Is Torriden Cruelty Free? What You Should Know

If you’re looking for skincare that matches your values, you might be wondering if Torriden is cruelty-free. 

This Korean skincare brand has gained popularity for its effective products. In this article, we’ll explore Torriden’s cruelty-free status with clear answers and helpful information.

Is Torriden Cruelty Free?

The short answer: It’s currently unclear whether Torriden is fully cruelty-free.

According to Torriden’s marketing materials, they claim their products include “no animal testing” and are “cruelty free.” They state their company policy opposes animal testing. However, there’s a lack of third-party verification that would provide stronger confirmation of these claims.

Torriden does hold a Korean vegan certification from the Korea Agency of Vegan Certification and Services (KAVCS), which typically requires products to be free from animal-derived ingredients. However, this certification focuses on ingredients rather than testing practices.

When comparing Torriden to fully verified cruelty-free brands, there are some important differences:

While Torriden isn’t found on lists of brands known to test on animals, they also don’t appear on established cruelty-free certification lists like PETA or Leaping Bunny. This makes it difficult for consumers to verify their cruelty-free claims with complete certainty.

Understanding Cruelty-Free vs. Vegan in Korean Beauty

When shopping for ethical beauty products, it’s important to understand the difference between “cruelty-free” and “vegan”:

Cruelty-free means a product and its ingredients were not tested on animals at any point in the development process.

Vegan means a product contains no animal-derived ingredients or by-products.

A product can be cruelty-free without being vegan (no testing, but it contains ingredients like honey or beeswax). Similarly, a product can be vegan but not cruelty-free (no animal ingredients, but tested on animals).

Korean Certification Standards

Korean certification systems for ethical beauty differ from international standards:

• The Korea Agency of Vegan Certification and Services (KAVCS) focuses primarily on ingredients rather than testing practices
• Korean “vegan” certification often emphasizes the absence of animal-derived ingredients
• International certifications like Leaping Bunny and PETA examine the entire supply chain for animal testing

According to user reports from Reddit, when Torriden was contacted directly about their animal testing practices, they stated they don’t test on animals. However, without third-party verification, consumers must rely on the company’s statements.

Torriden’s Ethical Certifications and Practices

Torriden has obtained the following certifications:

1. Korean Vegan Certification (KAVCS) – confirms products are free from animal-derived ingredients
2. ISO 14001 – an environmental management certification showing commitment to sustainability
3. FSC Certification – for using responsibly sourced materials in packaging

However, they lack international cruelty-free certifications from:

• PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program
• Leaping Bunny
• Choose Cruelty Free

Torriden was founded in South Korea in 2017 and is reportedly manufactured by Celleco Co., Ltd. There is limited transparency regarding their parent company structure, which makes it difficult for consumers to evaluate the broader company’s ethical practices.

China Market Status

One important factor in determining a brand’s cruelty-free status is whether it sells in mainland China, where animal testing is required for certain imported cosmetics.

As of 2025, it’s unclear whether Torriden sells in physical retail locations in mainland China. Their products appear on Chinese e-commerce platforms and marketplaces, but this doesn’t necessarily indicate a physical retail presence that would trigger mandatory animal testing.

Since 2023, some brands have been able to enter the Chinese market without animal testing under certain conditions. However, not all brands qualify for these exemptions, which depend on product types, ingredients, and other factors.

Verifying Cruelty-Free Claims from Korean Brands

When trying to confirm if a Korean skincare brand is truly cruelty-free, here are helpful steps:

1. Check for certifications – Look for Leaping Bunny, PETA, or Choose Cruelty Free logos
2. Review the brand’s official statements – Look for clear policies against animal testing
3. Ask specific questions when contacting the brand:
   • “Do you test finished products on animals?”
   • “Do you test ingredients on animals?”
   • “Do you hire third parties to conduct animal testing?”
   • “Do you sell in mainland China retail stores?”
4. Look for transparency – Brands that are truly cruelty-free are usually clear about their policies

Torriden’s Product Lines and Their Ethical Status

Torriden offers several product lines, including:

• DIVE-IN – Their most popular line featuring hyaluronic acid
• BALANCEFUL – Focused on skin balancing
• CELLMAZING – Anti-aging line with collagen

All Torriden product lines claim to be:

• Vegan (certified by KAVCS)
• Formulated without artificial fragrances and colorants
• Free of parabens and alcohol

For example, their DIVE-IN Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum packaging states it is “Certified Vegan” and “Cruelty-Free.” 

While consistent labeling suggests uniform ethical standards across their range, the lack of third-party cruelty-free verification applies to all products.

Torriden’s Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

Torriden demonstrates commitment to sustainability in several ways:

• Uses FSC-certified recycled paper for packaging
• Prints with eco-friendly soy ink
• Holds ISO 14001 environmental management certification

These practices align with growing consumer demand for companies that consider both animal welfare and environmental impact. 

Their environmental commitments appear more thoroughly documented than their animal testing policies.

How Torriden Compares to Other K-Beauty Brands

When comparing ethical certifications across popular K-beauty brands:

As you can see, Torriden lacks the third-party verification that some other K-beauty brands have secured. However, they do offer fully vegan product lines, which is less common among Korean skincare brands.

Expert Opinions and Consumer Experiences

Beauty experts generally recommend looking for third-party verification when evaluating cruelty-free claims. 

As one Reddit user noted after contacting Torriden: “They said none of their ingredients are animal derived, they don’t test on animals, but they don’t have any certifications.”

Consumer forums highlight that many people appreciate Torriden’s product performance and vegan formulations, but express uncertainty about their cruelty-free status. This reflects the challenges many consumers face when trying to make fully informed ethical choices.

Making an Informed Decision About Torriden

Based on available information, here are recommendations for different types of ethical consumers:

1. If you strictly require third-party verified cruelty-free products, consider other K-beauty brands with PETA or Leaping Bunny certification until Torriden obtains similar verification.
2. If you prioritize vegan formulations, Torriden’s KAVCS certification confirms their products are free from animal-derived ingredients.
3. If you’re comfortable with brand statements: Torriden claims to be cruelty free, and there’s no evidence suggesting they test on animals. However, their lack of transparency about China market presence leaves questions.
4. If you value sustainability alongside animal welfare, Torriden’s environmental certifications demonstrate a commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Conclusion

While Torriden claims to be cruelty free and holds Korean vegan certification, they currently lack the third-party verification that would provide consumers with complete confidence in their animal testing policies. Their commitment to vegan formulations and environmental sustainability shows positive ethical intent, but greater transparency would help clarify their true cruelty-free status.

For consumers seeking absolute certainty in their cruelty-free purchases, brands with established international certifications may provide more peace of mind. However, for those who prioritize vegan formulations and are comfortable with company statements, Torriden offers products that align with these values.

As consumer demand for ethical beauty continues to grow, we hope to see more brands, including Torriden, embrace increased transparency and third-party verification of their cruelty-free claims.

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