L’Oreal is one of the biggest companies in the global beauty industry. They sell makeup, skincare, and hair products that millions of people use every day. Many shoppers today care about buying products that don’t hurt animals, raising the question of animal testing frequently.
This article digs into the truth about L’Oreal’s animal testing policies using the most up-to-date information. We’ll help you understand whether L’Oreal is truly cruelty-free and what that means for how shoppers choose their products.
Is L’Oreal Cruelty Free?
No, L’Oreal is not considered cruelty-free according to standard industry definitions.
To be truly cruelty-free, a company must meet these requirements:
- No testing of finished products on animals
- No testing of ingredients on animals
- No third-party testing on animals
- No selling in markets where animal testing is required by law, a key criterion for certification.
While L’Oreal claims they don’t test on animals themselves, they sell their products in mainland China, where some animal testing may still be required by law. This is the main reason they are not recognized as a cruelty-free company that tests on animals, even if indirectly.
It raises questions about whether companies can be fully cruelty-free while operating under such regulations.
L’Oreal is not certified by major cruelty-free organizations like:
L’Oreal’s official statement (shown above) says they don’t test on animals, but there’s more to the story than what they say on their website, as they don’t adhere to the strictest definitions.
Does L’Oreal Test on Animals?
According to L’Oreal’s official statements, they claim:
“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 40 years.” L’Oreal
Here’s a timeline of L’Oreal’s animal testing policies:
- 1979: Started developing reconstructed human skin models as alternatives to animal testing
- 1989: Announced they completely stopped testing products on animals (14 years before it was required by regulations); they state they no longer tests its ingredients on animals either.
- 2013: L’Oreal expanded into the Chinese market, where animal testing was mandatory
- 2021: China relaxed some of its animal testing requirements for certain cosmetic products
L’Oreal has invested heavily in alternative testing methods. Their most notable development is Episkin, human skin models in laboratories to elaborate safer testing protocols.
This technology, developed using these models in laboratories to elaborate in vitro tests, has been recognized by the European Commission as one of the key alternative testing methods recognized globally. They claim they no longer tolerate any exception to their no-testing rule internally.
| What L’Oreal Claims | What Certification Bodies Require |
| “L’Oreal doesn’t test on animals” | Must not test ingredients or products on animals |
| “We’ve been against animal testing since 1989.” | Must not hire third parties to conduct animal testing |
| “We develop alternative testing methods.” | Must not sell in markets where animal testing is required |
| “Most products we sell in China aren’t tested on animals.” | Must not have ANY products tested on animals anywhere |
Why L’Oreal Is Not Considered Cruelty-Free: The China Factor
The biggest reason L’Oreal isn’t considered cruelty-free is that it sells its products in China.
Until recently, Chinese law required animal testing for all imported cosmetics. While China has been changing these laws, the situation is complicated:
- Pre-market testing: Before May 2021, all imported cosmetics required animal testing
- Post-market testing: Even with pre-market changes, health authorities may nevertheless decide to conduct post-market tests on products pulled from shelves if safety concerns arise.
China has gradually changed its regulations:
- In 2014, China stopped requiring animal testing for certain domestically-made products. This change since 2014 marked a significant shift.
- In 2021, China no longer required animal testing for “general” imported cosmetics (like shampoo, body wash, or certain make-up) under certain conditions
- However, “special” cosmetics (like sunscreen and hair dye) may still require animal testing
L’Oreal states:
“By being present in China, L’Oréal can enable the regulation to evolve. L’Oréal is the most active company working alongside the Chinese authorities towards a total elimination of animal testing.” L’Oreal
They emphasize they have been working alongside the Chinese authorities and scientists for change.
However, critics point out that L’Oreal’s decision to sell in China means that post-market testing could still happen in rare cases, making it impossible for them to guarantee a completely cruelty-free supply chain.
This perceived gamble with potential testing disqualifies them for many ethical consumers.
Is L’Oréal Vegan?
No, L’Oréal is not vegan.
Being vegan means products are vegan – i.e., don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients. While L’Oreal may offer vegan options in some lines, their overall product line is not 100% vegan.
L’Oreal products might contain animal-derived ingredients like:
- Beeswax
- Lanolin (from sheep’s wool)
- Carmine (red coloring from insects)
- Animal-derived glycerin
L’Oreal does have some specific product lines that are marketed as vegan, such as:
- L’Oreal Paris EverPure line, which is advertised as vegan and free from animal-derived ingredients
However, since L’Oreal is not cruelty-free, many ethical consumers avoid even their vegan products, even if the specific product contains no animal derivatives. Many prefer dedicated vegan brands.
Is L’Oréal Clean?
L’Oréal markets some of its products as “clean,” but whether the brand as a whole qualifies as “clean beauty” is not straightforward. The term “clean beauty” has no standard definition in the industry, which makes evaluation challenging. We must ensure claims are understood clearly.
When we look at L’Oréal’s ingredients across their product lines, we find a mixed picture:
Ingredient Policy: L’Oréal has gradually removed certain controversial ingredients from some product lines. For example, they’ve eliminated parabens from many formulations and reduced the use of silicones in several hair care products. However, they still use ingredients that some “clean beauty” advocates avoid, such as:
- Synthetic fragrances
- Some sulfates
- Certain silicones
- Petrochemical derivatives
Clean at Sephora Standard: If we use Sephora’s “Clean at Sephora” standard as a benchmark, many L’Oréal products would not qualify because they contain ingredients on Sephora’s “formulated without” list. This includes various preservatives and synthetic colorants that L’Oréal continues to use in many products.
Clean Products Within L’Oréal: L’Oréal does offer some cleaner options within its brand portfolio:
- L’Oréal Paris’ EverPure and Ever lines are sulfate-free
- Their Botanicals Fresh Care line emphasizes natural ingredients
- Some of their newer formulations highlight being free from certain controversial ingredients
The bottom line: While L’Oréal has made strides toward cleaner formulations in certain product lines, they don’t meet the stricter standards that dedicated clean beauty brands follow.
If you’re looking for truly clean beauty products, you might want to consider brands that specialize exclusively in clean formulations with transparent ingredient policies where health and safety have always been prioritized alongside ingredient purity.
Is L’Oreal Working Toward Becoming Cruelty-Free?
L’Oreal has taken some steps toward ending animal testing:
- Investing in alternative testing: L’Oreal has spent millions developing Episkin and other non-animal testing methods, using in vitro safety tests since 1979.
- Public commitments: They’ve stated they want to end animal testing globally.
- Working with Chinese authorities: L’Oreal claims they’re the company working alongside the Chinese authorities and scientists for over 10 years to have alternative methods accepted.
- Progress timeline:
- 1979: Started developing skin models
- 1989: Stopped testing finished products on animals, claiming it no longer tests on animals in its formulations.
- 2013: Opened an Episkin center in Shanghai
- 2014: Some product categories in China no longer require testing
- 2021: Helped influence China’s relaxed animal testing regulations
Industry experts have mixed opinions. Some praise L’Oreal’s efforts, hailing them as a true pioneer in developing alternative testing methods, while others criticize them for continuing to sell in markets where authorities may nevertheless decide to conduct animal tests.
Achieving strict policies against animal testing across all markets remains the goal for advocates.
Are Any L’Oreal-Owned Brands Cruelty-Free?
Yes, L’Oreal owns several brands owned by them that are considered cruelty-free by certification organizations:
- NYX Professional Makeup
- Urban Decay
- IT Cosmetics
- Carol’s Daughter
- Garnier (certified by Leaping Bunny as of 2021)
How can subsidiaries be cruelty-free when the parent company that tests (or allows testing where required by law) is not? These brands:
- Don’t sell in China or other markets requiring animal testing
- Have separate supply chains and testing protocols, claiming they operate independently from the parent company on these matters.
- Have earned certification from organizations like Leaping Bunny, which is often seen as a good indicator of their ethical practices.
When L’Oreal buys previously cruelty-free brands, there’s always concern that they might change the policies, especially if the parent companies are not cruelty-free themselves.
This happened with The Body Shop (now sold) and Urban Decay, though both brands have maintained their cruelty-free status despite being owned by a parent company like L’Oreal for a time.
Many consumers face an ethical dilemma: choose to support cruelty-free subsidiaries or choose to boycott all L’Oreal-related brands. There’s no right answer – it depends on your personal values and whether you believe these brands can remain fully cruelty-free without being certified independently (though most listed are).
Popular L’Oreal Products and Their Cruelty-Free Alternatives
If you’re looking to replace your favorite L’Oreal products with cruelty-free options, here are some alternatives you can choose from:
| L’Oreal Product | Cruelty-Free Alternative | Price Comparison | Where to Buy |
| True Match Foundation | e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation | $10-15 (vs. L’Oreal $11-14) | Ulta, Target, drugstores |
| Voluminous Mascara | Pacifica Stellar Gaze Mascara | $14 (vs. L’Oreal $9) | Ulta, Whole Foods |
| Elvive Hair Conditioner | Acure Seriously Soothing Conditioner | $10 (vs. L’Oreal $5-6) | Target, Amazon |
| Age Perfect Face Cream | Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Renewal Cream | $20 (vs. L’Oreal $25) | Ulta, health food stores |
| Micellar Water | Pacifica Micellar Water | $12 (vs. L’Oreal $9) | Ulta, Target |
According to users who have switched, often backed by research from beauty bloggers and reviewers:
- e.l.f. Foundation offers similar coverage to L’Oreal True Match
- Pacifica mascara provides good volume without clumping
- Acure conditioners work well for dry hair types
Competing brands like Estee Lauder and Procter & Gamble face similar scrutiny regarding their global animal testing policies.
Consumer Impact: How Your Choices Influence Corporate Policy
Your buying decisions have real power. When enough consumers choose cruelty-free products, companies notice.
Success stories of consumer advocacy:
- The Body Shop pioneered cruelty-free beauty products in the 1980s
- CoverGirl became cruelty-free certified in 2018 after consumer pressure
- The European Union banned animal testing for cosmetics in 2013 after public campaigns
The cruelty-free market is growing fast. According to market research, the global vegan cosmetics market was valued at $16.6 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $28.5 billion by 2031, showing how consumer preferences are changing the way companies manufacture and market products.
To effectively advocate for cruelty-free practices:
- Support certified cruelty-free brands
- Contact companies about their testing policies
- Share information about animal testing on social media
- Sign petitions for policy changes
Industry experts predict that animal testing will continue to decline as technology provides better opportunities to have alternative testing methods validated and consumer demand for ethical products grows.
Conclusion
L’Oreal is not considered a cruelty-free company in 2025, despite its claims about not testing on animals. While they have made progress and invested significantly in alternative testing methods, their continued presence in markets where authorities might decide to conduct animal tests disqualifies them from being truly cruelty-free according to major certifying bodies.
If using cruelty-free products is important to you, you have several options:
- Choose from L’Oreal’s certified cruelty-free subsidiaries like NYX or Urban Decay
- Switch to fully cruelty-free brands like e.l.f., Pacifica, or Derma E
- Look for products with Leaping Bunny or PETA certification
For the latest updates on L’Oreal’s policies, check certifications from Leaping Bunny or PETA, which are regularly updated as company practices change. Please feel free to consult their websites directly.
FAQ Section
Why is L’Oréal not cruelty-free?
L’Oréal sells products in China, where some animal testing may still be required by law under certain circumstances. Even though L’Oréal claims they don’t test on animals, they cannot guarantee that their products won’t be tested by third parties (acting as a regulatory supplier) in markets like China.
Is L’Oreal cruelty-free in PETA?
No, L’Oreal is not listed as cruelty-free by PETA. In fact, PETA includes L’Oreal on their “do test” list of companies that aren’t cruelty-free. This is mainly because L’Oreal sells in China and hasn’t adopted a comprehensive, company-wide policy ensuring that no animal tests will be conducted for certain products will occur anywhere.
Does L’Oreal test on animals in China?
L’Oreal states that they don’t conduct animal testing themselves in China. However, Chinese authorities may still require certain types of cosmetics to undergo animal testing or conduct random post-market testing in rare cases where they nevertheless decide to conduct animal tests. L’Oreal says they are working with Chinese authorities to eliminate animal testing requirements completely.
How can L’Oreal claim to be against animal testing while still allowing it in certain markets?
L’Oreal’s position is that they don’t test themselves for certain cosmetic products, but are subject to local laws in countries where they sell their products. They argue that by being present in markets like China, they can influence change from within. Critics say this stance is misleading because it allows them to benefit from sales in these markets while claiming exception to this rule only applies when legally mandated.
Does L’Oreal fund or commission animal testing through third parties?
L’Oreal states they don’t fund or commission animal testing for their ingredients or products. However, when required by law in certain countries, third parties may conduct tests that L’Oreal pays for indirectly through registration fees or as part of regulatory compliance. This is why many cruelty-free certifications don’t recognize L’Oreal as cruelty-free, as they don’t meet the standard of their ethical practices required.