Leaping Bunny is administered by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) and is the gold standard for cruelty-free certification. It's recognized internationally and has stricter requirements than other cruelty-free claims.
Leaping Bunny certification requires:
- No animal testing on finished products
- No animal testing on ingredients
- No animal testing by suppliers or third parties
- Ongoing commitment through supplier monitoring
- Independent audits to verify compliance
Unlike the term "cruelty-free" (which has no legal definition), Leaping Bunny certification provides verified assurance through:
- Supplier monitoring system implementation
- Annual recommitment to the program
- Open-door audit policy
Leaping Bunny applies to cosmetics, personal care products, and household cleaning products. For those who care about both non-toxic products and animal welfare, Leaping Bunny certification pairs well with ingredient-focused certifications like EWG VERIFIED or MADE SAFE.