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 in 2021; Clinique pays and allows others to test their products on animals when required by law. In addition, Clinique does sell its products in mainland China where animal testing is mandatory for most imported cosmetics.

It should also be noted that Clinique is owned by Estee Lauder, a parent corporation that also 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.“

But this statement is very misleading because the truth is, Clinique pays and allows others to test their products on animals for them when the law requires it. Specifically, the law in China requires most imported cosmetics to be tested on animals. Clinique chooses to sell in China knowing that their products must be tested on animals by the Chinese government.

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

Clinique is also not certified cruelty-free by any third-party organizations (like Leaping Bunny or PETA). In fact, Clinique is on PETA’s Blacklist of Brands that DO Test On Animals.

Is 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.

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

Although Clinique may not be conducting these animal tests themselves, 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?

Unfortunately, Clinique has decided to put profits before the welfare of animals.

Summary: Clinique is NOT Cruelty-Free!

By choosing to sell in mainland China, Clinique must have their products be tested on animals. Therefore I would not consider Clinique to be a cruelty-free brand.

Clinique is on our List of Brands to Avoid – Animal Tested.

Is Clinique Vegan?

Since we would not consider Clinique to be cruelty-free as their products are tested on animals when required by law, we also wouldn’t consider anything sold or manufactured by Clinique to be vegan.

I also noticed Sephora listing some of Clinique products in their “Vegan Skincare” category but note that Clinique is NOT cruelty-free. Clinique products are tested on animals.

I’m assuming Sephora is labeling products as “vegan” when they’re formulated without any animal ingredients or by-products. But “Vegan” Cosmetics should also consider whether the products or its ingredients were tested on animals, anywhere in the world.

Cruelty-Free Alternatives to Clinique:

Looking to switch to cruelty-free brands? Here are some cruelty-free options that are similar to Clinique:

• Derma E – 100% Vegan
• Pacifica – 100% Vegan
• Andalou Naturals – mostly vegan, check labels
• 100% Pure – some vegan options

Lots of you guys have been asking for a cruelty-free alternative to Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm and I would recommend Farmacy’s Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm (it’s also vegan!).

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