The Humane Society of the United States is a member of the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, a group of animal-protection organizations that encourages consumers to purchase cosmetics and household products that have not been tested on animals. CCIC members have joined forces to clear up the ambiguities and loopholes associated with previous "cruelty-free" designations.

As a result, the CCIC crafted a tough, uniform Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals, which we launched in 1996. We are encouraging consumer-product manufacturers to adopt the standard, and the number of companies that have done so is growing internationally. The CCIC and our partners in Europe developed a logo, signaling compliance with the standard, for these companies to use on their product labels or in their advertising. Free, wallet-sized brochures of CCIC Cruelty-Free Companies are available to consumers. If you'd like to receive one, simply e-mail us at ari@hsus.org or call 301-258-3041. The PDF version of the new 2006 brochure is now available.