Vegan & Cruelty-Free Certifications

A Guide to the Most Recognized Labels

Logos of the well-known certificates for products that have vegan ingredients and are not tested on animals.

The global market for vegan and cruelty-free products continues to grow, but so does the number of certification schemes. While many labels appear similar, they differ significantly in scope, verification methods, and recognition.

Here are some of the most important certifications and labels currently used worldwide:

Vegan Certifications

🌱 The Vegan Society Trademark (UK)
Founded in 1944, this is arguably the world's most recognized vegan certification. It verifies that products contain no animal-derived ingredients and that animal testing has not been conducted by or on behalf of the manufacturer.

🌱 Certified Vegan (Vegan Action, USA)
One of the leading vegan certifications in North America. Commonly found on food, cosmetics, personal care products, and supplements.

🌱 V-Label
Widely used throughout Europe. Administered by national vegetarian and vegan organizations under a common international framework. Offers separate Vegetarian and Vegan certifications.

🌱 PETA-Approved Vegan
Combines vegan and cruelty-free requirements. Particularly popular in cosmetics, fashion, apparel, and accessories.

🌱 BeVeg
An increasingly visible certification, especially in food and beverage industries. Distinguishes itself through formal third-party auditing and legal verification procedures.

Cruelty-Free Certifications

🐰 Leaping Bunny
Often considered the gold standard for cruelty-free certification. Requires supply-chain monitoring and supplier commitments to ensure no animal testing occurs.

🐰 Cruelty Free International
One of the pioneers of the movement against animal testing. Recognized globally and especially influential in the cosmetics sector.

🐰 Beauty Without Bunnies (PETA)
One of the largest cruelty-free company databases. Brands may also qualify for the PETA-Approved Vegan label if they meet vegan requirements.

🐰 Choose Cruelty Free (CCF)
Historically one of Australia's most respected cruelty-free certifications. Merged with Cruelty Free International to adopt the global Leaping Bunny standards, creating a unified path for brands. Many certified brands later transitioned into the Leaping Bunny program.

Emerging and Specialized Labels

🌿 VeganOK (Italy)
One of Europe's largest vegan certification schemes, particularly common in Southern Europe.

🌿 EVE Vegan (France)
A growing European certification focused on ingredient traceability and manufacturing processes.

🌿 Vegan Australia Certified
A national certification scheme used by Australian brands.

🌿 Vegan Trademark India
An emerging certification responding to the rapid growth of India's vegan market.

Unlike certifications such as Organic, FSC, Fairtrade, or MSC, the vegan and cruelty-free landscape remains highly fragmented.

Will the market eventually converge around a handful of globally recognized standards, or will multiple certification schemes continue to coexist? We will see it in the coming years, as the consumer demand grows.