Are you wondering if your favorite Glossier products are truly cruelty-free? You’re not alone. With growing awareness about animal testing in cosmetics, many beauty lovers want to know where their go-to brands stand.
The good news? Glossier has earned official cruelty-free certification and maintains strict no-testing policies. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Glossier’s commitment to cruelty-free beauty.
Is Glossier Cruelty Free?
Yes, Glossier is 100% cruelty-free. The brand has made a firm commitment that sets it apart from many competitors in the beauty industry. Glossier does not test its products or ingredients on animals at any stage of development. This isn’t just a marketing statement—it’s a verified policy backed by third-party certification.
The brand explicitly states on its website that it “does not test on animals at any stage of product development.” This comprehensive policy covers every aspect of their business operations, from initial ingredient sourcing to final product launch.
What Makes This Commitment Special?
Unlike brands that make vague statements about being “against animal testing,” Glossier provides specific details about its practices. They confirm that neither the company nor its suppliers nor any third parties conduct animal testing on their behalf. This level of transparency builds consumer trust and demonstrates genuine commitment.
Certified Cruelty-Free Status
Glossier holds recognized cruelty-free certification through the Leaping Bunny program, administered by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC). This certification means the brand meets international standards for no animal testing on any finished products or ingredients.
The Leaping Bunny certification is considered the gold standard in cruelty-free verification. It requires companies to:
- Sign legally binding agreements
- Submit to independent audits
- Allow ongoing monitoring of supply chains
- Commit to never testing on animals, even if laws change
Does Glossier Test on Animals?
The answer is a definitive no across all categories of testing that matter to consumers.
Finished Products: 100% Not Tested on Animals
Glossier confirms that no finished product has ever undergone animal testing at any stage. This includes both new product development and existing formulations. The company has maintained this policy since its founding and continues to uphold it as it expands its product line.
Ingredients and Suppliers: None Are Tested on Animals
Glossier’s policy explicitly covers ingredients and requires all ingredient suppliers to be cruelty-free. This supply chain commitment ensures that even before ingredients reach Glossier’s facilities, they have not been subjected to animal testing.
The brand works exclusively with suppliers who share its values and can verify their own cruelty-free practices. This creates a comprehensive system that protects animals throughout the entire product development process.
Third-Party Testing: Completely Forbidden
Glossier does not commission any external laboratories or partners to test on its behalf. This is crucial because some companies try to maintain plausible deniability by outsourcing animal testing to third parties while claiming they don’t test directly.
By explicitly forbidding third-party testing, Glossier eliminates any loopholes that might compromise its cruelty-free status.
Legal Compliance Strategy: Avoiding Mandatory Testing
One of the most challenging aspects of maintaining a cruelty-free status is navigating international markets where animal testing might be legally required. Glossier handles this by avoiding markets with mandatory testing requirements.
Specifically, Glossier does not sell its products in mainland China, which previously required animal testing for imported cosmetics. B
y avoiding Chinese retail markets, Glossier bypasses this requirement entirely while still maintaining global reach through other markets.
Meeting the Cruelty-Free Checklist
By fulfilling all standard cruelty-free criteria—no testing in-house, by suppliers, by third parties, or when required by law—Glossier fully qualifies as cruelty-free according to the most stringent industry standards.
Certifications & Official Recognition
Glossier’s cruelty-free status isn’t just self-proclaimed. The brand has earned recognition from respected organizations that verify cruelty-free claims through independent assessment.
Leaping Bunny (CCIC) Certification
Glossier is officially certified by Leaping Bunny through the CCIC in the USA and Canada. Cruelty Free International lists Glossier as “approved and licensed” under the Leaping Bunny program, confirming its cruelty-free commitment meets the highest international standards.
The Leaping Bunny certification process involves:
- Detailed application review
- Supply chain verification
- Ongoing monitoring requirements
- Regular re-certification processes
This isn’t a one-time achievement but an ongoing commitment that requires continuous compliance.
Independent Operation Advantage
Unlike many beauty brands owned by larger conglomerates, Glossier operates independently with no parent company influence. This independence is significant because it means their cruelty-free pledge isn’t undermined by any larger corporate entity that might test on animals.
Many consumers don’t realize that some cruelty-free brands are owned by parent companies that do test on animals. Glossier’s independence eliminates this concern entirely.
Public Company Statements
Glossier publicly affirms its cruelty-free policy through clear, unambiguous language. Their website declares:
“We’re committed to being cruelty-free: this means we do not test on animals at any stage of product development, and we will only work with vendors who uphold the same standards.”
This public commitment creates accountability and demonstrates transparency with consumers who care about these issues.
Third-Party Verification
Reputable sources like Cruelty-Free Kitty verify Glossier’s status through independent research. Cruelty-Free Kitty confirms that Glossier “does not test on animals” at any stage and has not sold products in animal-testing markets.
These third-party verifications provide additional assurance that goes beyond company self-reporting. Independent organizations have no financial incentive to promote specific brands, making their verification more credible.
Global Market & Chinese Regulations
Understanding how cruelty-free brands navigate international markets helps consumers appreciate the complexity of maintaining ethical standards while growing globally.
Worldwide Sales Strategy
Glossier sells globally via its online store and select retailers like Sephora, but maintains careful market selection to preserve its cruelty-free status. The brand has no physical stores in mainland China, ensuring compliance with international cruelty-free norms.
This strategic approach allows Glossier to serve customers worldwide while maintaining its ethical commitments. The brand prioritizes markets where it can operate according to its values.
Understanding China’s Changing Laws
For context, China’s regulatory landscape has been evolving. In 2023, China relaxed testing rules for certain “general cosmetics” like makeup and skincare sold without going through special certification processes.
However, Glossier currently still avoids the Chinese retail market altogether, meaning its products remain completely free from any animal testing requirements. This conservative approach ensures there’s no risk of compromise, even as regulations change.
The decision to avoid potentially lucrative markets demonstrates Glossier’s commitment to prioritizing ethical values over maximum profit potential.
Compliance in Other Regions
In markets where animal testing for cosmetics is banned by law—such as the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, and many other countries—Glossier naturally meets those regulations by virtue of its existing cruelty-free policy.
This global compliance strategy positions Glossier well as more countries implement bans on animal testing for cosmetics.
Cruelty-Free vs. Vegan: What It Means
Understanding the distinction between these terms helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
Defining Cruelty-Free
Cruelty-free guarantees that no animal testing is performed on the company’s products or ingredients at any stage of development, manufacturing, or marketing. This is Glossier’s certified status and covers all its products without exception.
The cruelty-free designation focuses on the process of product development rather than the ingredients themselves.
Defining Vegan
Vegan guarantees no animal-derived components in the product formulation. This includes obvious ingredients like honey or beeswax, as well as less obvious ones like certain colorants or processing aids.
Glossier is not 100% vegan, even though it is completely cruelty-free. This distinction is important for consumers with different ethical priorities.
Why the Difference Matters
These certifications address different ethical concerns:
- Cruelty-free focuses on preventing animal suffering during product development
- Vegan focuses on avoiding animal exploitation for ingredients
Consumer Decision-Making Advice
Shoppers should note that “cruelty-free” and “vegan” are separate claims with different requirements. You can choose Glossier products confidently, as they were not tested on animals, but you should check ingredient lists or vegan labels if you also require plant-based formulation.
Many consumers prioritize cruelty-free status over vegan ingredients, while others require both certifications. Understanding these distinctions helps you make choices that align with your personal values.
Is Glossier Vegan?
This question often comes up alongside cruelty-free discussions, but it’s important to understand these are separate issues.
Not Fully Vegan
Glossier is cruelty-free but not 100% vegan. Some products use animal-derived ingredients such as:
- Beeswax (from bee hives)
- Honey (bee product)
- Lanolin (from sheep’s wool)
- Carmine (red pigment from cochineal insects)
These ingredients are obtained without harming animals, but they are still animal-derived, which means they don’t meet vegan standards.
Vegan-Friendly Product Options
The brand clearly labels vegan products on its website with distinctive plant icons, making it easy for vegan consumers to identify suitable options. Many of Glossier’s popular items are vegan, including:
- Brow Flick eyebrow pen
- Generation G lipstick collection
- Milky Jelly Cleanser
- Cloud Paint blush range
- Futuredew serum
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty, approximately 22 Glossier products are vegan and clearly marked as such on the company’s website.
Future Formula Commitments
Glossier has indicated that future formulations will prioritize vegan ingredients, showing their commitment to evolving with consumer values and preferences. This suggests the percentage of vegan products in their lineup will likely increase over time.
Consumer Guidance for Vegan Shoppers
Customers seeking vegan products should look for the plant icon label on Glossier’s product descriptions. This clear labeling system helps consumers make informed choices that align with their values.
Is Glossier a Clean Brand?
The concept of “clean beauty” often comes up alongside cruelty-free discussions, though it addresses different aspects of product safety and ingredient selection.
Defining Clean Beauty
Clean beauty typically refers to products formulated without certain ingredients that some consumers prefer to avoid, such as:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic fragrances
- Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
- Certain chemical sunscreens
Glossier’s Clean Beauty Approach
Glossier focuses on ingredient transparency and safety rather than adhering to specific “clean” formulation rules. The brand:
- Lists all ingredients clearly on product pages
- Explains the purpose of key ingredients
- Conducts thorough safety testing without animals
- Works with dermatologists to ensure product safety
Safety Without Compromise
Rather than following arbitrary “clean” ingredient lists, Glossier prioritizes:
- Ingredient efficacy for intended results
- Safety for all skin types
- Transparency about what’s in each product
- Evidence-based formulation decisions
This approach ensures products are both safe and effective, rather than simply meeting marketing definitions of “clean.”
Ingredient Innovation
Glossier continues to innovate with newer, safer ingredients when they become available and proven effective. This evolution shows commitment to improvement without sacrificing product performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Glossier ever tested on animals in the past?
No, Glossier has maintained a cruelty-free policy since its founding in 2014. The company has never conducted animal testing or commissioned others to do so on their behalf.
What happens if laws change requiring animal testing?
Glossier’s Leaping Bunny certification requires them to maintain their no-testing policy even if laws change in markets where they operate. The company would exit markets rather than compromise this commitment, as demonstrated by their current avoidance of mainland China.
Are all Glossier ingredients cruelty-free?
Yes, Glossier requires all ingredient suppliers to be cruelty-free, ensuring the entire supply chain meets its standards. This supply chain verification is part of their Leaping Bunny certification requirements.
How can I verify a brand’s cruelty-free claims?
Look for official certifications like Leaping Bunny, check reputable databases like Cruelty-Free Kitty or Cruelty Free International, and review company policies for specific language about testing practices and market presence.
Does cruelty-free mean the same thing as not tested on animals?
While often used interchangeably, “cruelty-free” typically implies a more comprehensive policy covering finished products, ingredients, and third-party testing. “Not tested on animals” might have loopholes depending on how it’s defined by individual companies.
Can I trust online cruelty-free databases?
Reputable sources like Cruelty-Free Kitty and Cruelty Free International verify brand claims through independent research and regular updates. However, always check multiple sources and look for official certifications when possible.
Conclusion
Glossier stands as an exemplary model of how beauty brands can maintain high-quality products while respecting animal welfare. Their comprehensive cruelty-free policy, backed by Leaping Bunny certification, demonstrates a genuine commitment that goes beyond marketing claims.
The brand’s strategic decisions—from supplier requirements to market selection—show consistency between stated values and business practices. While not all Glossier products are vegan, every single item in their lineup is guaranteed cruelty-free through verified, ongoing certification processes.