How do I know that companies on the cruelty-free list really don’t test on animals?

To a degree, PETA’s “statement of assurance” is a matter of trust. However, the integrity of a company is on the line. A company that has publicly announced an end to its animal testing and has stated in writing that it does not test on animals would face a public relations disaster—and potential lawsuits—if its policies were being misrepresented. Business owners are well aware that consumers are serious about the issue of animal testing, and they know that they would ruin the public’s confidence in their products if it were discovered that they were being dishonest about their policies.