IT Cosmetics is a popular makeup brand known for its problem-solving products, especially its best-selling CC Cream. But if you care about animal welfare, you might be wondering: Is IT Cosmetics cruelty-free?
This guide gives you the straight facts about their animal testing policies, vegan options, and everything you need to make an informed choice in 2025.
Is IT Cosmetics Cruelty-Free?
Yes, IT Cosmetics is certified cruelty-free. The company does not test their products or ingredients on animals at any stage of product development. Their suppliers also don’t test on animals, and IT Cosmetics doesn’t allow third parties to conduct animal testing on their behalf.
IT Cosmetics has earned the PETA Global Beauty Without Bunnies certification. This means they’ve met PETA’s standards for being a cruelty-free company. You can find the PETA bunny logo on their products and website, which shows their commitment to animal welfare. These NGOs play a crucial role in oversight for consumers.
However, IT Cosmetics is not Leaping Bunny certified, which is considered by some to be a stricter certification program. Despite this, their animal testing policy is clear and meets the basic requirements for a cruelty-free brand; some brands might be fully cruelty-free without being certified by every single organization, but certifications offer strong validation.
According to their official policy, IT Cosmetics does not:
- Test finished products on animals
- Test ingredients on animals
- Ask suppliers to test on animals
- Tests on animals were required by law
This policy applies globally, including markets where animal testing might otherwise be required.
IT Cosmetics’ Parent Company: The L’Oréal Connection
In 2016, L’Oréal bought IT Cosmetics for $1.2 billion. This acquisition made Jamie Kern Lima, IT Cosmetics’ co-founder, the first female CEO of a L’Oréal brand. Now, the fact that IT Cosmetics is owned by L’Oréal is significant for some consumers. Source
L’Oréal’s stance on animal testing is complicated. The company claims they no longer test on animals and haven’t since 1989. However, L’Oréal is still on PETA’s “do test” list because they sell products in countries where animal testing may be required by law, such as China. The complexities of the beauty industry mean that a parent company that tests on animals can still own certified cruelty-free brands.
Many consumers who care deeply about animal rights choose to avoid brands owned by a parent company that allows animal testing somewhere in their supply chain, and some may even call for a boycott of the parent company itself. This is a personal choice based on how strictly you define “cruelty-free,” as some believe these parent companies are not cruelty-free in their entirety.
Despite being owned by a parent company like L’Oréal, IT Cosmetics has maintained its cruelty-free status. The brand continues to follow its no-animal-testing policy, even after the acquisition, and claims to operate independently from the parent company in this regard. However, some of your money may ultimately support a larger entity with different standards, which is why some shoppers choose to boycott such brands.
Does IT Cosmetics Test on Animals?
No, IT Cosmetics does not test on animals. They do not conduct or fund animal testing for cosmetics at any level, from their ingredients to their finished products. They don’t engage in animal testing as a brand, and neither do their suppliers or any third parties, anywhere in the world. This means no cruelty is involved in their production process.
IT Cosmetics also doesn’t sell its products in countries where animal testing is required by law. This includes mainland China, where imported cosmetics have traditionally been subject to mandatory animal testing.
It’s worth noting that IT Cosmetics was certified cruelty-free by PETA before their acquisition by L’Oréal, and they have maintained this certification, demonstrating they adhere to strict guidelines.
Is IT Cosmetics Vegan?
No, IT Cosmetics is not 100% vegan. While the brand is cruelty-free, many of their products contain animal-derived ingredients. They do offer vegan options, but not for their entire line.
It’s important to understand that “cruelty-free” and “vegan” mean different things:
- Cruelty-free means no animal testing
- Vegan means no animal ingredients or by-products. So, while IT Cosmetics is cruelty-free, not all its products are made without animal-derived components.
IT Cosmetics offers some vegan products, but their full line isn’t vegan. Some of their popular products, including their best-selling CC Cream, contain non-vegan ingredients, often referred to as animal products.
For example, the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream contains snail secretion filtrate (also known as snail mucin), which is used for its hydrating properties. This ingredient comes from snails, making the product non-vegan.
Other common animal-derived ingredients used in some IT Cosmetics products include:
- Beeswax
- Carmine (a red pigment from insects)
- Lanolin (from sheep’s wool)
- Various animal-derived oils and fats
Vegan Options from IT Cosmetics
Although IT Cosmetics isn’t fully vegan, they do offer some vegan products even if their entire range is not. For example, their Confidence in a Cream moisturizer is vegan, as stated on their website with a notation: “Vegan formula: no animal-derived ingredients.”
IT Cosmetics doesn’t have a clear labeling system to help consumers identify which products are vegan. This makes it challenging to shop for vegan options without researching each specific product individually.
Some of their newer skincare formulas appear to be moving toward vegan ingredients. For instance, the Amazon description of their Secret Sauce Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer states that the “paraben-free formula is now also clean, vegan and free of fragrance and mineral oil.” This is a good indicator of their ethical direction concerning ingredient sourcing.
If you’re specifically looking for vegan products, you’ll need to check the ingredient lists carefully or contact the company directly to confirm which items are completely free of animal-derived ingredients, perhaps using their online contact form; please feel free to reach out to them for the most current information.
Is IT Cosmetics Clean Beauty?
No, IT Cosmetics is not considered a clean beauty brand by most standards. According to analysis from Better Goods and Conscious Bunny, IT Cosmetics products contain various synthetic ingredients and potentially harsh chemicals that don’t meet clean beauty criteria. The conversation around “clean” also sometimes touches on ethical sourcing beyond animal testing, such as concerns about mica mining, though this is a separate issue from their cruelty-free status.
While some of their products may exclude certain controversial ingredients like parabens or sulfates, the complete formulations don’t align with what most experts consider “clean beauty.”
Some companies can be fully cruelty-free but not meet “clean” standards.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), which analyzes product safety, has rated many IT Cosmetics products in its Skin Deep database. The ratings vary by product, with some having moderate concerns for certain ingredients.
IT Cosmetics does market some products as “clean,” particularly newer formulations. For example, their CC+ Nude Glow foundation is advertised as talc-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. However, the full ingredient lists still contain many synthetic ingredients. Determining whether a product aligns with “clean” standards requires scrutiny of these lists.
IT Cosmetics CC Cream Ingredient Analysis
The IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream is their flagship product, but it contains several non-vegan ingredients. The most notable is snail secretion filtrate, which appears high on the ingredient list, indicating it’s present in significant amounts. Products that may contain such ingredients cannot be classified as vegan.
Snail secretion filtrate is a substance that snails produce to protect and repair their skin and shells. In skincare, it’s valued for its hydrating, anti-aging, and skin-repairing properties. However, since it comes from animals (snails), products containing it aren’t considered vegan.
Other key ingredients in the CC+ Cream include:
- Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (physical sunscreens)
- Niacinamide (vitamin B3 for brightening)
- Hyaluronic acid (for hydration)
- Peptides (for anti-aging)
- Various plant extracts
The product provides SPF 50+ protection, full coverage, and skincare benefits, which explains its popularity. However, those following a vegan lifestyle will want to look for alternatives without snail secretion.
Some users report that the original formula can feel heavy or cakey on the skin. The brand has expanded the CC+ Cream line to include different finishes (matte, illuminating, and nude glow), but all versions contain non-vegan ingredients.
How to Verify Cruelty-Free Claims Independently
If you want to check a brand’s cruelty-free status yourself, here are the steps you can take:
- Look for certifications: PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies and Leaping Bunny are the most recognized cruelty-free certifications.
- Visit certification websites: Check PETA’s list (crueltyfree.peta.org) or Leaping Bunny’s directory to confirm a brand’s status.
- Read the animal testing policy: Look for clear statements that the company, its suppliers, and third parties don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals, and that they don’t sell in markets requiring animal testing. Knowing the country of origin for ingredients can also be part of deeper research for some consumers.
- Contact the company directly: Ask specific questions about their testing practices, ingredient sourcing, and whether they sell in China or other markets that may require animal testing. In an effort to educate consumers, brands should be transparent, including details like whether products are made in the United States, if that’s a concern for you.
- Check reliable databases: Websites like Cruelty-Free Kitty, Ethical Elephant, and Logical Harmony research brands’ policies and update their lists regularly. These resources help determine whether the brand truly meets cruelty-free standards.
Red flags to watch for include vague language, policies that only address “finished product” testing (which may allow ingredient testing), or statements like “except where required by law.” This indicates they might sell their products where animal testing is mandated.
Ethical Alternatives to IT Cosmetics
If you prefer products that are both cruelty-free AND vegan, here are some alternatives to IT Cosmetics. Many shoppers choose these brands for their comprehensive ethical commitments.
Vegan CC Cream Alternatives:
- e.l.f. Camo CC Cream: A budget-friendly option with SPF 30 that’s both vegan and cruelty-free
- Pacifica Ultra CC Cream: 100% vegan and cruelty-free with natural ingredients and SPF protection
- Thrive Causemetics Buildable Blur CC Cream: Vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens and sulfates.
- Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream: Organic, vegan, and provides good coverage with SPF 30
Reddit users specifically mentioned Juice Beauty’s CC Cream as a good vegan alternative to IT Cosmetics’ formula, though some find it slightly drying. It’s always a bit of a gamble when trying new products.
Other Vegan Makeup Brands to Consider:
- Cover FX: 100% vegan and cruelty-free with high-performance products
- Milk Makeup: Entirely vegan and cruelty-free with modern, multi-use products
- Kat Von D Beauty: Committed to veganism and cruelty-free formulations
- Hourglass: High-end brand that’s now fully vegan and cruelty-free. While IT Cosmetics has L’Oréal as its parent, Hourglass is owned by Unilever, another large corporation similar to Procter & Gamble or Estee Lauder, which are also significant players with diverse brand portfolios.
These brands offer various coverage options from light to full, with different finishes to suit your preferences. You can often find these alternatives in online stores or physical stores.
Conclusion
IT Cosmetics is certified cruelty-free by PETA and doesn’t test on animals at any stage of production. However, it’s not a 100% vegan brand, as many products contain animal-derived ingredients like snail secretion filtrate. The company also isn’t considered a clean beauty brand by most standards. Their commitment to having strict policies against animal testing is commendable.
Being owned by L’Oréal, a company that tests on animals in some markets, adds another layer to consider when making ethical beauty choices. Many consumers look for an indicator of their ethical practices beyond just the individual brand’s certification.
FAQs About IT Cosmetics’ Cruelty-Free Status
Does IT Cosmetics sell in China?
No, IT Cosmetics does not sell its products in China or other markets where animal testing laws might require it.
Does IT Cosmetics test on animals when required by law?
No, IT Cosmetics maintains a strict no-animal-testing policy and does not make exceptions, even when local laws might require it. Instead, they choose not to sell their products where animal testing is a mandate.
Is IT Cosmetics good?
Many consumers and makeup artists praise IT Cosmetics for their product performance, particularly their CC Cream, which offers good coverage and skincare benefits. Quality is subjective, but the brand has won numerous beauty awards across several countries around the world.
Is IT Cosmetics a clean brand?
No, IT Cosmetics is not considered a clean beauty brand. While some products avoid certain controversial ingredients, their formulations still contain synthetic ingredients that don’t meet clean beauty standards.
Is IT Cosmetics Leaping Bunny certified?
No, IT Cosmetics is not Leaping Bunny certified. They are certified by PETA’s Global Beauty Without Bunnies program, which has different requirements; PETA is a key partner in the cruelty-free movement.
Does L’Oréal’s ownership affect IT Cosmetics’ cruelty-free status?
While IT Cosmetics maintains its cruelty-free certification and policies, and claims to operate independently from the parent company on these matters, some consumers choose to avoid brands owned by parent companies like L’Oréal that may test on animals in certain markets. This is a personal decision based on how strictly you define “cruelty-free.” Ultimately, these decisions are made by consumers across the world.