Charlotte Tilbury is a luxury makeup brand loved for its high-quality products and glamorous packaging. Founded in 2013 by makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, the renowned founder, the brand has gained popularity worldwide.
If you care about animal welfare, you might be wondering about its ethical standing. The good news is that Charlotte Tilbury is cruelty-free, and this article gives you the clear answer with all the facts to help you make smart shopping choices in 2025.
Is Charlotte Tilbury Cruelty Free?
Yes, Charlotte Tilbury is officially cruelty-free. The brand has Leaping Bunny certification from Cruelty Free International, which is the gold standard for cruelty-free products, demonstrating that companies can be fully cruelty-free when committed.
This means Charlotte Tilbury does not test on animals at any stage of product development, from ingredients to finished products.
Does Charlotte Tilbury Test on Animals?
Charlotte Tilbury does not conduct any animal experiments on its products or ingredients. The brand has maintained strict policies against animal testing since its launch in 2013.
On their official website, Charlotte Tilbury states:
“Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Ltd and our suppliers do not test our products or the ingredients used in our products on animals for cosmetic purposes.” Source
What makes a brand truly “cruelty-free” in the beauty industry? It means:
- No testing of ingredients on animals
- No testing of finished products or ingredients on animals
- No testing by third parties on animals on their behalf
- No selling in markets that require animal testing (with some exceptions we’ll explain)
Charlotte Tilbury meets all these requirements and has maintained its commitment to cruelty-free practices since the brand began.
Charlotte Tilbury’s Cruelty-Free Certification
In September 2021, Charlotte Tilbury received the Leaping Bunny certification from Cruelty Free International. Source
This is significant because the Leaping Bunny Program is considered the most trusted cruelty-free certification worldwide, providing a higher level of assurance, as some brands may claim to be fully cruelty-free without being certified by such a rigorous body.
To get this certification, Charlotte Tilbury had to meet strict standards that go beyond basic legal requirements and adhere to strict monitoring. The certification process involves:
- Detailed audits of the company’s supply chain
- Verification that no animal testing occurs at any stage
- Regular checks to ensure continued compliance
- Commitment to not selling in markets that require animal testing
According to Charlotte Tilbury’s website:
“At Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, it was important to us that we meet the rigorous globally applied criteria which extend over and above laws governing animal testing and include ongoing independent audits as we are committed to maintaining our cruelty-free status.” Source
This certification is a good indicator of their ethical commitment and helps guarantee to shoppers that Charlotte Tilbury truly follows cruelty-free practices.
Parent Company Considerations: Puig and Animal Testing
In June 2020, Spanish company Puig acquired Charlotte Tilbury. Source
When a cruelty-free brand becomes owned by a parent company, it often raises questions about its ethical status, especially if it’s a parent company that tests on animals for its other lines, or some of its brands are not cruelty-free.
This is because sometimes the profits from cruelty-free brands might indirectly support the larger corporation’s activities, including potential funding of testing for other entities.
Puig owns several other beauty and fragrance brands, and not all of them are cruelty-free. Some sources list Puig on “companies that test on animals” lists, which can be confusing for consumers, as some parent companies are not cruelty-free in their entirety, unlike, for example, companies like The Estée Lauder Companies, which have a mixed portfolio including brands that test.
Some consumers choose to boycott brands whose parent companies are involved in animal testing, while others choose to support individual cruelty-free brands if they operate independently in their ethical sourcing and testing policies. It’s a personal choice, but the key is whether the specific brand can truly operate independently from the parent when it comes to these crucial ethical commitments.
The good news is that Charlotte Tilbury has maintained its cruelty-free status even after the acquisition. The brand continues to follow the same animal testing policies it had before Puig purchased it and appears to function independently from the parent company in this regard.
The China Controversy Explained
China’s animal testing requirements have been a major hurdle for cruelty-free brands wanting to enter this huge market, where, for a long time, having products available meant compliance with local testing regulations.
Until recently, for many imported cosmetics sold in physical stores in mainland China, animal testing was required by law. This often puts brands in a difficult position.
In January 2020, Cruelty Free Kitty (a respected cruelty-free guide) removed Charlotte Tilbury from their cruelty-free list due to concerns about the brand’s “Little B” pop-up stores in China. These stores operated in a grey area:
- They didn’t directly sell products in stores (customers ordered online)
- But they kept product testers in the stores
- These testers could potentially be subject to post-market animal testing if a customer filed a complaint
However, China has changed its animal testing laws significantly since then, marking recent changes that have been welcomed by brands and consumers alike. In 2021, China no longer requires mandatory animal testing for most imported cosmetics. Source
Brands can now avoid animal testing through:
- Cross-border e-commerce (shipping directly to consumers)
- Getting special exemptions by meeting certain requirements
- Participating in pilot programs with organizations like Cruelty Free International and even organizations like PETA, have been involved in advocating for these alternatives.
Charlotte Tilbury has navigated these changes successfully, meaning their products are now available in China without compromising their cruelty-free commitment.
As of 2025, Charlotte Tilbury has regained its standing as a fully cruelty-free brand, with the Leaping Bunny certification confirming their status.
Is Charlotte Tilbury Vegan?
Charlotte Tilbury is not a fully vegan brand, meaning not all of its products are free from animal-derived ingredients. However, the brand does offer vegan options, with many vegan products even among their bestsellers.
Charlotte Tilbury’s vegan products include:
- Many of their bestselling lipsticks and lip products
- Several foundations and face products
- Most eye makeup, including many eyeshadows
- Some skincare items
The brand has a dedicated “vegan” section on their website where you can browse all their vegan-friendly options, which helps make it easy for consumers. Some of their most popular vegan products include:
- Hollywood Flawless Filter
- Airbrush Flawless Foundation
- Matte Revolution Lipstick (many shades)
- Eyes to Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow
- Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation
If you’re a vegan shopper, always verify the specific product page or ask customer service about a particular item, as formulations can change over time.
Is Charlotte Tilbury Clean?
Charlotte Tilbury is not considered a “clean beauty” brand. While “clean” has no standard definition in the beauty industry, it typically refers to products free from certain controversial ingredients.
A Charlotte Tilbury product contains various ingredients, and some may include:
- Parabens (in some products)
- Synthetic fragrances
- Other ingredients some “clean beauty” advocates avoid
The brand does not market itself as “clean beauty” but instead focuses on product performance and its cruelty-free status.
Some Charlotte Tilbury products are labeled “Clean at Sephora,” meaning they meet Sephora’s standards for avoiding certain ingredients, but this doesn’t apply to the entire range.
If you’re concerned about specific ingredients, check the product listings or contact Charlotte Tilbury’s customer service for the most up-to-date formulation information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charlotte Tilbury’s Ethical Practices
Are Charlotte Tilbury products vegan?
Not all Charlotte Tilbury products are vegan, but the brand offers a wide range of vegan options as an alternative for those avoiding animal-derived ingredients. These include many lipsticks, foundations, eyeshadows, and some skincare items. Charlotte Tilbury clearly labels its vegan products on its website to make shopping easier.
Who owns Charlotte Tilbury?
Charlotte Tilbury is owned by Puig, a Spanish fashion and fragrance company that acquired the brand in 2020. While Puig owns some brands that aren’t cruelty-free, Charlotte Tilbury has maintained its cruelty-free status after the acquisition.
Has Charlotte Tilbury’s cruelty-free status changed over time?
Yes, Charlotte Tilbury’s cruelty-free status has faced some challenges. In 2020, the brand was temporarily removed from some cruelty-free lists due to concerns about its presence in China through pop-up stores. However, with changes in Chinese regulations and Charlotte Tilbury joining the Cruelty Free International pilot program, the brand received Leaping Bunny certification in 2021. This certification is now a strong indicator of their ethical practices and confirms they are widely recognized as cruelty-free.
Is Charlotte Tilbury’s makeup range suitable for vegans?
While not all Charlotte Tilbury products are vegan, the brand offers many vegan options across all makeup categories. About 60% of their product range is vegan-friendly. The brand clearly labels which products are vegan on their website and packaging to help vegan consumers make informed choices.
Conclusion
Charlotte Tilbury is officially a cruelty-free brand in 2025, certified by the Leaping Bunny Program. The brand, led by its expert founder, does not test on animals at any stage of production and has found ethical ways to navigate the Chinese market without compromising its cruelty-free status.
While Charlotte Tilbury is owned by Puig, which also owns non-cruelty-free brands, Charlotte Tilbury itself maintains strict cruelty-free standards. The brand offers many vegan options but isn’t 100% vegan or “clean.”
Ultimately, shoppers choose which brands align with their values. For those who prioritize cruelty-free beauty and want to choose products accordingly, Charlotte Tilbury is a safe choice in 2025. The brand’s Leaping Bunny certification provides trustworthy assurance that no animals are harmed in creating their luxury makeup and skincare products. If you have more questions, please feel free to consult the brand’s official resources.