I decided to try the strips for a while, using the argument that I didn't purchase the strips, so technically my money wasn't going to the company. I even made a video on YouTube about my unboxing, since that was one of the optional tasks you could complete for the Influenster campaign. But all along I knew I was just kidding myself: the whole point of Influenster is to try out products and promote the ones you really like. I couldn't promote Crest or these Whitestrips because I can't support a brand that isn't cruelty-free.
I'm not perfect--many will probably think that I never should have tried them in the first place. Maybe if I had known beforehand that the "oral aesthetic" product was from Crest I wouldn't have even accepted the campaign to begin with (Influenster didn't tell us what the product was ahead of time). But in the end, I realized that I personally would rather not complete the entire campaign. Originally I was motivated to give it a try because everyone who completes the optional Influenster tasks auto-qualifies for the Holiday Voxbox. I'd love to get that box, but it's not worth it to me to pretend to promote a brand I can't support.
What do you think? I'm curious to hear your thoughts about animal testing. Some people only buy from Leaping Bunny certified companies, others support cruelty-free brands that are owned by parent companies that test. Some people aren't concerned with animal testing at all. None of these views are right or wrong! I fully respect everyone's educated opinion. Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments section, but please refrain from badgering mine or anyone else's views. I don't want to turn this post into a mudslinging debate.
Thanks for reading!
i think they should only do animal testing for crucial medical research
ReplyDeleteThat's probably the only instance where I'm somewhat okay with it, to cure diseases and the like.
DeleteCruelty free vs. animal testing always tears me up, too. I avoid it as best as I can. I wish they'd just stop. =(
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely more difficult to only buy cruelty-free products, especially when it comes to household cleaning products, etc. I wish that they could just outlaw it everywhere, too :/
DeleteI had no idea they were't cruelty free. I'm not really knowledgeable about most products I use since I don't really do much research but if it's told to me then I try to stay away from the products. It's too bad because these white strips work awesome. I guess I'll be switching to something else now, thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteI've found that most mass-market and drugstore brands aren't cruelty-free because they're often owned by parent companies like Unilever and Johnson & Johnson. Leaping Bunny and PETA have really extensive lists of which companies do and don't test, though, which I've found to be really helpful. And I agree, it is a shame because they work quite well!
DeleteI think the line animal testing and animal cruelty is fine, if not non-existent. Personally, I think of all testing as animal cruelty, which really forces me to weigh whether the product I use is really worth it.
ReplyDelete