Do cruelty-free Korean brands actually exist? Yes, they do! I know it’s easy to assume there isn’t because K-beauty is known for its unusual ingredients like snail mucin, bee extract and venoms, snake venom, honey, milk, collagen, and even a bird’s saliva. But there are actually Korean brands that can cater to vegans and you can actually find some of them in Wishtrend which is having their Cruelty-Free Brand Week. (PS: I have a promo code at the bottom of this post.)
But first, what exactly is Cruelty-Free?
Contrary to popular belief, vegan is not synonymous with cruelty-free. Cruelty-free only implies that a product was not tested on animals at any stage of its manufacturing process. It is possible for a product to be vegan, but not cruelty-free, vice versa, however, many vegans consider products not to be vegan if they are tested on animals.
Actually, South Korea has mandated that all its cosmetics and skin care brands go cruelty-free in 2018, however, mainland China still requires animal testing of imported cosmetics. So if a brand (which I will not mention in this post) claims they are cruelty-free but they have an actual brick-and-mortar store in mainland China, don’t believe that they are really completely cruelty-free. But also take note, there are several ways Korean beauty products make their way to China without necessarily having to be tested on animals. They just sell it online or they were bought by Chinese tourists.
So what are those Cruelty-Free Korean Brands?
Wishtrend is determined to develop the best products, but also believes in respecting animals. That is why they started this Cruelty-Free Brand Week, to raise awareness for their cruelty-free brands and to support animal rights by donating a part of their profits. Below are the 7 Cruelty-Free Korean Brands you could buy in Wishtrend:
1. Klairs
I think this is the third K-beauty brand I tried way back in 2015 and since then, it’s been one of my favorites. I love so many of their products from the Supple Preparation Toner to the Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drop. So far, I never tried a Klairs product yet that didn’t work well in my skin. That is why I’m always looking forward to trying their latest products like these Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Tencel and Midnight Blue Calming Sheet Masks that were launched recently.
Klairs makes sure to create products with only the most effective, necessary raw ingredients, all of which have passed the safety measures of a research lab specializing in dermatologist brand skincare. They make sure their products don’t contain components that can irritate sensitive skin. And since their foundation in 2009, they have not tested on animals. They don’t believe in harming animals for their cosmetic purposes and they are working on putting down animal testing.
2. Jungle Botanics
I haven’t tried this brand yet, but I’m definitely adding the Natual Body Glow Nutshell Scrub to my wishlist! Jungle Botanics brings the vitality of the green jungle to the concrete jungle by combining superb ingredients directly from Mother Nature with advanced technologies, to replenish the body and mind.
3. CosRX
Another cult-fave Korean brand that uses safe and natural ingredients to create minimal yet functional products catering to the needs of all skin types. This is the brand, just like Klairs, that you’ll always see on my vanity table because they are really effective! Their Pimple Master Patch and the Clear Fit Master Patch are a staple in my stash and getting hoarded by people with acne-prone skin. While their Power Liquids such as the AHA 7 Whitehead and Two in One Poreless are ultimate holy grails for many skincare enthusiasts.
4. I’m From
Another brand on my wishlist, been eyeing their Honey and Volcanic Masks for a while now. Though relatively new in the market, this Korean skincare brand I’M FROM is loved for its trustworthy, safe, and effective products. Using only the purest ingredients directly supplied from honest and ethical farmers and grown in a pure and clean environment, I’M FROM guarantees mint-condition. Their high-quality products help transform your complexion for a healthier, youthful, and more radiant look.
5. By Wishtrend
An exclusive brand from Wishtrend.com, By Wishtrend, aims to extend the popular beauty site’s knowledge and expertise by helping women with their skincare struggles. With products that cater to all skin types, By Wishtrend has become a sought-after skin saver that delivers effective results as it helps keep your complexion looking youthful, healthy, and radiant. If there’s just one product you want to try from them, I highly recommend the Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water, it’s gentle yet so effective in exfoliating and brightening your skin. This is an AHA made for those with sensitive skin. I also recommend the Teca 1% Barrier Cream for those with acne-prone skin, that product helped me so much on my post-acne treatments.
6. Skin & Lab
I haven’t tried this brand yet but I heard this is another doctor’s brand. It is carefully formulated for various skin concerns based on dermatological experiences. They have a bunch of products from essence to serums but right now I’m eyeing their Pink Clay Facial Mask and Dr. Color Effect: Red Serum.
7. Chica Y Chico
This is a brand I have a love/hate thing, but it is perfectly clear I love them for being cruelty-free. A member of the LAB & Company family of brands, which includes favorites such as SKIN & LAB and I’M FROM—it is best known for its bestselling Beta Salic 2.0, Astazet 4.0, and Matt Cushion. Utilizing prime ingredients such as betaine salicylate (a plant-derived BHA), astaxanthin (a powerful antioxidant), and Centella Asiatica extract (an herb that combats oxidative damage caused by free radicals), the brand aims to heal, soothe, and transform your complexion.
Discount Coupon
You can shop all those cruelty-free Korean brands in Wishtrend and at the same time enjoy up to 40% OFF and get 5% EXTRA discount, just use this code: WISH0505 before your check out. It’s their Cruelty-Free Brand Week in Wishtrend, you can learn more about it in the infographic below.
You can also use this code 254778502 to get $5 in your Wishtrend account.
