A blush can be legally certified "cruelty-free" and "clean" while still containing carmine (crushed insects). Cruelty-free only means the final product was not tested on animals, but it does not mean the ingredients are free of animal byproducts. To avoid carmine, the product must be 100% vegan.

The Greenwashing of Cruelty-Free Labels

One of the biggest misconceptions in the beauty industry is that a "Leaping Bunny" or "Cruelty-Free" logo means a product is free from animal ingredients. It does not.

Cruelty-free simply means the brand did not conduct laboratory tests on animals (like rabbits or mice). However, because insects are generally not protected under these specific testing certifications, a brand can boil thousands of cochineal bugs to make red dye, put it in their blush, and still legally market themselves as a cruelty-free, clean beauty brand.

Why "Vegan" is the Only Safe Label for Carmine Allergies

If you are allergic to carmine, or if you simply do not want to put crushed bugs on your face, the only label you can trust is Vegan. Veganism dictates that absolutely zero animal byproducts, including insects, beeswax, or lanolin (sheep's fat) can be used in the formulation.

Fluency Beauty's Promise

We don't rely on loopholes. Fluency Beauty is fiercely 100% vegan. Every single shade, including our deepest berries and nudes, is formulated exclusively from plant-based superfoods and vegetables. We believe true "clean", natural beauty should be kind to your skin, kind to the planet, and completely transparent.