Is Clinique Cruelty Free? | Does Clinique Test on Animals?

October 8, 2019May 3, 2020 2 min read

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Clinique is a popular American beauty brand and we wanted to know, is Clinique cruelty-free?

Is Clinique Cruelty-free?

Clinique is not cruelty-free; Clinique sells their products in mainland China where animal testing is mandatory for all imported cosmetics and Clinique’s products and ingredients are tested on animals when required by law.

It should be noted that Clinique is owned by Estee Lauder, a parent corporation that does test on animals when required by law.

Clinique Animal Testing Statement

Clinique’s website states, “We do not conduct animal testing on our products or ingredients, nor ask others to test on our behalf, except when required by law.”

Below is a screenshot of what is currently on Clinique’s website:

Clinique's Animal Testing Policy in 2019 — Clinique’s Animal Testing Policy in 2019

The disclaimer of “except when required by law” implies Clinique may be selling their products in mainland China where animal testing is required by law for all imported cosmetics.

Clinique Sold in China?

Using Clinique’s online store locator, you can clearly see that Clinique has a number of in-store counters where their products are being sold, throughout Mainland China.

Below is a couple of screenshots taken from Clinique’s Chinese website, evidence that Clinique’s products are indeed sold in China.

Proof of Clinique selling in mainland China where animal testing is required by law

Because of Clinique’s decision to sell their products in China, they must consent and pay the Chinese government to test their products on animals as part of the registration process to sell Clinique products in China.

Although Clinique may not be conducting these animal tests themselves, but they are knowingly consenting Chinese officials to test their products on animals.

Many cruelty-free companies have chosen not to sell their products in mainland China because of the country’s animal testing requirements. If Clinique claims to be “committed to the elimination of animal testing” then why can’t they do the same?

Sadly, we would not consider Clinique to be cruelty-free because their products are sold in mainland China and are required by law to be tested on animals in 2019.