L’Oréal proudly states that they are one of the first who stopped testing their products on animals. They had stopped animal testing 30 years ago. That’s great but then why isn’t L’Oréal cruelty-free? As we did with MAC cosmetics about a month ago, let’s go directly to the part where the answer is hinted.
Does L’Oréal test on animals?
- “L’Oréal does not test any of its products or any of its ingredients on animals and has been at the forefront of alternative methods for over 30 years.”
So L’Oréal does not test on animals. However, it does not stop there.
Is L’Oréal owned by a parent that is not cruelty-free?
As most of you know L’Oréal is already the parent company. PETA lists L’Oréal as an animal testing company.
Is L’Oréal certified cruelty-free?
L’Oreal is not certified cruelty-free.
Is L’Oréal cruelty-free?
- “Certain health authorities may nevertheless decide to conduct animal tests themselves for certain cosmetic products, as it is still the case in China.”
They are aware that their products can be tested by authorities in Mainland China. - “L’Oréal has been the most active company working alongside the Chinese authorities and scientists for over 10 years to have alternative testing methods recognized, and permit the cosmetic regulation to evolve towards a total and definite elimination of animal testing.”
That’s nice but why not work to avoid their cosmetics from being tested?
- “Thanks to this, since 2014, certain products manufactured and sold in China like shampoo, body wash or certain make-up are no longer tested on animals.”
They know that if they sold the products mentioned above, their products would avoid from being tested on animals. I would have no problem if ‘certain products’ were vegan. However, since the 2000s or earlier ‘certain products’ are cruelty-free doesn’t seem acceptable. So why not limit the range to the product categories above for Mainland China? So although they are working with China to find alternatives, L’Oréal is not cruelty-free yet.
I haven’t pasted the whole L’Oréal animal testing policy or else this post will become long and boring. I try to go straight to the sentences where they hint us the answers with their play of words. From what I have been seeing right now, the first paragraphs from such companies are usually misleading. Since we tend not to read the whole page, they somehow write the first paragraphs in a way to make us believe that they are cruelty-free. It’s in the paragraphs after where I usually find the answer.
Which brands should I support instead?
If you are looking for a brand who is serious about its anti-animal-testing policy. Check my list of brands that are against animal testing. If you have other brands which you have questions about, please leave a comment below.
Source: L’Oréal Animal Testing Policy as at 11/1/2021
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