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I have heard a lot of glowing reports about Nude Skincare from a variety of beauty editors and journalists. I have read many articles about their founders, one of whom is Ali Hewson aka Mrs Bono who also co-founded the eco luxury fashion label Edun. Her keen eye as a businesswoman has never been a barrier to her environmental activism- in fact, it has only enhanced it.

Nude skincare was founded on the belief that scientific advances and natural, organic beauty do not have to be mutually exclusive. They have been at the forefront of using alternative methods to animal testing, such as in vitro testing. Their products boast natural ingredients such as omega oils, plant and seed extracts, fruit kernels and leaf waxes.

I have fallen in love with every single Nude skincare product I have tried. Their moisturisers are easily one of the best in the market and they. Smell. Like. Heaven. I am fast approaching 30 (really? Already?) and need to finally accept some anti-aging remedies into my skincare regime. Nude Skincare has always been my first choice.

After turning vegan, it took me a while to actually research into one of my fave skincare brands. Their anti-animal testing stand point and focus on simple, natural skincare had me feeling all cozy and reassured. However, Nude skincare is not registered with one single cruelty-free organisation. No PETA, no leaping bunny.

From their website’s FAQ:

 

Does NUDE test on animals?

NUDE never tests on animals. When selecting the ingredients to be used in our cosmetic products, NUDE requires raw material suppliers to provide safety information based on scientifically accepted alternative testing methods that meet international safety standards and regulations. NUDE products must meet both consumers’ needs and consumer safety, while respecting animal life. NUDE continues to strongly support & favour alternative testing and is committed to following all animal testing laws and regulations in order to ensure our products’ safety for the end consumer.

Other skincare brands confirm they are cruelty free, why doesn’t NUDE?

NUDE is against cruelty to animals. It is our goal to be as transparent and honest with our customers as possible. We believe the “cruelty free” certifications provide unclear explanations to consumers, as it implies that none of the ingredients incorporated into products have ever been tested on animals. This is a nearly impossible certification for any cosmetic company to make. We prefer to be able to stand 100% behind our claims.

Can you tell me which ingredients may have been tested on animals?

NUDE does not test our cosmetic products on animals and we require our raw material suppliers to provide safety information based on scientifically accepted alternative testing methods. It is nearly impossible for any cosmetic company to certify that all new and existing ingredients incorporated into products have never been tested on animals as part of the safety research and certification process. NUDE selects high quality raw materials with well-established safety records and uses an extensive ingredient database. NUDE is committed to maintaining the highest standards of human safety while eliminating the need for testing on animals.

Does that not seem like a long winded answer of conflicting statements? Anyone?

I have emailed Nude Skincare many times. No response. I have told them that while I agree that ‘cruelty free’ certifications may provide unclear explanations sometimes, is it not better to be part of a movement that helps raise awareness to a topic as important as ‘cruelty free’?

And yes, cruelty free certifications can be unclear. PETA’s regulations differ to that of The Leaping Bunny. Choose Cruelty Free, the Australian organisation, has a different set of restrictions and rules too. Which is why it is just SO important to ultimately form your own opinions.

I want to trust Nude Skincare and their claims. I want to believe that a beauty company born out of the desire to help educate and raise awareness of the potential harms of toxic ingredients and benefits of natural skincare would NOT be supporting animal testing. I want to own those gorgeous bottles of moisturiser because my skin loves me for using them.

Have you ever faced a similar dilemma when choosing vegan or cruelty free cosmetics? What is your personal opinion?

Nude Skincare