UK Edition
As another brand announces it's going to start testing on animals, we explore the ones that don't
Last week, Nars Cosmetics sparked a major outcry on social media when it announced that it would be selling its products in China and therefore testing on animals. In a statement on its Instagram account, Nars explained, “We firmly believe that product and ingredient safety can be proven by non-animal methods, but we must comply with the local laws of the markets in which we operate, including China.” However, that wasn’t enough to prevent an onslaught of abuse from fans, who have continued to post their grievances with the brand’s decision on every picture Nars has uploaded since.
While countries including New Zealand, India, Taiwan and Korea have denounced animal testing on beauty products, Michelle Thew, head of campaign group Cruelty Free International (CFI) told The Telegraph’s fashion director Lisa Armstrong earlier this year that 80 per cent of the world still permits animal testing. “If you’re an EU brand, or an external brand that sells in the EU, it’s illegal to test on animals,” says Thew. “However, some companies that sell in the EU test some of their products to sell in other countries.”
Shiseido, which owns Nars, made the decision to make the brand available in China to expand its reach and keep up with competitors, including MAC, which is owned by Estee Lauder Companies. While they do sell in China, both beauty corporations have spoken out openly against animal testing and state it’s only done as and when the law requires it. “China, which until recently insisted all beauty brands sold there were tested on animals, has partially opened the market to cruelty-free products, but can still administer its own random animal testing on imported beauty products,” explains Thew.
For those who are still unmoved by this, there are plenty of beauty brands that won’t entertain the idea of animal testing. Last month, the Body Shop teamed up with CFI on a campaign called Forever Against Animal Testing, which is calling for the United Nations to introduce an international convention. While Deciem, which recently announced that Estee Lauder had bought a minority share in the company, clarified that it would not be venturing into the Chinese market until the laws are changed. Until China does just that, here are some of the best cruelty-free products available right now…
The Body Shop
It was one of the first brands to champion cruelty-free beauty and The Body Shop remains on top of its game. While you might think of it as a body care brand, it’s worth trying out the highlighter pen.
The Ordinary
Coming under the umbrella of Deciem, these budget serums have caused quite the stir. While you might be used to paying between £20 and £30 for your hyaluronic acid serum, The Ordinary sells it for just £4.90. The brand might have accepted investment from Estee Lauder Companies, which sells some of its brands in China, but it has promised fans it will never condone animal testing.
Rituel de Fille
Set up by three sisters in LA, who happen to be make-up artists, this brand is changing the landscape of natural beauty. The eyeshadow pots offer great colour pay-off and the packaging is equally as chic. Definitely one to explore.
Tata Harper
Another US-based brand, Tata Harper is a favourite amongst celebrities and beauty editors for the simple fact that its formulas work. Try its Illuminating Eye Cream and we guarantee that you’ll be hooked.
The Organic Pharmacy
This brand has always highlighted the importance of beauty from the inside and out with its wide range of supplements and clever skincare formulations. However, it’s make-up offering is also pretty good, especially it’s mascara and lipstick range.