About CCF

Choose Cruelty Free (CCF) is an independent, non-profit organisation which actively promotes a cruelty-free lifestyle.

CCF is funded by subscriptions, Licensee fees, donations and fundraising activities. All monies raised go toward the production of CCF literature.

All CCF work is performed by volunteers who believe in a cruelty-free lifestyle.

CCF is designed to:

• Encourage manufacturers and service providers to adopt a cruelty-free ethic.
• Survey companies which claim to sell products that have not been tested on animals and do not contain cruelly-derived ingredients and accredits (without charging a fee) companies which satisfy CCF's criteria. Accreditation criteria is probably the most stringent in the world today. Accreditation and listing in the Preferred Products List (PPL) are free of charge. The PPL is a booklet listing companies and brand names that operate under a cruelty-free ethic, providing consumers with information so they can choose products according to their personal ethical standards. See the online version of the List here.
• Make available (by way of a licensing arrangement) an independent, consumer recognised logo which manufacturers can incorporate in their labelling and advertising material to readily identify their companies as cruelty-free.
• Make people aware of their power, as consumers, to change attitudes about testing products on animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CCF independent?
Yes, CCF is a self-funding, independent, non-profit organisation. CCF is not owned or controlled by any of the companies whose products appear on the PPL. CCF does not have any financial interest in any accredited cruelty-free company.

How is CCF funded?
CCF is funded by supporters' fees, licensee fees, merchandise sales, donations and various fundraising activities and events.

How is CCF's money spent?
Most of CCF's funding is used in the production and distribution of the PPL and Update magazine and the sending of information to members of the public and supporters.

How does CCF know the products on the list are cruelty-free?
All companies on the list are surveyed via a detailed questionnaire. The company must supply CCF with information and legally binding guarantees. View CCF's criteria.

Why do some companies test on animals? Is it necessary?
No. Animal testing is not necessary to ensure consumer safety. Although the companies claim to be using these tests for consumer safety, many hundreds of companies worldwide do not test on animals. Animal testing is not designed to protect the consumer, but to protect the company against you in case you sue. If concern for the consumer is of paramount importance, then why do manufacturers consider using potentially dangerous substances in products such as cosmetics and toiletries? Surely, only ingredients which are known to be safe enough to be firstly and only tested on humans should be considered.

Some companies claim they are cruelty-free, but are not on the list. Why?

• Because they have not responded to the questionnaire
• They have not been surveyed or
• They have declined to be surveyed.
• They do not meet the standards set by CCF.
• Because they may use some animal ingredients which are cruelly derived such as whale products, seal oil, musk from the civet cat and musk deer (used as fixatives in perfumes).

What are the tests performed on animals?
The most commonly used tests are the Lethal Dose and Draize Eye/Skin tests. These have been banned in Victoria but are still used extensively overseas where most research and development of new products takes place. View animal tests.

Are there alternatives to animal testing?
Yes. Hundreds of companies use only natural ingredients with a long history of safe use, and/or one or more of the alternative methods of testing such as culture tests, computer models and human volunteer trials. View alternatives.

What can I do?

• Only buy products that have not been tested on animals. Check the PPL and look out for the Choose Cruelty Free logo. By purchasing only approved cruelty-free products, you reward those ethical companies which do not make profits by testing upon animals and voice your opposition to the cruel and unnecessary practice of animal testing used by others.
• Become a Supporter of the Choose Cruelty Free campaign. Join CCF.