Animal Testing in Cosmetics: The Parent Company Debate

I recently posted an Urban Decay haul. To my surprise, the post raised the issue of animal testing in the cosmetics industry.

Although Urban Decay does not test on animals, some people don’t consider them a “cruelty-free” brand.

Why Not?

Urban Decay is certified cruelty-free by the Leaping Bunny program and PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program.

The company website states:

Urban Decay is a cruelty-free brand and is committed to ending animal testing. We do not test our products on animals, nor do we allow others to test on our behalf. Additionally, we require our suppliers to certify that the raw materials used in the manufacture of our products are not tested on animals.

However, in a controversial move, the company was sold to cosmetic giants The L’Oréal Group in 2012.

L’Oréal has a huge market in China – a country where it is mandatory to test all cosmetic products on animals before they can be sold to the public.

L’Oréal’s website states:

The [L’Oréal] Group no longer tests on animal[s], anywhere in the world, and does not delegate this task to others.

An exception could be made if regulatory authorities require it for safety or regulatory purposes.

In other words, “We still test all products sold in China before they hit the shelves.”

After causing mass consumer outrage and having their “cruelty-free” status revoked, Urban Decay pulled plans to retail in China. This means that Urban Decay products are not subject to animal testing anywhere in the world.

What’s the Issue WITH PARENT COMPANIES?

So is Urban Decay still cruelty-free? They’re against animal testing and removed themselves from one of the largest consumer markets in the world in order to stay true to their cruelty-free ethos.

However, they still “sold out” to big, bad L’Oréal…

This situation isn’t exclusive to Urban Decay. There’s a long list of certified cruelty-free brands owned by animal-testing parent companies.

At time of publication, NYX Cosmetics is owned by L’Oréal, Aveda and Smashbox are owned by Estee Lauder, NARS and Bare Minerals are owned by Shiseido, and Burt’s Bees is owned by Clorox… Just to name a few.

What Should Consumers Do?

So, is it okay for cruelty-free shoppers to buy from brands like Urban Decay?

That’s the ethical conundrum. And there’s two sides to the argument:

Side One: By buying products from cruelty-free brands owned by big corporations, you’re supporting the parent company that does test products on animals.

Your money may indirectly go towards animal testing even when the product you bought is certified cruelty-free.

Side Two: By buying products from cruelty-free brands owned by big corporations, you’re showing the big guys what consumers want.

Rather than boycotting these brands, you’re showing that people are choosing cruelty-free products over their animal testing counterparts; Urban Decay over Maybelline or Smashbox over MAC.

ANIMAL TESTING & PARENT COMPANIES – The Conclusion

Urban Decay may have “sold out”. However, the fact that they listened their consumers by refusing to sell in China – greatly reducing their global revenue – is pretty admirable.

Like Urban Decay, I’m not perfect. Far from it. Right now, my make-up bag is not 100% cruelty-free. However, I’m trying to educate myself and I’m gradually phasing out products from brands that don’t fit with my ideals.

I do own products from independent beauty brands like e.l.f. Cosmetics and benecos who have a clear stance on animal testing. But should I continue buying from brands like Urban Decay?

For now, the jury is still out.

For me, any movement towards a more ethical, animal-friendly lifestyle is a positive one. Ultimately, the choice is yours.

Where do you stand in the cruelty-free cosmetics debate?

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