PETA Beauty Without Bunnies VS Leaping Bunny Programs

By Anett Rannamets. Published: October 2023.
We may receive a commission for purchases made through the links in this post. Learn more.

In today’s conscious consumer market, many people are actively seeking out ethical and cruelty-free products. Two prominent certifications that help consumers identify such products are PETA Beauty without Bunnies and Leaping Bunny.

Both of these programs aim to assist consumers in making well-informed purchasing choices by identifying products that have undergone no animal testing and are cruelty-free.

This article will explore the differences between PETA and Leaping Bunny certifications, discuss the process of obtaining each certification, and consider which one might be better suited for companies and consumers.

What Is The Difference Between PETA Beauty Without Bunnies And Leaping Bunny

Both PETA Beauty Without Bunnies and Leaping Bunny certifications aim to assist consumers in recognizing products that have not undergone animal testing. However, there are notable distinctions between these two certifications.

You may observe that the number of brands listed by Leaping Bunny is notably smaller than PETA’s. This is because Leaping Bunny practices more thorough selectivity and has a more rigorous system to verify the cruelty-free status. It is easier to get PETA-certified.

PETA’s Beauty without Bunnies certification is designed to identify companies that do not test their products or ingredients on animals. It assures consumers that the products they purchase are cruelty-free. 

Companies seeking PETA’s certification must provide a signed statement from their CEO, committing to no animal testing. This commitment is often known as the “Statement of Assurance”. Additionally, extensive documentation of product testing methods, ingredient sources, and agreements with suppliers is required.

Leaping Bunny, administered by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), is an internationally recognized certification program. It signifies that companies have met stringent no-animal-testing standards throughout their supply chains. 

Leaping Bunny certification requires companies to provide signed statements from their suppliers, confirming that no animal testing occurs at any production stage. In addition, independent audits are conducted to ensure compliance.

The first significant difference lies in the organizations that administer the certifications. While PETA is an animal rights organization, the CCIC is a coalition of animal protection organizations. Despite this variance, both certifications maintain stringent requirements for companies to obtain certification, including the stipulation that neither the companies nor their suppliers engage in animal testing.

Secondly, while both certifications require companies to provide a signed statement of assurance and detailed lists of their products and ingredients, Leaping Bunny goes further by requesting signed statements from suppliers, confirming their commitment to cruelty-free practices. Additionally, the CCIC conducts independent audits to ensure ongoing compliance.

Another distinction lies in the renewal process. Leaping Bunny mandates that certified companies reaffirm their commitment to cruelty-free standards annually. Failure to do so results in removal from the Leaping Bunny directory. In contrast, PETA does not require companies to undergo a formal renewal process to maintain their certification.

Furthermore, PETA offers an additional certification that Leaping Bunny does not provide: vegan certification. While both certifications focus on cruelty-free practices, PETA’s vegan certification indicates that products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, in addition to being free from animal testing. However, for the vegan certification, companies have to apply separately.

Read more: Vegan And Cruelty-Free Skincare: Are They The Same?, Is Vegan Skincare Tested On Animals?

Which Is Better: PETA Beauty Without Bunnies Or Leaping Bunny?

PETA VS Leaping Bunny

Determining which certification is better PETA Beauty without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny depends on various factors. Including the specific needs of the company and consumer preferences. 

Both certifications have rigorous standards and provide reliable assurance of cruelty-free practices. However, some companies may find the Leaping Bunny certification more comprehensive due to its supply chain requirements. PETA Beauty without Bunnies, on the other hand, emphasizes the commitment of the company itself.

You can see the list of Leaping Bunny-certified brands here.
You can see the list of PETA-certified cruelty-free brands here.

How To Get PETA Beauty Without Bunnies Certified

  1. Visit PETA’s Website: Access PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program webpage.
  2. Submit Documentation: Fill out the application form and provide detailed documentation of product testing methods, ingredient sources, and agreements with suppliers.
  3. Assurance Statement: Obtain a signed assurance statement from the CEO, confirming the company’s commitment to no animal testing.
  4. Application Review: PETA reviews the application and documentation for compliance.
  5. Licensing Fee: Companies must pay an annual fee to use the PETA logo, which can range from $50 to $350+, depending on the company’s size and revenue.

How To Get Leaping Bunny Certified

  1. Visit Leaping Bunny’s Website: Visit the Leaping Bunny Program website to access the necessary information and guidelines.
  2. Application Form: Fill out the application form and provide all required documentation.
  3. Independent Audit: Prepare for an independent audit conducted by the CCIC to verify compliance.
  4. Compliance Verification: The CCIC ensures that the company meets the strict criteria for no animal testing.
  5. Certification: Upon successfully completing the audit, the company becomes Leaping Bunny certified.
  6. Licensing Fee: If companies choose to license the Leaping Bunny logo for usage on their products, website, or social media platforms, they would pay a one-time fee. The company’s gross annual sales determine this fee and vary from $500 to $4,500.

FAQ About PETA VS Leaping Bunny

Is Leaping Bunny really cruelty-free?

Yes. Leaping Bunny indicates that the company and its products are cruelty-free. The Leaping Bunny logo gives shoppers a strong guarantee that products meet the highest worldwide standard for being cruelty-free. Brands with the Leaping Bunny logo put in a lot of effort to be and stay cruelty-free.

Does the cruelty-free bunny mean vegan?

No, the cruelty-free bunny logo does not necessarily mean that a product is vegan. While a cruelty-free product is one that has not been tested on animals, it may still contain animal-derived ingredients. If a product is both cruelty-free and vegan, it means it has not been tested on animals, and it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. To ensure a product is both cruelty-free and vegan, look for certifications or labels that specifically mention both qualities.

Is Leaping Bunny or PETA better?

Determining which certification is better PETA Beauty without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny depends on various factors. Both certifications have rigorous standards and provide reliable assurance of cruelty-free practices. However, some companies may find the Leaping Bunny certification more comprehensive due to its supply chain requirements.

Can you trust Leaping Bunny?

Yes, you can trust Leaping Bunny. Leaping Bunny is a well-trusted certification for products that haven’t been tested on animals. Over 700 companies worldwide have this certification, which offers ethical shoppers the option to find and purchase products that are guaranteed to be free from animal testing.

Does PETA-approved mean vegan?

PETA has two certifications. One is cruelty-free and the other one is vegan. PETA-certified cruelty-free only means that the product is not tested on animals but might still include animal-derived ingredients. If a product has the PETA-Approved Vegan label, it means it contains no animal ingredients and is cruelty-free. This assures that no animals were used in making the product.

Is PETA cruelty-free actually cruelty-free?

Yes. Companies on the PETA-certified cruelty-free list have promised not to test on animals, have confirmed they haven’t tested ingredients or finished products on animals, and are committed to not doing so in the future.

Is PETA-approved vegan cruelty-free?

PETA has two certifications. One is cruelty-free and the other one is vegan. PETA-certified cruelty-free only means that the product is not tested on animals but might still include animal-derived ingredients. If a product has the PETA-Approved Vegan label, it means it contains no animal ingredients and is cruelty-free. This assures that no animals were used in making the product.

Is Leaping Bunny and PETA the same?

No. Leaping Bunny and PETA are from different organizations but with the same goal. Both indicate that the company or its products are cruelty-free. The main difference between the two certifications is that Leaping Bunny asks companies to show paperwork from their suppliers, be ready for outside checks, and renew every year. PETA doesn’t ask for any of these, so they rely on what the brand’s CEO states.

Summary 

While both Leaping Bunny and PETA Beauty Without Bunnies certifications signify that a product has not been tested on animals, there are notable differences between the two. Leaping Bunny places emphasis on independent audits, supplier compliance, and annual reaffirmation of cruelty-free standards. On the other hand, PETA’s certification process is centered around signed assurances and offers the additional option of vegan certification. 

Both PETA Beauty without Bunnies and Leaping Bunny certifications play crucial roles in the promotion of ethical and cruelty-free products. However, companies seeking certification should carefully evaluate their needs and choose the one that aligns best with their values and business objectives. 

Ultimately, both certifications serve as valuable tools for consumers seeking products that reflect their ethical choices.

See also: PETA Beauty Without Bunnies Certifications Explained, Leaping Bunny Certification Explained

Anett is a passionate journalist, writer, and magazine editor with almost 7 years of experience. Through engaging articles, she brings kinder and more environmentally-friendly choices closer to everybody.