common questions

helpful info to know

 

What is the SAFE Shopper?

The SAFE Shopper is New Zealand's online guide to help shoppers use their consumer power to select cosmetic and household products that have not been tested on animals!

The list not only has the latest products available in New Zealand, it is searchable by product type to make it easy to find companies that don't test on animals, helping people when shopping in their local supermarket, pharmacy, department store or online.

The website also has categories for vegan and New Zealand products. There is information on animal testing and an ‘actions’ section where you can find out what you can do to help stop testing on animals, and a downloadable wallet size booklet to use whilst out shopping.

The SAFE Shopper is a comprehensive guide however it is not exhaustive. If you know of a company that does not test on animals that is not listed here please ask them to apply by sending our handy letter.

What is the criteria for companies appearing in the guide?

All companies appearing in the SAFE Shopper do not conduct animal testing of any cosmetic or household products or ingredients. The SAFE Shopper has been compiled from information available from international cruelty free accreditation schemes which insist companies adhere to a strict criteria on animal testing. Any New Zealand companies not appearing on these lists have completed a questionnaire and signed a statement that they do not test products or ingredients on animals.

Why do some companies claim to be cruelty free but do not appear in SAFE’s guide?

Our guide is just that - a handy guide to make it easier to choose cosmetics and household products that are not tested on animals. You can help the list to grow by asking your favourite company to apply to appear in the guide by sending our handy letter. Finding companies that have genuine non-animal testing policies can be frustrating as some make misleading claims – for example a company may say ‘Finished product not tested on animals’ which means the ingredients may well be!

Are all companies listed vegan?

The companies included here manufacture products that are not tested on animals but may not be vegan- for example they may contain beeswax or lanolin. Extra emphasis is given to those companies who are wholly vegan with a ‘V’ icon. Companies that are marked with ‘SV’ offer some vegan products- please contact them directly to enquire which are vegan.

Which companies should I avoid/boycott?

Check out PETA's list of companies to avoid.

How do I get my company or product listed in SAFE’s guide?

Please write to mandy@safe.org.nz with your company name and details to be sent the necessary paperwork. Listing on the website is free once you have filled out SAFE’s paperwork and been approved. For further promotional or advertising opportunities please contact safe@safe.org.nz

How do I contact SAFE?

Please direct any enquiries to mandy@safe.org.nz. We’re unable to answer queries about individual companies or where you can purchase products though sorry!

How can I spot an animal testing company?

‘No animal testing’ means no animal testing right? Unfortunately, just because a company says ‘against testing on animals’ doesn’t mean they don’t do it. Finding companies that have genuine non-animal testing policies can be frustrating as some make misleading claims in order to win your custom. Find out more about being a 'cruelty free detective' on SAFE's blog.