Breastfeeding passes on valuable immunities to babies and ensures the child gets the nutrition they need to thrive and grow. However, breast milk can also carry substances a woman eats or absorbs, which can lead to severe health issues. One such potential poisonous chemical residue in breast milk comes from self-tanners. Is it safe to fake tan while breastfeeding? While everyone likes a healthy, outdoor glow, continuing to fake tan while breastfeeding can pose a risk to your little one. I should note that if you're going to fake tan, sunless tanning lotions are absolutely always preferable to and safer than a tanning bed. However, there are risks to your baby ingesting chemicals in certain lotions as well. Here's what all women should know about fake tanning while breastfeeding. How Prevalent Is Tanning Among Breastfeeding Women? While there are no precise recorded figures as to how many breastfeeding women turn to fake tanning, other statistics suggest the problem may be more widespread than first thought. The global self-tanning products market reached a value of $1.26 billion in 2023 and continues to grow at a significant rate. A Google search for "fake tan while breastfeeding" reveals a host of infant pictures with brown rings around their lips. While these photos appear humorous, the ingredients in spray tans do not wash off with soap and water. It can cause significant stress and fear of the judgment of others while parents wait for their babies' old skin cells to shed and get replaced by new ones. Humorous pictures can hide a disturbing reality. Fake tanning while breastfeeding could impart health risks to newborns and developing infants. However, the solution isn’t to stop breastfeeding. The question you must ask yourself is what’s more important to you — preventing potential risks to your child or maintaining an uninterrupted bronze glow? Health Benefits of Breastfeeding Numerous studies recommend new mothers breastfeed for the health benefits both they and their babies receive. Breast milk passes on immunity to certain diseases to the infant. Mothers who choose to breastfeed also decrease their risk of breast cancer later in life. Breastfeeding babies fall sick with infections at a third of the rate of bottle-fed babies. Additionally, bottle-fed babies run a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome. That alone makes many moms opt for breastfeeding at least the majority of the time. Breastfed babies are less prone to gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome. Perhaps the greatest health benefit of breastfeeding is the sense of attachment it fosters between mother and child. The combination of eye contact and physical closeness helps the child to develop healthy emotional bonds with her and, later, with others. A failure to form a secure attachment increases the risk of anxiety and depression and contributes to personality disorders that make it harder to function and flourish in adult life.  Fortunately, changing social mores have eliminated much of the stigma attached to breastfeeding in public. In previous years, nursing mothers had to stay home with their infant much of the time or use breast pumps regularly if they chose to breastfeed while at work, causing many moms to switch to the bottle for the sake of convenience. Nowadays, few people bat an eye at breastfeeding mothers at the park or on the bus, and laws exist to protect these women from discrimination. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qyyIiyuJ2g[/embed] The Problem With a Fake Tan While Breastfeeding Those seeking a bronze glow have several options for getting the sun-kissed look. Some women opt for tanning beds, others for professional spray tans and still others use over-the-counter bronzing products. All three can prove problematic for breastfeeding mothers wanting to look like they've just returned from a visit to the French Riviera. Science has definitively proven that those who choose to use tanning beds run a significantly higher risk of developing skin cancers. Nursing mothers face an additional risk when using a tanning bed to get a fake tan while breastfeeding — the UV rays can burn nipples painfully, making feedings difficult. No direct scientific link exists to prove using tanning beds causes a mother's milk to dry up, but considering over half of new mothers struggle to produce enough milk, why take the risk? The chemical used in commercial spray tans and many home tanning products, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), may cause harm to babies who feed soon after their mothers return from the salon. DHA has FDA approval for external use, but the health risks of ingesting the chemical while babies breastfeed remain unknown. Some evidence suggests DHA may cause damage to cellular DNA, leading to a host of health woes, and given the negligible body weight babies have, they can easily ingest enough to potentially do serious damage. Parabens in such tanning products can cause hormonal changes in women who fake tan while breastfeeding, which increases the risk of certain cancers in both mother and child. Parabens can also impair neurological functioning, meaning they may affect the babies' brain and nervous system development. Fake tanning pills containing canthaxanthin can prove toxic to infants. These pills may cause diarrhea, nausea and intestinal discomfort. Research also suggests this common food additive may cause liver damage. Alternative Ways to Get a Sun-Kissed Glow Women who work in fields such as entertainment may find it detrimental to their careers if they refuse to fake tan while breastfeeding. Women wanting to tan regardless of the risks can protect their infant by covering their breasts with pads and barrier creams such as petroleum jelly during tanning procedures. Washing the breasts with a gentle body wash before feeding time rolls around can further protect the infant.  A better option may be to use such products on certain regions, like your face and neckline, while leaving your breasts out of the equation. Wear a bikini into the tanning booth, or double up an old pair of underwear. Some permeable fabrics, like cotton, may allow a small amount of mist to pass through, but adding a layer addresses the problem.  Keep in mind that this method may still expose your baby to some chemicals — but it greatly slashes the risk. There’s mixed evidence on how far self-tanners absorb, with some experts claiming they penetrate only the top layers of skin and others claiming they may enter the bloodstream. If possible, women should feed before hitting the salon, so their baby isn't famished upon their return. Another idea is to pump the milk beforehand or occasionally use formula. This method also works when the mother might ingest a questionable substance, such as a glass of wine with a special dinner — her baby can feast on what she pumped before indulging in the sauce.  Frequently Asked Questions Can I Go Tanning While Breastfeeding?  While you can, chemical tanning methods may impact your baby’s health.  Does Tanning Affect the Baby?  While your skin tone won’t affect your infant, the chemicals in self-tanners might.  What Beauty Treatments Should You Avoid When Breastfeeding? You should use caution with anything that involves chemicals that you ingest or absorb through your skin. Putting Baby Before Beauty The bottom line? Choosing to fake tan while breastfeeding means risking the drying up of a mother's milk at best or passing on harmful toxins to the baby at worst. While most science to date indicates fake tanning is most likely safe for breastfeeding moms, why take unnecessary risks to infant health out of vanity? Yes, fake tans can improve your appearance and give you more confidence. Nevertheless, breastfeeding moms do well to wait to go back to the salon after their little one finishes weaning. When it comes to the health of a child, making responsible decisions while nursing may prevent future heartbreak. Originally published April 2, 2019. Updated January 1, 2025. 

The main characters in movies seem to wake up with perfect hair straight from their slumber. Reality is a little more challenging than that, especially when you have sleeping problems and an inconsistent haircare routine. However, there are ways to stop bed hair, or "bed head" to wake up a little more fabulous.   What Causes Bed Hair? People get bedhead or tangled hair when they wake up due to an imbalance in hair moisture. While too much of it can make a greasy mess, too little can leave your hair utterly exposed to friction. Coupling that with sleep movements and conditions, tossing and turning is bound to make your hair a little more disheveled.  How to Stop Getting Bed Hair When discussing how to stop bed hair, the best way to do so is through prevention. Improving your shower routine and sleeping routine can do wonders.  1. Condition and Moisturize Hair Hair products like conditioners and oil are important when you shower, as they provide enough emollience to balance out your hair moisture. If your hair is dehydrated, consider using a leave-in conditioner that you can keep on for hours. Jojoba oil is also a great essential oil when you’re reducing frizz and taking care of dry spots.  Extra tip: Skip products loaded with chemicals. Bedhead shampoo is ironically bad for your hair despite promising thick and healthy hair upon waking up, as it contains sulfates that smell weird and generate frizz. 2. Dry Your Hair Before Sleeping If you sleep with your hair wet, you’re almost guaranteed bed hair after. Consider taking showers in the morning or afternoon if it will work better for your schedule. If you’re set on taking evening bath sessions, schedule it a few hours before turning in. Use a towel to absorb every drop of water. If you need to sleep quickly, a hair dryer is your best friend.  3. Comb, Brush and Detangle Aside from drying your hair, make a mental note to comb and brush it. Whether you have straight or curly strands, detangling is a must to remove frizz. Remember to section out your hair and take time, especially when dealing with thicker locks. Finger comb for any lingering knots and call it a night afterward.  4. Find a Good Pillowcase A good pillowcase can be a difference-maker in how your hair looks in the morning. Silk and satin are the most recommended materials, as your hair simply slides through the fabric, minimizing friction and reducing worries of breakage. Aside from protecting your hair, it’s also pretty gentle on the skin.  5. Change Your Sleeping Position Another potential way to stop bed hair is to find a more convenient sleeping position. Most people toss and turn, so lying down differently or with different support might just be the key. Sleeping on your stomach is ideal as your hair would have less contact and, as a result, less friction. If you sleep on your back, consider investing in a neck pillow. Aside from keeping hair safe, it also helps relieve neck pain and improve sleep.  6. Keep the Room Cool Keeping yourself cool and comfortable can create less sleep movement. The ideal temperature is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, as it’s not too hot or cold. These levels of humidity are also better for your hair. However, you should always consider your natural climate. If it’s a little on the colder side, turn the heat up. Bed Time Hairstyles Want to learn how to get rid of cow licks? Hit two birds with one stone by trying out some hairstyles for bedtime. Aside from stopping hair matting in bed, you can ensure you wake up with a chic hairdo for the rest of the day.  1. Silk Scarf Wrap Had a good hair day? A silk scarf wrap can help you maintain your luscious locks until the next day. All you have to do is to tuck everything under a silk scarf or handkerchief. Ensure the size is enough to keep your hair a little loose inside. Those with longer hair can put their locks in a bun. Wrap the ends together and secure them with bobby pins before you head to bed.  2. Loose Plait If you have ever wanted a few beach waves, consider using a loose plait. Section out your hair into three and start braiding them as normal. Try to weave it as slowly and loosely as possible. You can push up the braid in between to make the chunks larger. From there, you can grab a silk scrunchie and tie up your work.  3. Heatless Overnight Curls The heatless overnight curls are a more elaborate hairstyle for sleeping with damp hair. Roll a piece of fabric around before putting it on like a headband. Section out your hair and twist each piece around your roll. Once you're done, you can secure it with scrunchies and head to bed, hopefully with less tossing and turning.  4. Twisted Rope Braid The twisted rope braid is one of the most straightforward hairstyles you can try to protect your hair when sleeping. Start by putting your hair in a ponytail. Then, divide it into two sections and twist them around each other. Tie it up once more and go to sleep. You can try out loose and tight braids to see what suits your style.  5. Pineapple Hair Curly-haired people rock the pineapple hair in and out of the bedroom. This hairstyle refers to keeping curly hair up and away from your face and neck. As a matter of fact, it can also help with getting rid of bed hair, as the updo keeps your hair all bunched up in one place. Simply gather your hair into a high ponytail and tie it up.  Bonus: Sleep Caps If you’ve ever wondered how to stop getting bed hair for guys or people with short hair, sleep caps are pretty much the simplest solution. They can help add a definite barrier between your hair and everything else, no matter how much you toss and turn. Toss the Tousling Habits Once you learn how to stop bed hair, there’s no going back to morning bedheads. You’ll be ready to start the day with a gorgeous crown of locks and utmost confidence. Follow us for more tips and tricks!

Thick hair can be a blessing and a curse. There are days that your mane looks luscious, but styling it feels like forever. If you’ve got thick hair and are tired of the same old routine, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re rocking a short, medium, or long length, this guide has got you covered with hairstyle ideas for men with thick hair. Get ready to discover 14 ways to take control of your crowning glory. Men’s Short Haircuts Do you prefer short hair? Get inspired by these six thick hair simple hairstyles for men. 1. Wavy Textured Crop The wavy textured crop is a short, low-maintenance cut that exudes casual refinement, making it ideal for casual days and special occasions. The top is cut in a way that creates a natural appeal, with added texture and movement. Style it with a matte or low-shine product to create a relaxed yet stylish look. You can also add highlights to your textured crop for a modern twist. 2. Side Swept Short Hair With a Low Taper This Ivy League side-swept classic is a low-maintenance cut ideal for men who want that sleek, vintage look. The hair is swept over and forward from a hidden part, seamlessly blending into a brushed-up look. For styling tips, you only need to apply styling gel or hair wax. Opt for something that adds additional shine to that classic wet look, which is ideal for corporate meetings and special occasions like weddings. 3. Brush Back with Taper Fade and Line Up Opt for this haircut if you have thick, high-volume hair but want a contemporary look. It features a line up, which refers to the sharp, defined line created along your hairline, temples and even your beard. These neat lines help add contrast and balance to your volumized hair. This is an excellent haircut for warmer days, as it keeps you looking and feeling cool. 4. Spiky Brush Cut At first glance, the spiky brush cut seems only ideal for men with thinner hair. However, that’s not the case. Texture is key here — all it takes is a texturizing cream to keep your hair intact for hours. Put the front tips just above your forehead and the top pieces in various directions for a textured look. Channel your inner Tom Hardy “Venom” hairstyle using a product with added shine for that classic wet look. 5. Curly Top and Short Sides Embrace your curly hair with a curly top and short sides. The focal point of this cut is the volume on top. This seemingly effortless hairstyle is ideal for those with curls who want to look defined. However, styling may take some effort, but it’s worth it. Start with a clean, towel-dried hair. Then, apply a moisturizing leave-in conditioner before applying hair gel or styling cream. 6. Spiky French Crop If you have a round face and thick, straight hair, a French crop hairstyle will suit you. It’s one of the best men’s haircuts for those who want healthy and luscious-looking hair. The spiky French crop balances classic and modern styles, creating a timeless look. The sides are trimmed, while the top features textures. You only need to use a medium-hold styling cream to place the hair pieces in various directions. Medium Hair Cuts for Men https://ph.pinterest.com/pin/12314598973934417/ If you’re transitioning from a clean, short style to fuller, longer hair, you’re probably ready for some mid-length hairstyle inspiration. Check out these fantastic thick hair medium-length simple hairstyles for men. 1. Middle-Part Curtain Hairstyle This natural-looking hairstyle is flattering for men with longer faces. The middle part features curtain bangs, which can help you achieve that unfinished yet chic look without intricate styling. Simply apply 2. Long Bro Flow Hairstyle For men with thick, straight hair, a long bro flow might suit you best. It’s an effortless cut that looks casually pushed back. Its low-maintenance appeal adds to its charm, making it an easy style for casual days and special occasions. If you have extremely thick hair, use an extreme-hold hairspray to ensure your hair holds its ground for hours. 3. Wavy Quiff The wavy quiff is ideal for men with long, naturally wavy hair. It features longer hair styled upwards and backward, with shorter sides. The ultimate inspiration for this cut would be Harry Styles.  4. Bob You might think that bobs are only for women, but many men have been rocking this hairstyle for years. The modern bob covers your ears and has no layers, making it ideal for men with naturally wavy hair and curled tips. Nowadays, you can request a longer bob, also known as lob, to get your desired texture and layers. 5. Mullet Shag Do you have a natural shaggy look and want to modernize it? Try the mullet shag with undercut temples. Trim the sides, elevate the top and let your hair flow down longer at the back. The contrasting textures and cuts will surely give you an edgy, cool aesthetic. Long Hair Cuts for Men Who says long hairstyles have to be complicated to style? Here are simple yet charming hairstyles that will make your crowning glory a standout. 1. Gelled Curls Got long curls? Show it off using a control gel to give it more definition. There is no need for a brush or comb — use your fingers to go through your locks to keep your locks defined. You can also use the same technique to tease your hair. Use a texturizing spray to add more volume and texture without freezing your hair like hairspray for a more natural look. 2. Loose Waves Get ready to ride the wave of style this year with loose waves. This natural-looking hairstyle is ideal if you have thick hair with wavy tips. Simply let your hair air-dry to let out your beautiful natural waves.  3. Long Two-Strand Twists Twists provide great protection for men with long hair. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can pair your twists with a high fade for contrast. Hang down or tie your twists in bigger buns and braids, depending on the vibe you’re aiming for. Unlock the New You With These Hairstyle Ideas for Men With Thick Hair There you have it — 14 hairstyle inspirations for men with thick hair, no matter the length. Remember that managing your mane doesn’t have to be a daily struggle, especially if you have a lot of cuts to choose from. With the right haircut, a few products and dedication, you can confidently achieve a put-together look every day.

When you have curly hair, it’s tough to predict how your twists look after a shower. You can follow your routine to a T and still wind up with zero volume or undefined coils, leaving you frustratedly tucking them back in a braid or ponytail. However, the brush you use in the styling phase could cause lackluster strands. Here is when knowing how to use a Denman brush curly hair could be very useful. The Denman brush has gone viral on TikTok, with many showing off how the product has helped them style their curls to perfection. Its internet fame and outstanding Amazon reviews may have you itching to pick one up, but how does it work?  https://www.tiktok.com/@denmanbrush/video/7414082534276975904?lang=en Properties of Curly Hair Curly hair requires much more maintenance than straight hair, but it has the volume and beauty to compensate for the extra time spent taking care of your locks from beginning to end. Since curly hair is so dry by default, you must ensure it retains moisture by adding additional products to your routine. Keeping your scalp and hair moisturized is the best way to ensure your curly hair stays healthy. Since curly hair is so dry, you should know a few things about your individual strands while learning how to brush curly hair. You should brush or comb your hair infrequently — a good rule of thumb is to only brush your curls as often as you wash your hair, and only when wet. That way, you promote the strength of your curls while ensuring they are brushed thoroughly once in a while. However, your specific hair type might require more frequent brushing. How to Use a Denman Brush When Styling It might have taken some trial and error, but now you have the perfect Denman brush for your curl pattern. But how can you make it work to your advantage? 1. Choose the Right Brush Style The hair brush you use can affect several factors in your hair’s growth and appearance. The Denman brush is ideal, as you can hold it effectively and twist the curls with them. That said, you must still choose the right style to benefit your hair texture.  For example, those with medium-type curly hair should try out the D31 or the D41 9-Row Freeflow. The nine columns of pins are spaced out enough not to ruin your curl pattern but close enough to define each twist excellently. However, if your texture is a bit tighter than other medium-curly types, consider sticking with the D31 7-Row. Those with hair more coily than curly should also look for the D31. The seven rows avoid wrecking your tight hair pattern while also giving you the definition and detangling you require. Any healthy curly hair routine should feature a brush that can safely relieve any tangles to produce the bounciest coils possible. If you have looser, finer curls, your hair might love the D3 Original Styler 7-Row. While it has the same amount of columns of pins in the other brushes, the rows are much closer together. People with thinner hair and a wavy curl pattern might find this Denman brush can help them achieve the best definition possible. 2. Brush Your Hair Damp Ensure you’re only brushing curly hair when it’s wet or damp. While those with straight hair might actually experience more damage when brushing their hair wet, curly hair requires the slip water and styling products provide. Brushing your curls when they’re dry might cause tangles, and you want your curls to look soft and bouncy. Brushing your hair while dry can also cause frizz, which can make your curls lose shape over time. Messing with your hair while it’s dry, even without tools and just your fingers, can also make your curls permanently fall out, though you may have tried hard to define them.  You’re ready for styling fresh out of the shower. If you need to brush your curls out when they’re dry, add a product first. A leave-in conditioner could be an excellent option to keep your curls moisturized enough to comb through them.  If you have thicker hair, start by applying your leave-in conditioner, gently detangling with a wide-tooth comb and adding your curl cream. Those with thinner hair can simply use a light cream or mousse and skip the comb. 3. Work With Your Hair Once you realize that your hair operates by its own rules, knowing how to brush curly hair becomes easier. Learn to work with your hair rather than against it. Detangling and combing through your curls shouldn’t cause pain. Take it slow and understand how your hair moves, and you shouldn’t have any issues combing through your moist curls. Knowing how to brush curly hair effectively means learning to brush from the bottom up. Start by detangling the ends and work your way up. This technique works well for any hair type. You can also study your specific hair type and learn the moisturizers that work best for you.  With the Denman brush, part your hair into sections. Thin hair should use larger sections, while thicker hair should part into smaller ones. Holding the brush with the pins facing away from you, start at the root and glide the Denman all the way down your hair.  Scrunch the section after pulling the brush out and work around your head until you’ve brushed it all. Looser waves can also benefit from wrapping each section around the handle to form a better curl. Finally, finish your routine by diffusing your hair until it’s dry. Lower heat can keep your curls healthy and a lower fan speed can help avoid frizz. If the products you use leave your hair a bit crunchy after styling, gently scrunch with hair oil after drying. Boosting Your Curls by Using a Denman Brush Brushing isn’t all bad for curly hair. Using a Denman brush can help your flat strands transform into bouncy, defined twists. Consider utilizing this guide the next time you pick up your Denman to give yourself the luscious hair you deserve. Original Publish Date 1/5/2024 — Updated 2/4/2025

Oily skin can be a real challenge, as it usually means dealing with other skin problems, such as clogged pores, shiny complexion and breakouts. Your cleanser plays a crucial role in keeping your skin free from irritants that could potentially worsen your skin condition. Find the best cleanser for oily skin in this list. 1. Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse One thing about people with oily skin is that they struggle with shiny faces. This gentle cleanser contains exfoliating properties to reduce the appearance of oiliness and help slough off dead skin cells, giving way to a brighter complexion. The Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse gel contains AHAs and BHAs to help reduce acne scarring, repair rough skin and target other texture concerns.  It has glycerin to help boost cell turnover and mandelic acid, an underrated exfoliating AHA that can help brighten the complexion and cause less irritation for people with sensitive skin. Despite having exfoliating properties, you can use it twice daily. $27.00 on Amazon 2. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser If you love gentle and foaming cleansers that don’t leave your face ultra-squeaky clean, this one’s for you. CeraVe is a cult favorite for many reasons — the ingredients are simple, the packaging is lovely, and the products are formulated to be gentle yet effective on the skin. This is the ideal cleanser for oily skin because it has three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which calms the skin.  Moreover, its sodium lauroyl lactylate content gives the foaming consistency to help remove skin impurities. $15.48 on Amazon  3. COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser According to Dr. Davin Lim, if you have acne-prone skin, look for an exfoliating cleanser with salicylic acid or retinol. Lucky for you, COSRX has got both of these benefits. It’s gentle, meaning it won’t disrupt your skin barrier, and it has salicylic acid — a BHA known to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, remove dead skin cells and unclog pores from dirt, oil and grime. It also contains tea tree oil, which is anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for people with mild acne.  Use a small amount and rub it between your fingertips until it lathers into a nice amount of bubbles, then apply in a circular motion. $12.05 on Amazon 4. Vichy Normaderm Daily Acne Face Wash The Vichy Normaderm Daily Acne Face Wash is a cleanser for oily skin that helps with blemish control. It can help remove everything from pollution particles to other dirt. It’s a foaming liquid gel that provides maximum cleaning action without drying the face too much. The brand claims that after a week, your skin will look clearer and after four weeks, pore appearance, blackheads and acne blemishes will be visibly reduced.  Give this a try if you have oily and sensitive skin or are willing to try other products from the same brand. It appears to work synergistically with the Acne Control Moisturizer and Acne Rescue Spot Corrector. $18.39 on Amazon  5. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser There’s no denying that La Roche-Posay is one of the best in skin care. While the brand is mostly known for its serums, this cleanser deserves the same attention. This daily cleanser is gentle enough even for those with dry skin. It sloughs away excess oil, makeup and pollution particles while maintaining the skin’s natural pH so you won’t feel excessive dryness. It’s infused with ceramide, glycerine and niacinamide, which helps moisturize and calm the skin. If you’re looking for a sign to jump on the La Roche-Posay bandwagon, this is it. This product is the perfect starting point for trying the brand’s products. $17.99 on Amazon 6. Lancôme​ Créme Radiance Cream-to-Foam Face Cleanser This cleanser from Lancôme​ is ideal if your main concerns are uneven skin tone, texture and excessive oiliness. While it’s designed to target multiple skin issues, it’s mild enough to protect your skin barrier. It’s worth the price, especially if you’re looking for a lux addition to your routine.  Many users claim that it effectively removes makeup without irritating the skin. Plus, you only need a tiny amount for it to work exceptionally.  Therefore, if you wear makeup daily and have oily skin, consider splurging on this product. $30.40 on Amazon 7. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Mousse Clinique’s Take the Day Off Cleansing Mousse is an excellent cleanser for oily skin because it’s hydrating and effectively removes even the longest-wearing makeup. It has a creamy formula that foams up luxuriously to eliminate even the most stubborn mascara, making it ideal if you wear makeup regularly. Aside from its powerful cleansing benefits, it doesn’t feel stripping and is unscented, which is a significant consideration for some. $24.22 on Amazon 8. Pai PHAZE PHA Clarifying Face Wash Polyhydroxy acids (PHA) are a milder form of AHA that helps exfoliate the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. Pai also contains chicory root-derived prebiotic inulin, which helps boost the skin barrier and slough off dirt without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Pai also uses environmentally friendly ingredients, making it ideal if you prefer clean products. $39.00 on Amazon 9. ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam The ANUA Heartleaf Quercentinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam is a must-try if you prefer cleansers with exfoliating benefits. It contains salicylic, which helps remove dead skin cells and control oil production. It also has quercetinol extracted from Heartleaf — an ingredient known to reduce inflammation, resulting in smooth and calm skin that lasts after washing. It also has hyaluronic acid and glycerin to give the skin much-needed hydration. $13.00 on Amazon 10. Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser is a gel-based cleanser that deeply exfoliates and cleanses the skin, making it ideal for people with oily skin. It contains jojoba and willowherb, which help calm inflammation and reduce visible redness. The product also contains charcoal powder, which helps absorb excess oil and impurities that may clog pores.  This charcoal cleanser is ideal for excessively oily skin. Do not try it if you’re irritated, as it may sting. $15.98 on Amazon Try the Best Cleansers for Oily Skin Cleanser is vital in any skin care routine, especially for people with oily skin. That way, you can help keep breakout, shiny skin and clogged pores at bay. Remember to choose the product that best suits your skin concerns.

Purchasing products from cruelty-free beauty brands is a conscious decision to support animal welfare. However, navigating the various cruelty-free certifications, labels and logos can be daunting if you're unfamiliar with them. Learn why you should use cruelty-free cosmetics, what certifications to look for and which brands are guaranteed to not test on animals. Why Should You Switch to Cruelty-Free Beauty Products? Beauty products should look great, feel great on hair and skin and be cruelty-free. Unfortunately, the cosmetic industry has a long history of animal testing. Each year, cosmetics brand manufacturers test chemicals on millions of animals. In fact, the Humane Society International in Australia estimates that 500,000 animals, including rabbits, mice, and guinea pigs, die from cosmetics testing annually.  In another study, Cruelty-Free Kitty found that 88% of the 50 largest cosmetic corporations fund animal testing globally. This is tragic, considering there are already 7,000 ingredients to choose from that have already been tested and deemed safe for consumers.  However, the demand for cruelty-free hair and makeup products is growing. One survey found that 36% of women preferred to buy cruelty-free cosmetics, and about 76.9% of women have indicated they are intentional about buying products labeled as cruelty-free.   Are All Cruelty-Free Claims Created Equal? No. A beauty brand can claim it's cruelty-free or doesn't test on animals, but that doesn't mean animals weren't harmed during development and manufacturing. This is because the term "cruelty-free" doesn't have any legal definition, meaning companies can use it even if they tested on animals at some point.  Likewise, a brand might be cruelty-free, but its parent company could condone animal testing. For example, Estee Lauder is not cruelty-free, allowing it to sell its goods in China. As such, customers may be morally conflicted when purchasing beauty products from Too Faced and Smashbox despite their commitment to cruelty-free practices.  You can ensure products truly don't test on animals by looking for cruelty-free certifications from organizations like PETA, Leaping Bunny and The Vegan Society. However, each organization has different requirements brands must meet. Be sure to look up each organization's eligibility for certification to understand what companies must comply with.  Here’s a helpful video by YouTuber Romy Yang (@teawithromy) offering tips for shopping for cruelty-free cosmetics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzXUOV5BELk Try These 5 Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands Switching to cruelty-free products has many benefits, including safer ingredients and greater regard for animal welfare. If you're wondering where to start, try these five beauty brands that are committed to ending animal testing.  1. KVD Vegan Beauty KVD Vegan Beauty, by renowned tattoo artist Kat Von D, has been cruelty-free since its 2008 launch. By 2016, KVD had reformulated all its products to use vegan ingredients.  According to its website, a team at KVD reviews each ingredient in every product to ensure it is 100% cruelty-free and vegan. The brand boasts it has never tested on animals and never will. KVD carries many high-quality makeup products, such as lipsticks and glosses, eye palettes and mascara, face makeup, fragrances and brushes. Despite being vegan, KVD manufactures richly pigmented products made to last for extended wear.  2. Milani Cosmetics Thankfully, several drugstore brands, such as Milani Cosmetics, are cruelty-free and cost-effective. Some of their products are also vegan.   Milani ensures its products are not tested on animals, nor do their suppliers test on animals — even if a country legally requires it. For example, Milani does not sell their products in China, where international beauty brands must test on animals before being imported and sold.   Milani is certified by Leaping Bunny and Peta and sells a wide range of makeup and skincare products at drugstores, grocery stores, beauty stores and online. The brand also has a vegan line without any animal ingredients. If the company can't confirm its synthetic beeswax is not animal-derived, it won't label the product as vegan.  3. Not Your Mother's Not Your Mother's hair care products are cruelty-free, come from a cruelty-free supplier and do not undergo third-party animal testing.  Additionally, Not Your Mother's products are vegan, meaning they don't contain animal byproducts. The exception, however, is its Royal Honey & Kalahari Melon collection, which includes honey, and the All Eyes On Me line, which has keratin. The brand labels all its vegan products as such. This drugstore brand aims to provide affordable, clean, salon-grade products for at-home use, from shampoos and conditioners to dry shampoos and special hair treatments. 4. e.l.f. Cosmetics e.l.f. Cosmetics has become one of the most popular drugstore beauty brands known for its affordability and commitment to delivering quality, cruelty-free products.  The company is double-certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny. Therefore, consumers can rest assured their e.l.f. makeup has never been tested on animals. Leaping Bunny even requires suppliers to document their compliance with cruelty-free standards.  They're also 100% vegan, swapping beeswax ingredients for synthetic beeswax and lanolin with Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladinpale-2. The brand's makeup brushes and false eyelashes also use synthetic hair rather than animal hair.  5. Cake Beauty Imagine lathering your hair in a clean, animal-friendly shampoo and conditioner that smells like vanilla cake right out of the oven. Cake Beauty products aren't just cruelty-free and 100% vegan — they also smell delicious. This brand promises that each formula comes from a supplier that does not test on animals or use animal-derived ingredients. It also refuses to sell its products anywhere that requires animal testing. Typically found at drugstores in the United States and Canada or online, Cake Beauty offers a collection of hair, body and skin care products.  Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands for a Kinder Future As more consumers demand companies find cruelty-free solutions for their products, the cosmetic industry is more likely to show greater kindness to animals in the future. Vow only to purchase cruelty-free beauty products and let cosmetic brands know it's time to end animal testing worldwide. Originally published April 29, 2022. Updated January 23, 2025.