The rumors about Burt's Bees entering the Chinese market are sadly true.
Today, I received a confirmation from the company stating that they're selling some of their cosmetics in mainland China, where animal testing is required by law.
This comes as a surprise, since Burt's Bees has always marketed itself as an "earth-friendly" company with "sustainable" practices, and has steered clear from animal testing for the past 32 years. This is even after being purchased by Clorox in 2007.
However in the past year alone, Burt's Bees expanded its market and can now be found in 40 countries including mainland China.
Correspondence
Hello Suzi,
Thank you for contacting Burt's Bees.
We are happy to shed light on this matter for you. Currently, we are selling a limited number of our products in mainland China. The formulas for these products, classified as "non-special use cosmetics," are currently made in our US facilities, using only ingredients listed on the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC), and then the products are packaged in China. For more information on individual ingredients, visit our guide here. Please know that we are proceeding only in the instances where we can maintain adherence to our no animal testing policy.
Again, thank you for contacting us.
Sincerely,
Burt's Bees Consumer Services
What Does This Mean?
There's the possibility that Burt's Bees will no longer be considered cruelty-free.
Here's why:
While they're claiming to be working really hard on using loopholes to avoid animal testing, the possibility of an American company maintaining its cruelty-free status after entering the Chinese market is very slim, to say the least.
Burt's Bees is doing everything to avoid pre-market animal testing in China, which is wonderful and something we can applaud. Based on their e-mail, they successfully circumvented pre-market animal testing, which means that their products didn't require to be tested on animals in order to be sold in China.
The unfortunate part is that China also requires post-market animal testing. Any cosmetics, even those that are manufactured within China and are considered "non-special-use cosmetics", may be taken off the shelves and tested on animals.
Post-market testing is documented by Humane Society International. It's also the reason why The Body Shop pulled out of China after they tried evading the pre-maket testing laws by only selling in Chinese airports.
A Misleading Policy?
Even after entering the Chinese market, Burt's Bees still claims to be a cruelty-free company. The following is their official policy from their website, as of September 23, 2016:
Burt’s Bees does not test its products on animals nor do we ask others to do so on our behalf. You’ll see the Leaping Bunny seal on our packaging to reinforce our commitment. Please know we are absolutely committed to our no animal testing policy.
Is this misleading, considering the possibility of post-market animal testing?
Burt's Bees is using the updated animal testing law of June 2014 to (supposedly) avoid pre-market testing. That change in the law made it possible for non-special-use cosmetics that are manufactured in China using safe ingredients to avoid animal testing.
Unfortunately, that law didn't have any impact of the post-market animal testing law, which still applies to any company, Chinese or foreign. This include Burt's bees.
Megan Fang, Chinese law expert, claimed in this article:
"Chinese authorities have indicated that they intend to increase the level of post-market testing following the 30 June policy change for domestically manufactured non-special-use cosmetics, to ensure a consistent level of consumer protection. "
Leaping Bunny Certification
Burt's Bees hasn't officially lost its cruelty-free status. They're still on Leaping Bunny's list as well as PETA's caring consumer list.
I e-mailed Leaping Bunny today and I'm waiting for the outcome.
Edit: Leaping Bunny has been looking into this issue and is in correspondence with Burt’s Bees about it but needs more information from them to make a determination on whether or not they will remain on their list.
I also asked Burt's Bees for clarifications on whether or not their products might be tested on animals in China post-market, and this is the (empty) response I received:
We are happy to clarify this for you. Burt's Bees does not test its products on animals nor do we ask others to do so on our behalf. You'll see the Leaping Bunny seal on our packaging to reinforce our commitment.
Bottom Line
At this very moment, it's my understanding that any products that Burt's Bees is selling in mainland China can be pulled from the shelves and tested on animals in compliance with post-market animal testing law.
In my view, this means that Burt's Bees is no longer a cruelty-free brand, and I've removed them from my list.
I'm still waiting on responses from Humane Society International, Leaping Bunny, and the company itself for more clarification.
What's your take on Burt's Bees' cruelty-free status?
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I think Burt’s Bees brand cannot be considered “Earth-friendly” when you look at their product line and discover they sell cosmetic wipes. For me it’s a no-no at least.
My take? I will no longer purchase Burts Bees products.
I’ve never really understood how Burt’s Bees can be considered cruelty free, when they use carmine in some of their products. Carmine is made from crushed beetles. It seems to me that the cruelty free designation ought to encompass more than just animal testing.
They are owned by Clorox, end of story.
Do NOT contribute to them.
They still have leaping bunny logo on their bottle I just purchased in January 2020 any updates?
I’m also outraged over cosmetic companies that have been Cruelty-Free —now cater to the Chinese market- like the rest of us don’t even count. We who have been loyal and made their business successful? It’s so sad, I will not even buy my dogs anything made over there, because if something would happen to them , you can’t do anything, How did we get into this mess?
I was (notice the past tense) considering trying a Burt’s Bees foundation, but after reading this, I’m pulling the plug.
I think I’ll take a look at The Body Shop, instead.
From the information above it sounds like to me that once Burt’s Bees has sold their products to China, that it is the Chinese government’s decision to then test those products on animals after the fact. Therefore, Burt’s Bees products purchased in North America and other places that do not require animal testing are cruelty free. However, I am disappointed that BB would sell their products in China, knowing that their products will be tested on animals. By doing so, the company is still perpetuating animal testing, even if they are not doing it themselves or “asking others to do it” on for them.
I’m trying real hard to switch completely over to cruelty free products. I’ve managed to do this completely with my makeup and am very happy with my new favorite make-up company e.l.f.
The biggest problem I’m finding is the more than ridiculously high cost for cruelty free products. For example baby powder = $12 to $13 for 3.4 ounces! I use baby powder several times every day and I can’t afford that!
Another one is hair spray … well over $10 per can and some over $20 per can. I found several shampoo and conditioners that were priced decently but hair spray is a major problem.
I’m trying to do the right thing but pricing is really making this hard to do and in some cases it’s literally impossible for me to convert. And these are just a few of the products I’ve been hunting for less costly options. There are plenty more.
Anyone have solutions for my issues? Maybe you’ve run up against the same issues, what did you do?
Thanks,
Deb
Then why there’s a leaping bunny logo on their products?
Came across this article stating that China will be changing this legislation which enforces cosmetics to be tested on animals.
But if Burt’s Bees themselves arent doing the testing, should they really be removed?
I am just hearing of them being bought by Clorox plus selling in China this is all sad news. I loved there products but will no longer be purchasing after learning this. I’m also curious how there cruelty free if there now owned by Clorox who does test on animals. Getting sick of great brands being bought out by big companies with no ethics.
I would disagree as it’s not them that are doing the testing it’s the Chinese government. If the US government decided to do off the shelf animal testing then using this logic any cruelty free company would then no longer be cruelty free. I think they are controlling what they can.
IS THIS TRUE?……
I’m hearing people say if Burt’s bees are selling their products in America their cruelty free so basically if your in America purchasing products from Burt’s and bees it’s cruelty free but if you buy their products in China or any other countries their not it depends on the laws and the location
Is it true Burt’s Bees pulled out from Chinese market ? They still clame to be CF and I read in another vegan cf website that they pulled out their products from the Chinese market.
Hello, any updates on Burt’s Bee?
Hello, any updates on Burt’s Bees? Thank you.
Hi! I just found this statement on their website. What do you think?
Burt’s Bees is currently only selling products in China via direct-to-consumer ecommerce, a channel which is exempt from Chinese animal testing regulations. Burt’s Bees does not test its products on animals nor do we ask others to do so on our behalf. You’ll see the Leaping Bunny seal and our “cruelty free” stance on our packaging to reinforce our commitment. Please know that we are absolutely committed to our no animal testing policy, and are proceeding only in the instances where we can maintain unwavering adherence to it.
Read more at https://www.burtsbees.com/content/at—china/faqs-animalsChina.html#g4jXhMk3qXp7B2PI.99