Everything you need to know about cruelty-free shopping and using the Shopsoftly.com directory.
What does cruelty-free actually mean?
A cruelty-free brand does not test its products or ingredients on animals and does not commission or allow anyone else to do so on its behalf, at any stage of production or in any market where it sells. Because the term is not legally regulated, we rely on independent certification programs rather than a brand's own marketing claims.
What is the difference between Leaping Bunny and PETA certification?
Leaping Bunny is widely considered the strictest standard: brands must apply a no-testing policy across their whole supply chain, commit to it permanently, and accept independent audits. PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies program is based on a signed legal pledge that the company does not test and does not sell where testing is required. We also recognize Choose Cruelty Free (CCF), the Australian accreditation program now part of Cruelty Free International, and vegan certifications such as The Vegan Society's Vegan Trademark and Vegan Action, which certify that products contain no animal ingredients and also strictly forbid animal testing. Other credible programs exist too; where a brand holds one we can verify, it appears on the listing as an independently verified policy. We show which certification each brand holds so you can choose the standard you trust.
Why do some listings show a parent company that tests on animals?
Some certified cruelty-free brands are owned by larger companies that are not cruelty-free overall. The brand itself still meets the certification standard, but your money ultimately flows to the parent. We show the ownership on every listing so you can decide for yourself; many shoppers support these brands to prove kind products sell, while others prefer fully independent ones. Both are valid choices.
How do the Amazon links work?
Every Shop on Amazon button opens an Amazon search for that brand's products. The links carry our Amazon Associates tag, so if you buy something we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is how the site stays free; it never affects which brands get listed. See our Affiliate Disclosure page for full details.
A brand I searched shows a warning that it tests on animals. What does that mean?
Our Alternative Finder keeps a list of well-known brands that are not certified cruelty-free, based on the certifier databases. When you search one of them, we tell you and immediately suggest verified cruelty-free brands in the same category, so you always leave with a kinder option.
How do I get a brand listed, and does it cost anything?
Listing is completely free and always will be. Use the Submit Brand page and tell us the brand name, category, and any certification you know of. We verify every submission against the Leaping Bunny and PETA databases before it goes live, so please allow a little time for review.
What happens if a listed brand starts testing on animals?
Cruelty-free status can change, most often when a brand is bought or starts selling in a market that requires animal testing. Every listing shows the month we last verified it, and anyone can flag a brand with the Report a Brand link. Reported brands are re-checked against the certifier databases and updated or removed.