These scents follow yoga's most important principle: ahimsa (non-violence)
- Anjana Rajbhandary
- May 30
- 3 min read
Discover ethical perfumes that are cruelty-free, proving you can embrace beautiful scents while being kind to all beings.
Smell is a powerful sense that can heal us, evoke cherished memories, and create new ones. With that in mind, I thought, why not find perfumes that align with a kinder way to live – those that don't harm any animals in their making? It's good for our conscience and a better way to experience fragrance.
As someone who prioritizes ethical beauty without compromising on scent, I'm thrilled to share my top picks for perfumes that are as kind to animals and nature as they are beautiful on your skin.
I greatly respect Lush Cosmetics, a brand built on strong values and principles. They champion ethical sourcing and fight animal testing, all while delivering fresh, high-quality products that make you feel good inside and out. While known for their bath bombs, their perfumes deserve a spot in your vanity.
As a PETA-certified and Business Friend, their scents, though nuanced, boast impressive longevity. Choosing just one is impossible, but my top three are: Chelsea Morning (butterscotch and citrus), American Dream (strawberry and vanilla), and Vanillary (vanilla toffee).
Skylar Clean Beauty is a dream: clean, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, and Leaping Bunny/PETA certified. Join their Scent Club (over 10k members) for $20 monthly to enjoy limited edition rollerballs, exclusive discounts, and more.
“Vanilla Sky” is the perfect grown-up vanilla with notes of cappuccino, pure vanilla, and caramelized cedar. At the same time, “Nude Skin” offers a comforting blend of tiger orchid, warm vanilla, and golden amber. I can't pick a favorite! They're both so good.
5 SENS crafts fine fragrances to ignite your senses and capture your ever-changing energy. Each signature scent is a unique sensory experience. This long-lasting, clean AAPI brand has been certified Leaping Bunny since 2022. My favorite, “In Too Deep,” accompanied me to Sedona during my yoga teacher training.
Founder Divya Gugnani describes it as 'indulgent and empowering,' designed to prioritize self-love and embrace your authentic self, like 'a cozy night in.' My second favorite, “Burn For You,” is a gourmand blend of Madagascar Vanilla and Cashmere Musk that always makes me feel empowered.
Rosy & Earnest, a woman-owned Canadian niche fragrance brand, offers four award-winning scents with 100% ingredient transparency. Each fragrance is EWG VERIFIED, guaranteeing it's free from harmful chemicals and meets the highest health standards. Leaping Bunny certified since 2025, “Pistachio Delight” instantly lifts my spirits.
Founder Marilou Hamer describes it as "a warm and comforting scent evoking the irresistible aroma of pistachio pastries. With sweet gourmand notes and vanilla absolute, this fragrance is both soothing and sensually indulgent, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere."
While not officially certified, Juliette Has A Gun rigorously adheres to cruelty-free practices, never testing its products or ingredients on animals. Animal testing for cosmetics has been banned in the EU since 2013, and as of 2024, the brand has also taken steps to ensure no animal testing in China, which is in line with evolving regulations there.
Known for its single-element (Cetalox) perfume “Not A Perfume,” my summer fragrance is undoubtedly “Lust For Sun”—a sophisticated blend of Ylang-Ylang, Monoi, and Coconut, reminiscent of summertime.
Choosing a fragrance shouldn't come at the expense of another living being. Embrace cruelty-free perfumes that not only delight your senses but also align with a compassionate heart, proving that good smell and good ethics go hand in hand.
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