10 Makeup Companies That Still Have Animal Test in 2022

All these popular brands still test on animals. Many people mistakenly believe that these brands are cruelty-free. To explain why they don’t have cruelty-free policies, I’ve provided a brief description of each company’s policy.

The majority of these brands are sold in China where animal testing for cosmetics is required by law. Brand policies can be confusing. Many will claim that they are cruelty-free, but include a clause saying “except when required by the law”. This clause means they can’t be considered cruelty-free if they’re sold in China.

I have also provided alternative cruelty-free options for each brand.

1. NARS

NARS used to be a staple brand that was cruelty-free. They updated their animal testing policy earlier this year to reflect their entry into the Chinese market. NARS will now test animals when required by law. This means that they are no longer cruelty free.

The good news is that this terrible decision has attracted so much media attention, which has helped to raise awareness about animal testing!

Stila, KVD Vegan Beauty and Jouer, Marc Jacobs Beauty are cruelty-free alternatives for NARS. Smashbox is also available.

2. L’Oreal

L’Oreal’s FAQ on animal testing is notoriously misleading. L’Oreal claims that it no longer tests its products on animals anywhere in the world. L’Oreal does not delegate this responsibility to anyone. They do however sell products in China, where animal testing for cosmetics is required. This loophole is addressed by L’Oreal as well. They state that “an exception could be made for authorities requiring it for human safety and regulatory purposes.”

L’Oreal has a lot of brands that are sold in China. Some of these brands share the same policy to test animals when required by law. Others, like Urban Decay or NYX, remain cruelty-free despite their parent company’s policy.

e.l.f. is a cruelty-free alternative to L’Oreal available at the drugstore. Give it a shot! They are better than L’Oreal and their products are top-notch.

3. Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder claims they are committed to eliminating animal testing, but they still test animals when required by law. They sell their products on the Chinese market where animal testing is mandatory.

Estee Lauder, like L’Oreal has several brands that are also subject to the same policy.

The Double Wear Liquid Foundation is very popular. However, there are many cruelty-free options! Both the Too Faced Born This Way Foundation, and Smashbox Studio Skin Hydrating Foundation have similar options.

4. MAC

MAC Cosmetics is a well-known and popular makeup brand. They used to be cruelty-free, but this can cause confusion about their current policies. Estee Lauder owns them. Their animal testing policy prohibits the use of animals for any purpose unless it is required by law (as noted above). MAC is not a cruelty-free business because it is sold in China where animal testing is mandatory.

Makeup geek is the best place to go if you want to replace your MAC eyeshadows. Their eyeshadows have amazing quality! NYX lipsticks are a great alternative to MAC’s. They also have great shades that can be used as a shade dupe.

5. Benefit

Benefit is a brand that people assume is cruelty-free. However, they are not a cruelty-free business. They do not test animals on their products unless it is required by law. They also sell their products in mainland China where animal testing may be required. Benefit currently sells products in Sephora stores throughout China, and has no plans to leave China.

Benefit’s retro packaging is what draws you to them, but the cruelty-free brand TheBalm Cosmetics will make you fall in love with you!

6. Lancome

L’Oreal owns Lancome and has the same policy as L’Oreal to test animals when required by law. Lancome can’t be considered cruelty-free because it is sold in China.

Lancome mascaras are some of the most loved products, but I believe that cruelty-free mascaras Tarte or Pacifica are just as good as, if not better.

7. Make up for Ever

Make Up For Ever, a French brand owned by LVMH (Louis Vuitton / Moet Hennessy), is available at Sephora and is used by many makeup artists and theatre professionals. They test on animals. They sell their products to China, where animal testing for foreign cosmetics is required. Make Up For Ever doesn’t consider itself a cruelty-free brand.

8. Maybelline

Maybelline, another big-hitter drugstore brand shares the same policy with their parent company L’Oreal. Their products are sold in China where animal testing for cosmetics is required. Maybelline is not a cruelty-free company.

ELF offers tons of great alternatives to Maybelline or other drugstore brands that are cruelty-free and affordable.

9. Rimmel London

Rimmel London claims they are “against animal cruelty”, but they do not sell their products in China. They answer questions about why they sell their products in China, despite claiming to be against animal testing. It is wrong to deny them the products they love and use. Our industry continues to collaborate to encourage the Chinese authorities accept modernized, non-animal safety test methods. The same policy is shared by Rimmel’s parent Coty.

The Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara is a great substitute for Rimmel London’s Retroglam Mascara. It is vegan and won the best cruelty-free mascara reader vote!

10. Revlon

Revlon, like L’Oreal is a privately owned company that tests animals when required by law. They are therefore subject to animal testing, and are not cruelty-free because they are made in China.

Colourpop’s Lippie Sticks are a great alternative to Revlon’s iconic lipstick formula. They are much more affordable than Revlon’s lipstick formulas, which I found very similar.