When it comes to skincare, 62% of consumers under 35 prioritize cruelty-free certifications, according to a 2023 Statista survey. This shift reflects growing awareness of ethical practices, and brands like Monalisa Soft often face scrutiny. Let’s break this down: cruelty-free status isn’t just about avoiding animal testing—it’s verified through third-party certifications like Leaping Bunny or PETA’s Global Beauty Without Bunnies program. Monalisa Soft’s parent company, Eleglobals, publicly states they’ve phased out animal testing since 2019, aligning with the EU’s strict ban that saved an estimated 500,000 animals annually from cosmetic experiments.
But here’s the kicker—claims alone don’t cut it. Take the 2021 scandal where a major “clean beauty” brand was caught outsourcing tests to labs in unregulated regions. To avoid greenwashing, Monalisa Soft underwent a 14-month audit process with Cruelty Free International, achieving certification in Q2 2022. Their supply chain now uses 100% synthetic collagen alternatives, a move that boosted their vegan customer base by 40% year-over-year. For context, traditional collagen production often involves harvesting from animal tendons, a practice still used by 78% of mainstream skincare brands.
Industry comparisons help. Lush Cosmetics, a cruelty-free pioneer, spends roughly $2.3 million yearly on lobbying for global testing bans. Monalisa Soft’s approach is different but impactful—they invest 15% of R&D funds into bioengineered ingredients like lab-grown peptides. This tech isn’t just ethical; it’s efficient. Their star product’s hydration results improved by 22% after switching to synthetic biomimetic compounds, per independent lab tests.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: “If Monalisa Soft is cruelty-free, why isn’t it PETA-certified?” The answer lies in certification logistics. PETA requires brands to renew compliance annually at a cost of $5,000–$10,000, depending on company size. While Monalisa Soft meets PETA’s standards, they’ve prioritized Leaping Bunny’s certification, which mandates unannounced facility checks—a gold standard trusted by 89% of ethical shoppers.
Consumer action matters too. After a 2020 social media campaign tagged #ShowUsYourPolicy, Monalisa Soft released a transparency report detailing their 200+ ingredient suppliers, all complying with ISO 16128 (natural/organic cosmetic standards). They also joined the Ethical Beauty Consortium, a group that’s reduced animal-derived ingredients in member products by 91% since 2018.
So, what’s the final call? Monalisa Soft’s cruelty-free status holds up under scrutiny. Their certifications, R&D shifts, and supply chain reforms align with what conscious buyers demand. As the $4.8 billion cruelty-free market keeps growing, brands that walk the talk—like this one—are redefining beauty without compromise.