ingredient, even water, has been tested on animals in the past but the Leaping Bunny Program was created to help prevent future animal testing. Our Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals is a voluntary pledge that cosmetic, personal care, and/or household product companies make to clear animal testing from all stages of product development. The company’s ingredient suppliers make the same pledge and the result is a product guaranteed to be 100 percent free of new animal testing. All Leaping Bunny companies must be open to independent audits, and commitments are renewed on an annual basis.

Many products that claim to be ‘cruelty free’ or ‘not tested on animals’ actually contain ingredients that are tested on animals. Similarly, some companies may state, “We do not test on animals,” when in fact they merely contract other companies to do the testing. Although there are other ‘cruelty free’ lists promoted by individual animal groups, Leaping Bunny is the only Standard that guarantees a product to be free of new animal testing. The Leaping Bunny List offers the most up-to-date list of companies that have agreed in writing to ban animal testing throughout their manufacturing process (including ingredients!). Leaping Bunny requires verifiable assurances from ingredient suppliers, in addition to an unchangeable date after which these ingredients may not be tested on animals.