The Great Cosmetic Divide: USA vs Canada

by Caron Leid March 25, 2024

Hello, beauty enthusiasts! Today, we’re embarking on a journey across the border, diving into the fascinating world of cosmetics in the USA and Canada. Grab your makeup bag, and let’s get started!

The Beauty Battlefield

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room. Or should we say, the moose? (Sorry, Canada, we couldn’t resist!) When it comes to cosmetics, both the USA and Canada have their own set of rules and regulations. And just like their sports rivalries, this can get a bit…colourful.

Ingredients: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

In the red corner, we have the USA, where the cosmetic industry is a bit like the Wild West. With only 11 substances banned in cosmetics, it’s a bit of a free-for-all. You might find some ingredients in your products that would make a chemist blush!

In the blue corner, we have Canada, the polite northern neighbour, with over 500 substances banned in cosmetics. Talk about being cautious, eh? But remember, when it comes to what you’re putting on your skin, caution is a good thing!

Cruelty-Free: Not Just a Trend, But a Lifestyle

Now, let’s talk about something that’s close to our hearts: being cruelty-free. Both countries have brands that are champions of cruelty-free products. However, neither the USA nor Canada has nationwide laws banning animal testing. So, it’s up to us, the consumers, to do our homework and support brands that love our furry friends as much as we do.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, whether you’re reaching for a USA-made lipstick or a Canadian-crafted mascara, it’s essential to know what you’re putting on your skin. After all, your skin is the body’s largest organ, and it absorbs everything, including your questionable life choices and that extra slice of pizza.

So, read those labels, do your research, and choose products that are as kind to your skin as they are to the environment and our animal friends. And remember, whether you’re in the USA or Canada, true beauty comes from within… the makeup bag!

Stay beautiful, folks!