As a Harvard-trained dermatologist, our founder, Dr. Iris Rubin, took the Hippocratic Oath—which includes refraining from causing harm or hurt. She also made this pledge when she began working on SEEN’s first products, and decided that no ingredients or final formulations would ever be tested on animals.
SEEN’s Certifications For Ethical Practices
To this end, SEEN has received Leaping Bunny certification, which does more than ensure that our products are cruelty-free. The strict review process includes more than just following animal-testing laws, since there are several legal loopholes that permit testing on animals under certain conditions. To earn certification from Leaping Bunny, the cosmetic company and its ingredient suppliers must pledge that they will not conduct, commission, or be party to any form of animal testing after a set date.
As part of our Leaping Bunny certification, SEEN agreed to implement a “Supplier Monitoring System” to ensure that every company we purchase raw ingredients from complies with the program’s criteria. This coveted certification also stipulates that our system is subject to independent audits at any time—and that we agree to renew our commitment to Leaping Bunny every year.
We are extremely proud of our Leaping Bunny certification, and happy to take on the extra work necessary to maintain it. However, Leaping Bunny does not require products to be vegan. (Animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax can be sourced without harm, but this makes a difference to our vegan customers.)
That’s why SEEN sought PETA certification as well. Our PETA Animal Test-Free certification confirms that we do not (and will never) conduct or commission animal testing on any ingredients, formulations, or final products. PETA’s Vegan certification confirms that the entire SEEN line is free of animal-derived ingredients.
The benefits of cruelty-free products
From the very beginning, Dr. Rubin wanted everyone to be able to enjoy the SEEN difference in their hair and skin—including those who live a vegan lifestyle. This supports our commitment to creating cruelty-free products, and we avoid any ingredients that are derived from animals or animal byproducts. This includes beeswax and lanolin (which is a good thing because lanolin was named “Allergen of the Year” for 2023).
There are a few additional upsides to choosing cruelty-free products. You are likely to get “cleaner,” less toxic products not only for your skin, but for the environment as well. Cruelty-free products generally contain less triclosan and other ingredients that can have a potential impact on the ecosystem when they enter the water supply.
You know SEEN is dedicated to gorgeous hair and healthy skin, and we go above and beyond to ensure our products are kind to humans, animals, and the environment as well. Thanks to our commitment to sustainability and cruelty-free, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) products that are safe for sensitive skin, you can look and feel great by using them.