I try not to be the cause by contributing to animal cruelty and this product says that it is cruelty free. Of course we all know that some companies lie, but I just hope this one is being true. The second most important thing is that the product works well. I did two nails, one has hung on well even after being caught in a door handle, and the other came off although I did not prep that nail well. Its been about one week now and the other is doing well. I made both nails using the paper sticky nail forms, but plan to use the plastic moulds very soon. I don't expect any difference to the finished quality no matter which way I use the product (prepping done correctly of course).