L’Oreal Paris is a consumer brand division of the parent company, L’Oreal Group but is L’Oreal Paris Cruelty-Free?
Is L’Oreal Cruelty-Free?
L’Oreal Paris is NOT Cruelty-free. L’Oreal Paris pays and allows their products to be tested on animals when required by law. L’Oreal Paris also sells its products in stores in mainland China where animal testing is mandatory for all imported cosmetics.
L’Oreal Paris is a subsidiary brand of the L’Oreal Group, a parent corporation that tests on animals when required by law.
L’Oreal Paris Animal Testing Policy
L’Oreal Paris states on its website, “Today, L’Oreal no longer tests its ingredients on animals and no longer tolerates any exception to this rule. Certain health authorities may nevertheless decide to conduct animal tests themselves for certain cosmetic products, as it is still the case in China.”
Below is a screenshot of what is currently stated on L’Oreal Paris’ website:
L’Oreal Paris and L’Oreal Group share the same animal testing policy where they allow their products to be tested on animals if the law requires it. Specifically in the case when selling their products in mainland China where animal testing for all imported cosmetics is required by law.
L’Oreal Paris Sold in China?
L’Oreal Paris products are indeed sold in China, below is a screenshot taken from L’Oreal Paris’ China website:
Although L’Oreal Paris may not be conducting these animal tests themselves, they are knowingly paying and consenting Chinese officials to test their products/ingredients on animals for them, in order to sell in their country.
Some would argue that L’Oreal has continuously contributed to the research and development of non-animal testing methods, in which some are being used and adopted in China today. And that we should continue to support and buy from L’Oreal if we want to work to see a global end to animal testing for cosmetics.
However, I personally do not feel comfortable supporting a brand that knowingly agrees and pays to have their products tested on animals.
Many truly cruelty-free brands have chosen not to sell their products in China because of the country’s animal testing laws. Unfortunately, L’Oreal Paris refuses to do the same and has decided to put profits before the welfare of animals.
Summary: L’Oreal Paris is NOT Cruelty-Free!
By choosing to sell in mainland China, L’Oreal Paris must have their products tested on animals. Therefore I would not consider L’Oreal Paris to be a cruelty-free brand.
L’Oreal Paris is on our List of Brands to Avoid – Animal Tested.
Is L’Oreal Vegan?
L’Oreal claims some of their products are “100% Vegan” however since L’Oreal tests on animals when required by law, we would not consider anything marketed or sold by L’Oreal Paris to be considered vegan.
Cruelty-Free Alternatives:
Looking for cruelty-free alternative to L’Oreal Paris? We recommend the following cruelty-free makeup brands:
- NYX *owned by L’Oreal – some vegan options
- Milani – some vegan options
- ELF – 100% Vegan
- CoverGirl *owned by Coty – some vegan options
- ColourPop – some vegan options
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Deb Fisher
November 10, 2020Have not purchased Loreal products for 20 years due to their animal testing, I do not tolerate any exceptions!