Primers are a very new kind of makeup, barely 30 years old. They work like magic, however, to create a smooth base over the skin, erasing lines and reducing wrinkles so that face makeup looks its absolute best. 

Another new thing is the many different ways in which cosmetics allow users to express themselves. One of those ways is by using makeup to express their values and ethics. Makeup lovers are now clamouring to buy products that are sustainable and cruelty-free. 

This blog explains what cruelty-free makeup means, how animal testing can be prevented, and why so many people care about it. It then goes into the specifics of how buyers can choose cruelty-free primers at their next visit to the makeup counter.

What does Cruelty-Free Face Primer Mean?

Cruelty-free means that the face primer has not been tested on animals. Products are typically tested on animals to ensure that they are safe for use and work as intended. These animals include rabbits, mice, rats, monkeys, dogs, and guinea pigs. Some of these tests are:

• Skin Absorption Tests: Testing how a product interacts with and is absorbed by the skin. 

• Skin and Eye Irritation Tests: Products are applied to see if they cause irritation, corrosion, or allergic reactions.

• Lethal dose tests: Animals are exposed to or injected with increasing amounts of chemicals to see when dangerous or life-threatening effects develop. 

Why Do People Care About Buying Cruelty-Free Products?

Firstly, and most obviously, animal testing is a painful process. Imagine being exposed to dangerous chemicals over and over again until death occurs. Even when the animals survive, they are killed to see what the chemicals have done to the inside of their bodies, or simply because they are no longer useful. 

More and more makeup lovers refuse to buy their favourite foundation or eyeshadow at the cost of pain to an animal. They understand that these creatures, bred for human companionship, live a very short, sad life. They never see anything beyond the inside of their cages, never interact with any humans who will not hurt them. 

Finally, with the world's information available at everyone’s fingertips, consumers understand that animal testing is simply not accurate. Humans and animals can have very different reactions to the same chemicals. They are also aware that many alternatives to animal testing exist. It is possible to formulate safe and effective products without outsourcing the pain elsewhere. 

What Are the Alternatives to Testing Products on Animals?

Here’s what manufacturers can do instead of testing their products on animals:

• Choosing from the thousands of ingredients that have already been deemed safe.

• Testing products on human cells, lab-grown tissues such as skin, and other biological materials in the lab. 

• Using organs discarded from animals that have been killed for meat and leather. 

It is obvious to the well-informed and conscious makeup users that cruelty-free is not a big ask for the modern cosmetic industry. 

Why Do I Need a Face Primer?

Face Primers are the not-so-secret secret to getting the perfect makeup application[Face makeup pillar article]. They come in different, adaptable formulas and help with so many issues of makeup application and wear that they can often feel like a miracle. 

Face primers are typically made of silicone-derived chemicals that create a smooth layer over the skin, blurring pores and filling in fine lines and imperfections. Variations in the formula tackle a whole host of issues, so you can choose the face primer that gives the best result.

What Problems do Face Primers Solve?

Trouble with your skin? Well, there’s probably a face primer out there to help fix it:

• Oily skin[Face primer for oily skin]: Mattefying ingredients such as some silicone-based chemicals and mineral clays absorb sebum and prevent the oil from breaking through to the skin’s surface. 

• Sensitive or Dry skin: Some primers are made of water-based chemicals and include moisturising ingredients such as light oils or hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.  They are more breathable than silicone-based formulas and create a plump, dewy finish. 

• Mature skin with visible pores: Blurring powders and, of course, silicone itself, fill in small wrinkles and reduce the appearance of pores. Some primers also include powerful, anti-aging plant extracts that tighten and lift. 

• Dull skin: Some primers have pearlescent or iridescent pigments, similar to highlighters but more subtle. They can give you a radiant complexion. 

• Redness, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration: Some primers include tints and colorants that cancel out any discoloration on the face. 

Primers combine multiple benefits in a single product, so read labels carefully to see which is the best for you. 

How Can I Tell if my Face Primer is Cruelty-free?

The phrase ‘Cruelty-Free’ has no legal definition, so various organisations certify products with their own labels to keep consumers informed. Let’s decode the different labels and what they mean in terms of a face primer being cruelty-free:

Is Halal Makeup Cruelty-Free?

Yes! Certified Halal products, even ones that are missing the labels above, are cruelty-free, as that is one of the conditions for getting the certifications. Look for Halal labels and certifications from reputed Islamic organisations or contact the makeup manufacturers for more details!

FAQs

Does cruelty-free also mean vegan?

No. Some cruelty-free products, while not tested on animals, do contain animal-derived ingredients such as honey. Look for separate labels when checking for vegan primers. 

Does cruelty-free also mean sustainable?

Cruelty-free means that the primer or its ingredients have not been tested on animals; the term does not measure the impact of their manufacture on the environment. 

Are cruelty-free primers also all-natural?

Cruelty-free primers can contain synthetic chemicals made in a lab, so they are not necessarily 100% natural. 

How long does Face Primer last?

Face primers typically last 12 months before they need to be replaced. Since most come in pump-action containers, there is very little risk of bacterial contamination. 

How long should I wait after applying face primer before applying foundation?

Wait at least 30 seconds or at least until the primer dries. 

Conclusion

More and more consumers are willing to use their dollars to signal their values and ethics. They care about the effects of their choices on other creatures and often insist on shopping for cosmetics that have not been tested on animals. 

Just like other makeup products, the essential face primer is available in cruelty-free formulas. This means that the final product, as well as its individual ingredients, have not been tested on animals at any point. So now anyone can get a flawless and photoready makeup application that also guarantees peace of mind. 

A Pure and Halal Face Primer

The Haya Beauty Face Primer is certified Halal by two different certification bodies. It is formulated to tackle multiple issues and adapt itself to both oily, dry, and sensitive skin types. The certifications also guarantee that the primer is cruelty-free. 

Sources

1. Cosmetic Testing FAQs - A guide on animal testing by Humane World for Animals. 

2. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - PETA's official website with information about labels and certifications. 

3. Is Halal Makeup Vegan? - A PETA article explaining how Halal also means cruelty-free.