You can find Makeup Geek cruelty-free products at Target.

Makeup Geek is Cruelty-Free

Makeup Geek has confirmed they do not test their products or ingredients on animals or ask others to test on their behalf. Their suppliers also do not test on animals, nor do they allow their products to be tested on animals when required by law. And finally, their products are not sold in stores in mainland China or any other country that may require animal testing.

By our standards, we would consider Makeup Geek to be Cruelty-Free.

Below is a screenshot of what’s currently stated on Makeup Geek’s website about its cruelty-free claims:

What About China’s Animal Testing Laws?

Makeup Geek has confirmed they do not sell their products in retail stores in mainland China; therefore, they are not required to test on animals.

“Thank you for contacting our customer service team. At this time we do not have any distributors in China.“

As of May 1, 2021, some imported ordinary cosmetics can be exempt from animal testing under certain conditions. However, for the most part, animal testing is still legally required for most imported cosmetics in 2022.

Cruelty-Free Policies

Note that there is no legal definition for the label ‘Cruelty-Free.’ It can mean different things to different people. But Cruelty-Free is generally used to imply no animal testing. More specifically, the ingredients, formulation, or finished product are not tested on animals at any stage of product development.

At ethical elephant, we always assess a company’s cruelty-free policy using our Cruelty-Free Checklist. This ensures no animal testing was performed by the brand itself, its suppliers, or any third parties.

Also, note that Cruelty-Free and Vegan don’t always mean the same thing.

Makeup Geek is Not 100% Vegan

‘Vegan’ in cosmetics can refer to an entire brand that is 100% Vegan or a specific product is vegan.

In the case of Makeup Geek, not all of their products are vegan. But they have some products that are suitable for vegans.

The following is a screenshot of what’s currently stated on Makeup Geek’s official website about its vegan products:

How to know which of Makeup Geek’s products are vegan?

All of Makeup Geek’s vegan products are clearly marked on their website.

Here’s an image I designed showcasing Makeup Geek’s extensive range of vegan makeup products!

Vegan Policies

Similar to ‘Cruelty-Free,’ there is no standard or legal definition for the label ‘Vegan.’ But it’s usually used in the context to describe something that doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients or animal by-products.

Some common animal products used in cosmetics include carmine, lanolin, snail mucus, beeswax, honey, pearl or silk-derived ingredients, animal-based glycerin, keratin, and squalene.

There are plant-based and synthetic alternatives to animal-derived ingredients. But it’s sometimes difficult to know with certainty whether a product is vegan just by reading the ingredient list.

So it’s best to ask the company and manufacturers to ensure the ingredients they’ve chosen to use were from non-animal sources.

Where are Makeup Geek’s products made?

When I asked Makeup Geek where their products are manufactured, they told me:

“We would love to provide you with some information on where our products are made! All Face Pans (blush, bronzer, highlighter), Signature Shadows, Foiled Shadows, Power Pigments, Sparklers, and Loose Pigments are made here in the USA! Following, our Eyeliners and Brow Duos are made in Germany; Eyelashes and Empty Palettes are made in China.“

*Note: Cosmetics made in China are not required to be tested on animals. Only cosmetics that are imported and sold in physical stores in mainland China are required to be tested on animals according to China’s animal testing laws.

Ethical Mica Mining Policy

Mica is a mineral that’s used in cosmetics to add a shimmery effect. But the mining of natural mica has been linked to child labor and human rights violations.

Unless the company discloses its mica mining policy, we have no way of knowing whether its mica is ethically sourced without child or forced labor.

So I asked Makeup Geek if their mica is ethically sourced without the use of child labor and they responded by stating,

“We have confirmed the Mica from our labs is ethically obtained and does not involve child labor. We have received confirmation from all of our manufacturers.”

I hope this article helped you to understand Makeup Geek’s cruelty-free and vegan status and by choosing cruelty-free together, we can help end animal testing for cosmetics once and for all!