Animal testing for cosmetics in present times is unnecessary, outdated, and inhumane. Here you’ll see a lot of brands that you thought were cruelty-free but aren’t. Most of the brands mentioned below sell their products mainly in China, where animal testing is mandatory per law for most imported cosmetics. If you’re a vegan or simply love animals, read the policies of any cosmetic product before buying it. Many products claim to be cruelty-free but then include a clause in their policies stating “except when required by law.” Many brands have to test on animals to sell their products in China. For instance, L’Oreal, which doesn’t test on animals in the United States, has to pay for deadly testing in China, where painful experiments on animals are required to sell cosmetics.Â
Here are some cosmetic brands that still test on animals. Also, here are a few cruelty-free brands you should support instead.Â
Makeup brands that still test on animals
NARSÂ
Once used to be a cruelty-free brand, NARS is not cruelty-free anymore. Unfortunately, NARS has updated its policy to support its decision to join the Chinese market. From now onwards, NARS will test its products on animals wherever required by law which means it’s not a cruelty-free brand anymore.Â
L’Oréal
L’Oreal has said they are a cruelty-free brand, and they say that the brand no longer tests any of its products or any ingredients on animals, anywhere in the world. Nor does L’Oréal give this task to any third parties. But L’Oréal does sell its products in China, where animal testing is mandatory according to the prevailing law. The brand addressed this issue by claiming in their policy that they would make an exception if the authorities require it for human safety or regulatory purposes.Â
In other words, L’Oreal does pay for animal testing in China, where they sell their products. L’Oreal also owns many other brands that are sold in China and follow the same exception policy.Â
Estee’ Lauder
The brand claims they are strictly against animal testing, but they do it where required by the law. Since Estee’ Lauder sells their products in Chinese markets where animal testing is required, they aren’t a cruelty-free brand. Like L’Oreal, Estee’ Lauder also owns several other companies that follow the same policy. For example, the double-wear liquid foundation from Estee’ Lauder is very popular, but it isn’t cruelty-free.Â
MAC
Who doesn’t love MAC? Many people think MAC is a young, fresh, and cruelty-free brand, but sadly this isn’t the case. MAC cosmetics is one of the most loved and popular makeup brands of all time. Since MAC also sells its products in China, they have to go through animal testing.Â
Benefit
Yes, it’s a big surprise, isn’t it? Benefit uses this innocent imagery for marketing its products, but in reality, they pay for cruel testing on animals to sell their products in China. Benefit also sells its products in Sephora stores in China and shows no interest in pulling off the markets.Â
Make Up For Ever
You might love Make Up For Ever’s concealer and foundation, but sadly they had it tested on animals. Make Up For Ever is a French brand owned by LVMH (Louis Vuitton/Moet Hennessy). It is sold at Sephora stores and used by many makeup artists. Unfortunately, they test their products on animals as they sell their products in China, where the law requires animal testing.Â
Maybelline
Another popular drugstore brand Maybelline also follows the same policy as their parent company L’Oreal. They conduct animal testing to sell their products in China. That is why Maybelline can’t be considered a cruelty-free brand.Â
Victoria Secret
After years of adopting the policy of not hurting animals, Victoria’s Secret has let down many loyal customers by choosing profits over principles. The brand wanted to expand its sales to China, and for that, it started to pay for animal testing of its products.Â
