Cruelty-free skincare has moved from niche to mainstream in Canada. Today, consumers can shop cruelty-free products from major beauty retailers, international skincare brands, and Canadian independent companies—all without compromising on performance or accessibility.
Whether you prefer shopping at Sephora, supporting Canadian businesses like ABD Naturals, or exploring clean beauty boutiques, this guide outlines where to buy cruelty-free skincare online in Canada and which brands are leading the way.
What Does “Cruelty-Free Skincare” Mean?
Cruelty-free skincare refers to products that are not tested on animals at any stage of development, including ingredients and final formulations. Reputable third-party certifications help verify these claims, most notably:
Leaping Bunny Program (international gold standard)
https://www.leapingbunny.org
PETA – Beauty Without Bunnies
https://www.peta.org/living/personal-care-fashion/beauty-without-bunnies/
It’s important to note that cruelty-free does not always mean vegan. Vegan products contain no animal-derived ingredients, while cruelty-free refers strictly to animal testing practices.
(Source: The Vegan Society)
https://www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/definition-veganism
Major Retailers in Canada Offering Cruelty-Free Skincare
Sephora Canada
Sephora Canada is one of the largest beauty retailers offering a wide selection of cruelty-free skincare. Shoppers can filter products to display cruelty-free options only, making it easier to find ethical alternatives from well-known brands.
Popular cruelty-free brands available at Sephora Canada include:
- Biossance
- Youth to the People
- The Ordinary
- Innisfree
- Drunk Elephant
- Tatcha
👉 https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/buy/cruelty-free-skincare-products
(Source: Sephora Canada)
Shoppers Drug Mart (Select Cruelty-Free Brands)
While not entirely cruelty-free as a retailer, Shoppers Drug Mart carries several cruelty-free skincare brands online and in store, including The Ordinary and Pacifica. Consumers are encouraged to verify individual brand policies.
https://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca
(Source: PETA Beauty Without Bunnies)
Big International Cruelty-Free Skincare Brands Available in Canada
Many globally recognized skincare brands sold in Canada are cruelty-free, including:
-
Drunk Elephant – Clean, fragrance-free skincare
https://www.drunkelephant.com -
Youth to the People – Plant-based, cruelty-free skincare
https://www.youthtothepeople.com -
Biossance – Sustainable, cruelty-free formulas
https://www.biossance.com
(Cruelty-free verification: Leaping Bunny & PETA)
Canadian Cruelty-Free Skincare Brands to Know
ABD Naturals (Canada)
ABD Naturals is a Canadian cruelty-free skincare brand committed to clean formulations and ethical practices. The brand does not test on animals and focuses on skin-supportive ingredients, making it a trusted choice for consumers seeking responsibly made skincare in Canada.
(Source: Brand animal-testing policy & Canadian manufacturing standards)
The Body Shop Canada
A pioneer in ethical beauty, The Body Shop has long campaigned against animal testing. All products sold by the brand are cruelty-free and widely available online across Canada.
👉 https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-ca/about-us/against-animal-testing/a/a00006
BKIND (Quebec)
BKIND offers vegan and cruelty-free skincare made in Quebec, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and gentle ingredients.
Om Organics (British Columbia)
Om Organics produces cruelty-free, botanical skincare and is available through Canadian clean beauty retailers.
Ethical Online Boutiques Specializing in Cruelty-Free Beauty
Ethica Origin – Strict cruelty-free standards
https://www.ethicaorigin.com/pages/our-standards
The Vegan Shoppe – Vegan & cruelty-free skincare
https://www.veganshoppe.ca/skincare
Tips for Shopping Cruelty-Free Skincare in Canada
- Look for Leaping Bunny or PETA certification
- Read brand animal-testing policies carefully
- Verify whether products are cruelty-free, vegan, or both
- Support Canadian cruelty-free brands when possible
Final Thoughts
From major retailers like Sephora Canada to independent Canadian brands such as ABD Naturals, cruelty-free skincare is widely accessible online in Canada. With trusted certifications, transparent brands, and ethical retailers, consumers can confidently choose skincare that aligns with both their values and their skin’s needs.
Sources & References
- Leaping Bunny Program
https://www.leapingbunny.org - PETA – Beauty Without Bunnies
https://www.peta.org/living/personal-care-fashion/beauty-without-bunnies/ - Government of Canada – Cosmetic Animal Testing Ban
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/cosmetics/animal-testing-ban.html - The Vegan Society – Vegan vs Cruelty-Free
https://www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/definition-veganism - Sephora Canada – Cruelty-Free Skincare
https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/buy/cruelty-free-skincare-products