Cruelty-free cosmetics in Dubai: The brands you can buy here
Want to pamper safe in the knowledge you’re doing no harm to animals? Stock your cupboard with these great brands…
ELEMIS
If you’ve been to a handful of luxury spas you’ve probably used an Elemis cream or two. This British brand prides itself on the effectiveness of its products, and while it might be a touch pricey it’s a good treat yo’self option.
Product to try: We adore the cleansing balm (Dhs190), which takes off all of your makeup and leaves skin soft but not oily. It’s a good balancer for all the combination kids out there.
Buy it at: elemis.ae
DR HAUSCHKA
Not only is this German brand (which was founded in 1935) staunchly cruelty free, they also practise biodynamic agriculture and fair trade. We love everything from their lipsticks to their bath oils.
Product to try: The brand’s most popular product is the Rose Day Cream, which now comes in a lightweight formula (Dhs102.75) that’s perfect for use in warmer weather. The scent is beautiful, it leaves your skin super soft (without being cloying) and word is that J-Lo uses it (and her skin’s exemplary).
Buy it at: Organic Foods & Café, various locations including Sheikh Zayed Road, daily 7.45am to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 3382911. organicfoodsandcafe.com
GROWN ALCHEMIST
Product to try: New to the UAE, this Australian brand is made from 100 per cent natural ingredients, using active elements like neuropeptides, hyaluronic acid and more. They only use recyclable packaging and ensure that there are no traces of chemical preservatives or fertilisers in their products.
Product to try: If you want your hands to smell exceptional, the orange and vanilla cream (Dhs95) is a fan favourite, while the oil-free detox serum (Dhs275) is a super-fresh way to protect the skin from the effects of city pollution.
Buy it at: Harvey Nichols, Mall Of The Emirates, Barsha, Dubai, Sun to Thur 10am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 4098888. harveynichols.com. Also at Bloomingdale’s.
LUSH
You can smell this shop from around the corner in a mall and it’s the ultimate cruelty-free champion. They actively oppose all tests against animals in the beauty industry, donate millions of dirhams a year to the cause, and are outspoken about
palm oil and its devastating effect on the environment and orangutans.
Product to try: We can’t recommend Dream Cream (Dhs135) enough. This rich, non-irritating body moisturiser features chamomile, olive oil and cocoa butter. It’s known to have helped countless people around the world with their eczema, and truly is a wonder product.
AUSTRALIS
If you’re after a cheapie mascara or concealer but don’t want to opt for a brand that’s mean to bunnies, go for Aussie brand Australis. It’s similar to Maybelline or Rimmel (but just cruelty free).
Product to try: The brand’s palm oil-free Velourlips cream lipsticks (Dhs51) create a highly pigmented matte look that Kylie Jenner would be proud of, and there’s even a shade called Doo-Bai.
Buy it at: desertcart.ae
TAKE NOTE: While brands like The Body Shop are cruelty free, they’re owned by parent companies that are not (The Body Shop is owned by L’oreal).
KURE
Why not take your own cruelty-free polish along to your favourite mani spot? Butter London is a safe brand, as is Gelish And Ciaté (which you can buy at Sephora). We particularly love the high-gloss colours of Kure Bazaar, which was founded by model Kartika Luyet after she decided she wanted a natural, toxin-free polish when pregnant.
Product to try: Each shade costs Dhs80 a pot, and we dig the chartreuse Pistachio hue.
Buy it at: Comptoir 102, 102 Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, daily 8.30am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 3854555. comptoir102.com
DESERT ESSENCE
Going strong since 1978, this American beauty company is easy on the conscience and the budget. Their packaging is BPA free and they refuse to test on animals, or use any suppliers that have cruel practices.
Product to try: The Italian Red Grape shampoo (Dhs32.75) has a strong smell, but leaves hair super shiny. The best news for us desert dwellers is that it has natural UV filters to protect locks from the sun.
Buy it at: Organic Foods & Café, various locations including Sheikh Zayed Road, daily 7.45am to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 3382911. organicfoodsandcafe.com
OTHER CRUELTY-FREE BRANDS IN THE UAE
Kat Von D (Sephora) • Avalon Organics (Life Pharmacy) • Too Faced (Sephora) • Rahua (Harvey Nichols) • Anastasia Beverley Hills (Sephora) • Eminence Organics (Pastels Salon) • Weleda (Organic Foods & Café) and Sachajuan (Bloomingdales)
DID YOU KNOW
China currently requires most imported cosmetics be tested on animals: because it’s such a huge market, most brands, including M.A.C. and Benefit, tow the line and test on critters. The good news is that reports suggest China is looking into alternative safety tests that will eliminate the need to use living beings as a testing ground.
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