What is "cruelty-free"?

Cruelty-free beauty refers to cosmetic and skincare products developed without conducting tests on animals. This movement is driven by a commitment to ethical standards, seeking to eliminate the inhumane treatment of animals in the beauty industry. Products labeled as cruelty-free are formulated, tested, and manufactured without subjecting animals to harmful or painful procedures.

Cruelty-free products are not tested on animals at any stage of product development. Brands that embrace cruelty-free practices are often transparent about their testing methods and ingredient sourcing.

Cruelty-free products are tested using alternative methods, such as in-vitro testing and computer simulations, which are often more reliable and advanced than animal testing.

Understanding Parent Companies and Their Impact

While many brands are committed to cruelty-free practices, it's important to understand the role of parent companies in the beauty industry. A parent company is a larger corporation that owns several smaller brands. These companies can influence the ethical practices of their subsidiaries.

Parent Companies and Cruelty-Free Brands:

  1. Independent Brands: These are brands that operate independently and are not owned by larger corporations. They often have more control over their practices and can ensure that all aspects of their production are cruelty-free.

  2. Subsidiaries of Non-Cruelty-Free Parent Companies: Some cruelty-free brands are owned by parent companies that do engage in animal testing for other products in their portfolio. While the subsidiary may maintain cruelty-free practices, the parent company’s overall operations may not align with cruelty-free principles.

  3. Corporate Responsibility: Some large parent companies are making strides toward more ethical practices by supporting their cruelty-free subsidiaries and investing in alternative testing methods. Consumers can influence these changes by supporting cruelty-free brands, encouraging parent companies to adopt more ethical practices across their entire product line.

Notable Examples:

  • Independent Cruelty-Free Brands & brands owned by cruelty-free parent companies: Milani, Essence, Catrice, Anastasia Beverly Hills, etc.
  • Cruelty-Free Brands Owned by Non-Cruelty-Free Parent Companies: NYX Cosmetics (owned by L'Oréal), Smashbox (owned by 

    Estée Lauder), etc.

What Does It Mean When a Brand Has a Parent Company That Tests on Animals?

When a cruelty-free brand is owned by a parent company that tests on animals, it means that while the subsidiary brand adheres to cruelty-free practices, the larger parent company may still conduct animal testing on other products within its portfolio. This scenario often arises because parent companies, especially large multinational corporations, sell products in markets where animal testing is legally required, such as China.

Why Some People Choose to Support Them

  1. Encouraging Positive Change: Consumers may support cruelty-free brands owned by non-cruelty-free parent companies to encourage the parent company to adopt more ethical practices. By showing a preference for cruelty-free products, consumers can influence larger corporations to shift towards more humane testing methods.
  2. Supporting Cruelty-Free Practices: Even if the parent company conducts animal testing, buying from their cruelty-free subsidiary can help support and sustain the brand’s cruelty-free practices, promoting the overall growth of the cruelty-free movement.
  3. Brand Loyalty: Some consumers may have longstanding loyalty to specific cruelty-free brands due to product quality, performance, or personal values and may continue to support these brands regardless of their ownership.

Why Some People Choose Not to Support Them

  1. Indirect Support of Animal Testing: By purchasing from a cruelty-free brand owned by a parent company that tests on animals, some consumers feel they are indirectly supporting the parent company’s unethical practices. Money spent on cruelty-free products could ultimately contribute to the profits of a company that engages in animal testing.
  2. Ethical Consistency: For some, it’s important that all their consumer choices align with their ethical stance. They prefer to support independent cruelty-free brands or those whose parent companies also follow cruelty-free practices.
  3. Clear Ethical Message: Choosing not to support any brand associated with animal testing sends a clear and strong message to the beauty industry about the importance of cruelty-free practices. It can pressure companies to reconsider their policies and possibly adopt cruelty-free practices across all their brands.

Making an Informed Choice

Deciding whether to support a cruelty-free brand owned by a parent company that tests on animals is a personal choice. It involves weighing the benefits of supporting cruelty-free practices and the potential ethical compromises.