Judging from recent discussions on several social media platforms, many makeup users have been led to believe that animal testing is simply the process of some quality assurance staff applying blush to a bunny’s face; however, this is unfortunately vastly different from the dark reality of animal testing. While many brands have shifted away from the practice of animal testing, there are still some companies who haven’t yet changed their ways. Let’s take a look at some of the brands that you may want to consider avoiding as well as their worthy alternatives to check out instead!
1. DON’T: Benefit Cosmetics
Benefit Cosmetics is known for award-winning mascaras and cult favorite brow products, but they also have a reputation for the incredibly misleading animal testing policy on their website. While they claim to “not test [their] products on animals,” Benefit Cosmetics fails as a brand to receive any cruelty-free accreditations because of their continued animal testing in China. As a result, it’s best that we boycott Benefit until further notice.
DO: Wander Beauty
With its sleek packaging, wide product range, and even better mascaras — Unlashed is one of my all time favorite products for lashes — Wander Beauty is like Benefit’s older, cooler sister. Plus, they don’t test on animals in the process. It’s a win-win.
2. DON’T: Jergens and COOLA
Trust me: as someone with naturally pale skin, I am all about adding a bronze glow to my fair complexion in both the warmer and colder months. But, Jergens and COOLA’s bronzing products come at the expense of millions of animal lives annually, and that cost is hardly worth the benefit, especially when there are far better alternatives to get your tan on this summer!
DO: Bali Body, St. Tropez, and Bondi Sands
Bali Body, St. Tropez, and Bondi Sands are some of the most popular brands in the self tan game, and they all happen to be cruelty-free too! While Bali Body offers signature ultra dark and one-hour express tans as well as SPF-boosted tanning oils, St. Tropez features gradual tans, mousses, and bronzing face water. Bondi Sands, a company native to Australia, sells quality tanning products in all shades in addition to myriad lotions and tools designed to make your tanning session go more smoothly. With each of Bali Body, St. Tropez, and Bondi Sands as solid options for an ethical tan, you simply can’t go wrong.
3. DON’T: L’oreal
L’oreal is a drugstore staple, boasting convenience, affordability, and name recognition. However, it’s also one of the largest brands to still test its products on animals in 2021. While the brand certainly has a range of popular products to keep its fans coming back for more, I think that there’s a kinder and higher quality alternative to try instead.
DO: NYX Cosmetics
If you’re in search of beauty products on a budget, I can’t recommend NYX enough. Offering both drugstore prices and high-end quality, the brand doubles as a rival for brands similar to L’oreal and more expensive ranges alike. It also features an entirely vegan foundation line with some of the most diverse shades in the skin coverage game. What a perfect option!
4. DON’T: NARS
NARS was something of an anti-animal testing staple until a recent controversial decision by the company landed their products back on the Chinese market, where animal testing is required by law. Now, I advise against the brand anytime the opportunity presents itself. And besides, I think that their products are a bit overpriced anyway.
DO: Smashbox
Smashbox presents professional-quality cosmetics that are guaranteed to make your skin glow and eyes sparkle. The brand is known for its Photo Finish Foundation Primer, which proudly occupies the role as the #1 Cruelty-Free Primer in the nation. But, regardless of whether you’re in need of a long lasting primer specifically, Smashbox has a seriously impressive lineup that makes any purchase worthwhile.
5. DON’T: Origins
Origins is adored by many for its minimalistic packaging and health conscious ingredients, but it sadly is not a favorite of the animals who are mistreated in favor of the brand’s products. If you prioritize skincare regimens with such appreciation for cleanliness, have no fear; Origins is not the only company to take this kind of approach to skincare.
DO: TULA Skincare
TULA Skincare is a bit of a newcomer to the beauty scene, though its incredible range of naturally healthy products inevitably guarantee the brand’s future success. Check out the skincare finder on TULA’s website to find your best product matches; I guarantee you’ll be wowed by the personalized offerings!
6. DON’T: MAC Cosmetics
Sure, MAC has been a big name in the beauty world for decades now, but that doesn’t make its products a solid option. Between the expensive price tag and their continued animal testing practice, it’s best to look elsewhere.
DO: Too Faced
If you’re familiar with Too Faced’s ever popular Better Than Sex mascara, you may already be aware that this cosmetic brand has a reputation for selling some of the best makeup products on the market. Regardless of your color palette preferences, skin quality, or personal favorite products, Too Faced has something spectacular to cater to your every need.
7. DON’T: Almay
Almay is in the same boat as Benefit with its false claims of an anti-animal testing commitment. Fortunately, their products are entirely replaceable; in fact, they’re relatively forgettable.
DO: Florence by Mills
Affordable, cruelty-free, and made with clean ingredients, Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown’s cosmetic line is an absolute hit. The packaging is adorable with even cuter product concepts, and, best of all, Millie’s makeup and skincare will always leave you feeling refreshed, energized, and beautiful!
8. DON’T: Clinique
Clinique products are a pricier favorite for many makeup wearers, but they also come with another inconvenient cost: the lives of innocent animals. If you want a similar product without such an emotional expense, look no further.
DO: Bare Minerals
Bare Minerals is a well-established brand with a loyal following — for good reason. The company offers dermatologist-backed foundations and powders for oily, dry, and combination skin types. It also sells vegan skincare as well as many other general cosmetic products that are equipped to make you look and feel your best!
9. DON’T: Maybelline
When I first stripped my makeup routine of any products tested on animals in 2017, Maybelline might have been the hardest brand to let go. The company offers inexpensive products that work, which can sometimes be a hard duality to achieve. Nonetheless, there exists a key alternative that offers very similar product function and affordability, perfect for the economically conscious makeup wearer.
DO: Covergirl
Covergirl recently joined the cruelty-free family; in other words, the brand is saving lives while making ethical beauty increasingly accessible. I wholeheartedly prefer Covergirl Lash Blast mascara to Maybelline’s Lash Sensational line, and Covergirl generally has a larger range of products available. When choosing between Maybelline and Covergirl, it’s a no doubter.
10. DON’T: Make Up For Ever
This French-based company is highly regarded for its mid-range eye and face products, but the same cannot be said for the brand’s emphasis on ethics and animal rights. Fortunately, there exists a Make Up For Ever alternative that is not only better in product quality, but also less burdensome financially!
DO: Glossier
If you’re all about that “no makeup” makeup look at a reasonable price, Glossier is guaranteed to be a total match made in heaven. While all of their products are fabulous, some of my favorites include the Cloud Paint for natural cheek color, any of the Balm Dotcom flavors that are guaranteed to keep your lips hydrated all day, and the wildly popular Boy Brow, for an effortlessly put-together brow look. Bonus points: check out how cute Timothee Chalamet looks while repping a Glossier hoodie!
While there’s certainly no pressure to start throwing away the products in your current makeup routine that are tested on animals, I hope that when the time for a refill comes, you may consider some of these alternatives instead. As we progress forward in the fight against animal testing, the number of companies who engage in this practice is growing fewer and fewer. Before we know it, all of the brands on this list will no longer engage in animal testing, but in the meantime, let’s use our business as our voice to say no to animal cruelty and instead support suistainable and safe testing alternatives!