Based in France, L’Occitane offers a collection of body, face, fragrances and home products but is L’Occitane cruelty-free in 2020? We’ve got the answer here!
Is L’Occitane Cruelty-Free?
L’Occitane is NOT Cruelty-free. L’Occitane sells its products in stores in mainland China where animal testing is mandatory for all imported cosmetics. As a result, L’Occitane pays and allows its products to be tested on animals when required by law.
L’Occitane Animal Testing Policy
On L’Occitane’s website, they claim they do not test their products or ingredients on animals and they require all of their suppliers to adhere to their no animal testing policy as well.
However, L’Occitane states in China, where their products are sold, imported beauty products must be tested on animals in government laboratories before they can be approved for sale in the country.
Unfortunately, this means L’Occitane has chosen to sell its products in China with the full knowledge and understanding that they must submit its products to be tested on animals first.
Below is (part of) a screenshot of what’s currently stated on L’Occitane’s website:
Policies stating China’s animal testing laws usually implies the company is selling its products in mainland China. Because all imported cosmetics sold in stores in mainland China are required by law to be tested on animals.
Is L’Occitane Sold in China?
L’Occitane is in fact, selling their products in stores in mainland China. Below are a couple of screenshots I took from its Chinese website, clearly showing they have several stores in mainland China:
Because of L’Occitane’s decision to sell in mainland China stores, they must consent and pay to have their products tested on animals. That’s why all cosmetic brands selling in mainland China cannot be considered cruelty-free in 2020.
Although L’Occitane may not be conducting these animal tests themselves, they are knowingly allowing Chinese authorities to test their products on animals in order to sell in China.
In addition, cosmetics sold in China may also be subject to post-market animal testing. This is where Chinese authorities will pull beauty products off of store shelves and test them on animals. Post-market testing is often done without the company’s knowledge or consent.
This is why many truly cruelty-free brands have chosen not to sell their products in China because of the country’s animal testing laws. Unfortunately, L’Occitane refuses to do the same and has decided to put profits before the welfare of animals.
Some would argue that L’Occitane has done some great work throughout the years with on-going support and funding for alternatives to animal testing. And that this is enough of a reason to continue to support and buy L’Occitane products. However, I personally do not feel comfortable buying from a company that allows their products to be tested on animals.
Summary: L’Occitane is NOT Cruelty-Free!
To sum up, by choosing to sell in mainland China, L’Occitane must have their products tested on animals. Therefore I would not consider L’Occitane to be a cruelty-free brand.
Currently, L’Occitane is on our List of Brands to Avoid – Animal Tested.
Is L’Occitane Vegan?
L’Occitane claims some of its products are vegan however since we would not consider the brand 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 L’Occitane to be vegan.
In order for products to be considered vegan by ethical elephant’s standards, the products and their ingredients must not be tested on animals, anywhere in the world, and also must not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products.
Cruelty-Free Alternatives to L’Occitane
Looking to switch to cruelty-free brands? Here are some cruelty-free and vegan-friendly options that are similar to L’Occitane:
- The Body Shop – some vegan options
- Tata Harper – some vegan options
- Juice Beauty – some vegan options
- Farmacy – some vegan options
- OSEA – 100% Vegan
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What do you think?