What Does Vegan Society-Approved Mean Exactly?

If you’re an ethically-conscious shopper then chances are you keep an eye out for specific certifications whenever you’re shopping for your cosmetics.

In that case, you might have noticed some of our products come with the Vegan Society stamp of approval. But what does this mean and, perhaps most importantly, can it be trusted?

To help clear up any confusion, here we’ll go over the ins and outs of the Vegan Society-Approved certification, including what it means and what standards a product has to meet to receive this seal of approval. 

What Is The Vegan Society?

Established in 1944, The Vegan Society holds the esteemed title of the world’s oldest vegan organisation. 

The organisation was formed in the aftermath of World War II by Donald Watson and a group of like-minded individuals, who shared a commitment to promoting a lifestyle that forgoes the use of animal products. 

It was Watson who coined the term "vegan" to encapsulate this novel philosophy and create a distinct identity for those who refrained from consuming and using animal-derived products.

Rooted in the ethical principles of compassion, environmental sustainability and, of course, health, The Vegan Society strives to inspire as many individuals as possible to adopt a plant-based lifestyle – something it’s had a lot of success with in recent years with more and more people adopting the lifestyle.

Over the years, the group has played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative around veganism, creating a real sense of community and providing invaluable resources for those transitioning to or living a vegan life.

Despite playing a pivotal role in the vegan movement for the past 80 years, the group is showing no signs of taking its foot off the gas. One way it helps to encourage more people to adopt a vegan lifestyle is by certifying products with its Vegan Society Certified mark. 

This certification assures consumers that a product aligns with the stringent vegan standards set by the organisation, covering everything from ingredient sourcing to manufacturing processes. 

What Does Certification Mean?

When you come across a product that bears the Vegan Society Certified mark, you can trust that it meets the highest standards of veganism. This sought-after certification assures consumers that the product contains no animal-derived ingredients and hasn’t been tested on animals.

By choosing a product with this certification, customers can rest assured that they are making an ethically sound, cruelty-free choice. 

The presence of The Vegan Society Certified mark acts as a signpost to guide those living a plant-based lifestyle towards the right purchases. 

How Do Products Get Approval?

So now we know what the Vegan Society is and what you can expect from any product that bears its approval, how do companies like ours go about getting this certification?

To secure approval, we undergo a meticulous process to ensure our products and processes align with stringent vegan standards. Companies like ours who seek certification must meticulously review and, when necessary, adjust our ingredients and manufacturing practices to exclude any animal-derived elements or processes. 

The certification process duration can vary, depending on a number of factors such as the complexity of the product and the company's readiness to meet vegan criteria. 

The benefits of obtaining The Vegan Society's approval are wide-ranging, benefitting both the manufacturer and our customers.

For us, this certification fosters trust and broadens market reach, while for you, it can bring peace of mind, allowing you to make purchases confidently, knowing you’re supporting cruelty-free practices.

Cruel Practices In Cosmetics Industry

Before we round off, to remind ourselves why we go to the trouble of ensuring all of our products are vegan and eschew animal testing, let’s take a quick look at some of the cruel practices inflicted upon animals.

In some cases, substances are applied to animals' skin or eyes, causing suffering and potential harm. Some of these animals are also kept in poor, inhumane conditions, leading to physical and psychological distress. 

Additionally, animals are often subjected to painful procedures like skin irritation tests, which exposes them to harmful substances. 

These cruel practices underline the importance of opting for cruelty-free alternatives when shopping for vegan skincare products, which is why we ensure all of our products meet the Vegan Society standard.