For the majority of these cases, the brands are sold in China, where animal testing is mandatory by law for foreign cosmetics. It's important to read the fine print when reading brand policies, as many of them will claim to be cruelty-free but then include a clause about "except when required by law". If they are sold in stores in China, this clause then means that they are not a cruelty-free brand.
I've also included alternative cruelty-free suggestions for each brand. Feel free to leave your favorite cruelty-free dupe suggestions in the comments below!
1. NARS
NARS was once a cruelty-free staple brand for so many. Unfortunately, earlier this year, they updated their animal testing policy to reflect their decision to join the Chinese market. From now on, NARS is going to test on animals where required by law, meaning they are no longer cruelty-free.
One good thing that has come out of this horrible decision is that there has been so much media attention brought to their decision, which is helping to increase awareness about animal testing!
For cruelty-free alternatives to NARS, check out , , , and .
2. L’Oreal
L'Oreal has a notoriously misleading animal testing FAQ. They claim “L’Oréal no longer tests any of its products or any of its ingredients on animals, anywhere in the world. Nor does L’Oréal delegate this task to others.” However, they do sell their products in China where animal testing is mandatory for foreign cosmetics. They address this loophole in their policy as well: “An exception could be made if authorities required it for human safety or regulatory purposes.” In order words, they do fund animal testing of their finished products in China, where the practice is required by law.
L'Oreal owns tons of other brands, some of which are sold in China and share the same policy to test on animals where required by law, and some of which remain cruelty-free despite the policy of their parent company (like Urban Decay and NYX).
For cruelty-free alternatives to L'Oreal from the drugstore, give a try! Their products are on point and they are more affordable than L'Oreal.
3. Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder claims that they are "committed to the elimination of animal testing", yet they do test on animals where required by law. Since they sell their products in the Chinese market, where animal testing is required, and they aren't a cruelty-free company.
Like L'Oreal, Estée Lauder also owns several other brands which are subject to this same policy.
Their Double Wear Liquid Foundation is incredibly popular, but fortunately there are some great cruelty-free alternatives! The Too Faced Born This Way Foundation and Smashbox Studio Skin Hydrating Foundation are both similar options.
4. MAC
MAC Cosmetics is probably one of the most popular and well-known makeup brands of all time, and they used to be a cruelty-free brand, which can lead to some confusion as to their current policy. They are owned by Estée Lauder, whose animal testing policy is not to test on animals unless required by law (as mentioned above). Because MAC is sold in China, where animal testing is required, MAC isn’t a cruelty-free company.
If you're looking to replace your MAC eyeshadows, I can't recommend Makeup Geek enough. Their eyeshadows are AMAZING! As for MAC's lipsticks, NYX has some great shade dupes, and as a bonus, they are a whole lot more affordable.
5. Benefit
Benefit is one of those brands that everyone seems to think is cruelty-free, but unfortunately, they are NOT a cruelty-free company. Their policy is not to test on animals unless required by law. Their products are also sold in mainland China, where animal testing is required. Benefit also currently sells its products in Sephora stores across China and shows no intention of pulling out of China.
If you are drawn to Benefit because of their adorable retro packaging, you will LOVE the cruelty-free brand theBalm Cosmetics!
6. Lancôme
Lancôme is owned by L'Oreal and inherits the same policy to test on animals where required by law. Since Lancôme is sold in stores in mainland China, it cannot be considered a cruelty-free brand.
Some of Lancôme's most popular products are their mascaras, but I think the cruelty-free mascaras from Tarte and Pacifica are easily just as good if not better!
7. Make Up For Ever
Make Up For Ever is a popular French brand owned by LVMH (Louis Vuitton / Moët Hennessy) which is sold at Sephora and used by many theatre and makeup artists alike. Sadly, they test on animals. They sell their products in China, where animal testing is mandatory for foreign cosmetics. Because of this, Make Up For Ever isn’t considered to be a cruelty-free brand.
8. Maybelline
Another heavy hitter drugstore brand, Maybelline also shares the same policy as their parent company L'Oreal. They sell their products in China, where animal testing is mandatory for foreign cosmetics. Because of this, Maybelline isn’t a cruelty-free brand.
For an affordable cruelty-free alternative to Maybelline and other drugstore brands, ELF has tons of great options!
9. Rimmel London
Rimmel London claims to be "against animal testing", but in reality, they are not cruelty-free as they sell their products in China. When asked about why they are selling their products in China while they claim to be against animal testing, they state that "Chinese consumers have made it clear they want Rimmel London. It would not be right to deprive them of the products they want to use and enjoy. Our industry continues to work together in encouraging the Chinese authorities to accept more modernized non-animal safety testing methods." Rimmel's parent company Coty shares the same policy.
For a dupe for the Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retroglam Mascara, I highly recommend the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara! Not only is it vegan, but it also won our best cruelty-free mascara reader poll!
10. Revlon
Like L'Oreal, Revlon is a privately held company which tests on animals where required by law. Since they are sold in China, they are subject to animal testing and thus not cruelty-free.
If you love Revlon's famous lipstick formula, give Colourpop's Lippie Stix a try. I found the formulation to be very similar, and they are even more affordable than the Revlon ones!
11. CoverGirl
Covergirl went cruelty-free as of November 2018! Read the full article here.
Covergirl may use adorable kittens in their advertising campaigns to give off a cute and cuddly image, but they still test on animals! They sell their products in China, where animal testing is mandatory for foreign cosmetics. Because of this, Covergirl isn’t considered to be a cruelty-free brand. Its parent company Coty shares the same policy.
12. Clinique
Clinique is NOT a cruelty-free brand. Clinique is owned by Estée Lauder and its official animal testing policy is not to test on animals except when required by law. Clinique is sold in mainland China, where animal testing is required by law.
For a dupe of Clinique's ever-popular Chubby Sticks, try Tarte’s LipSurgence Skintuitive Lip Tint. They are equally hydrating and beautiful!
13. Almay
Almay is owned by Revlon and shares the policy of their parent company to test on animals where required by law. They are also sold in China, where animal testing is mandatory for foreign cosmetics. As such, they are not a cruelty-free brand.
For a cruelty-free alternative to their "dermatologist-tested" eye makeup, give SheaMoisture's products a try! As a bonus, they also contain more natural ingredients.
14. Max Factor
Max Factor is another drugstore brand which is primarily sold in Europe. They are also sold in China, where animal testing is required, and they are therefore not a cruelty-free brand. Their parent company Coty shares the same policy to test on animals where required by law.
For a cruelty-free (and equally affordable) alternative to Max Factor, check out the brand Barry M!
15. Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown states that they test on animals where required by law. Since they sell their products in China, this means they are subject to animal testing and thus they are not a cruelty-free brand. They are owned by Estée Lauder, which as mentioned above, shares the same policy to test when required by law.
For cruelty-free alternatives for Bobbi Brown's cult classic Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, try the Tarte Clay Pot Waterproof Shadow Liner and the Colourpop Crème Gel Colour.
16. Chanel
Like many of these brands, Chanel's animal testing policy is nowhere to be found on their website. But their products are indeed sold in mainland China, where animal testing is mandatory for foreign cosmetics. Because of this, Chanel tests on animals and cannot be considered cruelty-free.
If you're looking for high-end designer beauty but don't want to support animal testing, Marc Jacobs Beauty is a great luxury cruelty-free option!
17. Bourjois
Bourjois is a popular French cosmetics brand. They were previously owned by Chanel but were acquired by Coty in 2015. They share the same policy as their parent company to test on animals where required by law. They sell their products in mainland China and as such, they are not cruelty-free.
For a similarly priced (but cruelty-free) European drugstore brand, try GOSH Copenhagen! I especially love their Velvet Touch Lipsticks.
18. Giorgio Armani
While their website says "Giorgio Armani does not use animals to test its products", this is very misleading. They are owned by L'Oreal, and they share L'Oreal's policy to test on animals when required by law. Since Giorgio Armani's products are sold in mainland China, this, of course, means they are not cruelty-free, as they are therefore subject to animal testing.
For a cruelty-free dupe for the "holy grail" Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, try the Catrice Nude Illusion Foundation!
19. Tom Ford
Tom Ford is owned by Estée Lauder, and it shares their animal testing policy to test when required by law. They are not considered cruelty-free, since they sell in China, where animal testing is mandatory.
The Milani lipsticks are great cruelty-free affordable alternatives for the Tom Ford ones. They are just as creamy and opaque, and at a fraction of the cost!
20. Yves Saint Laurent
As with Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent is also owned by L'Oreal, and adheres to L'Oreal's animal testing policy. As YSL products are sold in mainland China, they unfortunately are not cruelty-free.
The is an excellent cruelty-free dupe for the YSL Touch Éclat and it's about $36 cheaper!
21. Sephora Collection
While there are many cruelty-free brands sold in Sephora stores, sadly Sephora's own brand is NOT cruelty-free. Sephora sells its products in China where animal testing is required by law for foreign cosmetics.
While it is hard to suggest an alternative brand since Sephora's brand covers such a wide range of products, there are comparable options from e.l.f., NYX and Milani.
22. Shiseido
Shiseido is a luxury Japanese beauty brand over a century old. It is also the parent company to brands such as NARS and Bare Escentuals (aka bareMinerals). Shiseido's policy states that it does not test its cosmetic products or ingredients on animals except when absolutely mandated by law, and upon further searching through their website (which is not made easy), I found another clause that states "in China, in order to guarantee the safety of imported cosmetics, safety studies including animal testing may be required".
For a cruelty-free but equally upscale option, try the brand Charlotte Tilbury. The formulas of their cream eyeshadows and lipsticks are also very similar to those of Shiseido.
23. Burberry
There is misinformation about whether Burberry tests on animals, and unfortunately the truth is that they do test where required by law. Since Burberry is sold in mainland China, they cannot be considered cruelty-free.
For a cruelty-free alternative to their unique eyeshadows, I would recommend the cruelty-free brand , which sells equally deluxe eyeshadows.
24. Dior
Dior is owned by LVMH (Louis Vuitton / Moët Hennessy). Like many other luxury brands, Dior tests on animals. They sell their products in China, where animal testing is mandatory for foreign cosmetics. Because of this, Dior isn’t considered to be a cruelty-free brand.
A good alternative to the Diorshow Mascara is the Urban Decay Perversion Mascara. Its thick mascara wand and formula are very similar to Dior's.
25. La Mer
La Mer is an incredibly expensive luxury makeup and skincare brand owned by Estée Lauder. Like their parent company, they test on animals when required by law. Since their products are sold in mainland China, this means they are not cruelty-free.
Since La Mer's makeup is formulated with unique ingredients, it is a bit challenging to find exact dupes. However, I would definitely recommend the foundations and other products from 100% Pure, as they have luxurious formulations that are a bit more affordable.
26. Guerlain
Guerlain is owned by LVMH (Louis Vuitton / Moët Hennessy). They claim that they "are strongly opposed to animal testing and have developed recognized expertise in alternatives to animal testing". However, they sell in mainland China, which unfortunately refutes this statement. Therefore, they cannot be considered cruelty-free.
If you like Guerlain's Meteorites, you will definitely love Hourglass’s Ambient Lighting Powders!
27. Avon
Avon claims to be the first major cosmetic company to end animal testing nearly 25 years ago, but in reality they're authorizing and paying local officials in China to test on animals for them so they can sell their products there. While they claim to have "a deep respect for animal welfare", it seems to be part of careful wording to distract from the fact that they are not cruelty-free.
Jordana's eyeliners are said to be good dupes for Avon's. They are easy to find in most drugstores and they are cruelty-free!
28. Mary Kay
Similarly to Avon, Mary Kay's representatives are sometimes responsible for misinformation regarding Mary Kay's animal testing policy. While they are very vocal about "not testing on animals", they actually do test on animals where required by law. In the late 1989, they announced a moratorium on animal testing of its products. Sadly, in 2012 they started testing on animals again when they made the decision to join the Chinese market. This means they are now no longer cruelty-free.
For a cruelty-free alternative to their SPF Foundation, try Balm Shelter from theBalm.
29. Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana is owned by Coty. They share their parent company's policy to test where required by law. As they sell their products in the Chinese market, they cannot be considered a cruelty-free brand.
Two similar options to D&G's popular Luminous Cheek Colour Blush are Marc Jacob's Air Blush and Tarte's Amazonian Clay Blush.
30. Shu Uemura
Owned by L'Oreal, Shu Uemura shares their parent company's policy to test on animals where required by law. Since they sell their products in mainland China where animal testing is mandatory for foreign cosmetics, they are not a cruelty-free brand.
For cruelty-free (and easier to find) alternatives to Shu Uemura's iconic eyelash curlers, try the ones from Tarte and Tweezerman!
Cruelty-Free Alternatives
While these brands may have made the unfortunate choice to test on animals, there are SO many amazing cruelty-free brands to choose from. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Cruelty-Free + Vegan Makeup Brands to get started on building your perfect cruelty-free makeup kit!
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So don’t buy in China! If you live in the US you are good! There is such a large market in China that brands would be dumb not to sell there. Unfortunately, we can’t change Chinese law. So buy American and many of these brands are cruelty free.
See my earlier comment: https://staging.crueltyfreekitty.com/cruelty-free-101/makeup-brands-that-test-on-animals/#comment-9285
So if Covergirl doesn’t test on animals anymore, why are they still on the list for testing on animals?
Avon is now two companies Avon products inc. and New Avon llc, New Avon sold in the US only sells in North America and does not test on Animals…Avon products inc. is the one who sells to China and has issues with the Chinese govt requiring testing
Basically China needs to change their law concerning animal testing cause if not then none of these brands would be on this list!
Hi suzi,
Is NO 7 cosmetics cruelty free?
I have the same question!
NO.7 is handy at Walgreens, and I’d like to know if it’s cruelty free.
Thanks for the Colourpop’s Lippie Stix link! No only do they have Stix, they have traditional cream lipsticks, matte lipsticks, and something called “blur lipstick” which I haven’t figured out yet. The colors choices are abundant. I haven’t been able to wear Revlon or Clinique, my favorite lipsticks, in ages since I found out that they are sold in China.
I’ve just started using Bite Beauty lipsticks and they are really nice; cruelty free of course. They are more expensive than colourpop though. I’m looking excited to trying these!
if you ugly without makeup you ugly with makeup so don’t try and accept it 😉
Nothing is uglier than an ugly personality such as your own ? don’t try to act like you’re special by putting other people down for their looks. Not everyone wears makeup just so they’re “not ugly”. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Catrice Nude Illusion Foundation is no longer available 🙁
Recently I read that China does not require the animal testing by law since 2014, is it true?
Problem is with China not the brands… besides… even if it’s by law, if the products are already sold everywhere else, then it’s safe for animals to use them…
I think it all goes back to the Chinese law!
Awesome list! Thank you! Recently, I’ve been looking into buying cruelty-free makeup. I’m glad CoverGirl is not on that list anymore. Too bad for L’Oreal. Guess they’re gonna lose a longtime customer. I’ve read that about Mary Kay elsewhere, they’re obviously not an honest company.
Lipstick Queen? Are they cruelty free, anyone know?
Covergirl does not test on animals anymore https://www.facebook.com/covergirl/posts/10156515231525865
As of a few days ago , Cover Girl is now cruelty free.
Sounds to me that you’re using only the ‘company sells to China, thus said company tests on animal’ logic and I’m surprised so many people actually fell for that. Tons of Chinese people use Colourpop products which are 100% cruelty free. Could you explain that please?
Colourpop, like other cruelty-free brands, only sells to China online. This bypasses any animal testing laws. Products must only be tested on animals if the company decides to sell in physical stores in mainland China.
Thank you for the clarification!
Those companies use in there products other composants that are teated on animals. That make them non crualty free!
I just found out that Clarins also use animal testing they sell to China. I purchased thier double serum. And was appalled to find this out.
One thing that’s hard is finding CF shampoos and conditioners.
Try organic brands for shampoos. There are millions and made in the US. Alba botanica, Avalon organics, carols daughter, Shea moisture, to name a few.
Thank you so much for this helpful information! It is terrible how companies are testing on animals and we are definitely going to use your alternatives for these brands!
What brands do not use animals?
Avon in North America is a completely different company than Avon Global now. A few years ago, Avon leadership in the US separated itself from Avon Global. North American Avon is only a part of New Avon LLC, in which all vendors, suppliers and testing methods are cruelty free only. Avon Global does still test on animals for all Avon products sold outside of the USA and Canada, because it’s a different company and doing things the old, outdated and cruel way. They are completely different companies and supply chains now. I am vegan and I was an Avon rep recently and a lot of their products are accidentally vegan, but many aren’t. Although, even the non- vegan products aren’t tested on animals if they are from New Avon LLC ONLY.
So if you like and own Avon, check the package for this crucial distinction before throwing it away. The difference is really obvious in the .mark products, which caters to younger customers. They have waaaaay more products and colors in the UK .mark lines (owned by Avon Global) than the US .mark line (owned by New Avon LLC).
stila and smashbox withdrew from the Chinese market. But is the brand you are doing the animal test required by law? Or are you currently not doing animal testing, but are you sure you can do it again anytime?
https://staging.crueltyfreekitty.com/does-smashbox-test-on-animals/
-> I read the explanation on this page, but I am a bit confused. Because crueltyfreekitty recommends smashbox products as alternative cosmetics.
I’m getting a lot of help from crueltyfreekitty. Really! Really! Thank you very much. I will do my best until the animal experiment stops! Have a nice day. : D
Does supreme and louis vuitton testing on animals?
does supreme and louis vuitton testing on animals ? im vegetrian and i dont wanna buy anything from any company that testing on animals
I’m an employee at Mary Kay Inc. and we do not test on animals. We test on humans that volunteer. The Chinese market is there for many makeup companies and it’s called business. The products are sent there and if the Chinese government requires them to test our products before it is sold, that is the Chinese putting lipstick on a cat and not Mary Kay employees. That has nothing to do with Mary Kay Inc. or the companies’ reputation. I think your article is very misleading to readers and I’m offended.
Mary Kay does test on animals; it’s the law in order to sell in China. Sadly, it’s not just the Chinese “putting lipstick on a cat.” Ingredients are actually put in animals’ eyes (with no pain relief afterward), injected into their bodies and monitored for cancer, etc. It’s AGONY for the rabbits, mice, and all of the other animals they use.
Who cares!
We care about animals in China as well as everywhere else on the globe.
They’re the ones being tested, at Mary Kay’s request.
When Mary Kay sends cosmetics into the Chinese market, it involves a request for the cosmetics to be tested by animals.
They request it because it’s the only way to make money there.
Do some research of your own.
Thank you so much for the information you have provided. This us all new to me, due to my daughter being vegetarian then vegan, looking into the companies I had no idea that lots of the high end make up have different names but are owned by one company!! How on earth are some companies allowed to say not “tested on animals” when they fully know in China, who they are supplying to DO TEST ON ANIMALS!!? thanks very much x
Chantecaille is an amazing luxury brand that is cruelty free – very pricey but also very high quality! Jane Iredale is a great moderately priced, high quality cruelty free brand – try their Purelash lash conditioner in the white tube – it is the BEST product ever for under your mascara – your mascara will look extra lengthening & thickening with this lash conditioner under it! I hate how brands like Too Faced that claim to be cruelty free are now owned by Estee Lauder -shows what they really stand for – $$$ – they don’t care about animals at all!
too faced was acquired by estee lauder so in all technicality they are not a cruelty-free brand anymore
You are amazing! I know how much work goes into this research and sorting through all the misinformation that is out there. Its so great that you are working to spread awareness and sharing your findings. Crueltyfreekitty is one of my main go-to sites that I trust when Im making purchasing decisions. Thanks for all you do!
I have used Clarins for over 20 years as they assured me they did not test on animals and nor did their suppliers. Recently a friend told me they had changed their policy, I emailed them, and yes they have.
I haves worn Clarins for over 20 years as they assured me they did not test on animals nor did their suppliers. A friend told me they had changed their policy and yes, they have.