Is Clinique Cruelty-Free?
Does Clinique test on animals or sell in China?
Clinique is a popular skincare and makeup brand that is found in malls across America. But is Clinique cruelty-free or do they test on animals?
For a company to be considered cruelty-free they have to meet all of the following criteria:
- Do not test any of their products or ingredients on animals
- Don’t allow others to test on their behalf
- Do not sell in a country where animal testing is required.
After doing a bit of research, I found that Clinique doesn’t meet the above cruelty-free requirements and is not considered to be a cruelty-free cosmetics brand.
Let’s look into what all of that really means and what you can do about it.
Is Clinique Certified Cruelty-Free?
When researching a brand’s cruelty-free status my first stop is the certified cruelty-free list. There are three organizations that give official certifications to brands around the world: Leaping Bunny, Peta, and Choose Cruelty-Free.
Clinique is not found on any of these organizations’ cruelty-free lists. However, they are found on Peta’s list of brands to avoid.
Does Clinique Test on Animals?
The next step in my research is going directly to the company’s animal testing policy to see where they stand. Clinique’s policy can be found in the ‘FAQ’ section of their website. Here is what it states:
“Clinique Laboratories, LLC is committed to the elimination of animal testing. We are equally committed to consumer health and safety, and bringing to market products that comply with applicable regulations in every country in which our products are sold.
We do not conduct animal testing on our products or ingredients, nor ask others to test on our behalf, except when required by law. We evaluate our finished products in clinical tests on volunteer panels.
Clinquie Labortories, LLC. fully supports the development and global acceptance of non-animal testing alternatives. To this end, the Company works extensively with the industry at large and the global scientific community to research and fund these alternatives.”
Clinique’s animal testing policy contradicts itself. It states that they do not test on animals. However, they will make an exception to satisfy a country’s laws. Therefore, Clinique does allow animal testing on their products.
Is Clinique Sold in China?
Yes, Clinique does sell in China. After doing a quick Google search I was able to locate Clinique’s Chinese website. A brand doesn’t create a website for another country unless they are serving those customers. I’ve included an image of the website below.
What About China’s New Animal Testing Laws?
China has announced that as of May 1, 2021, general cosmetics such as shampoo, body wash, lipstick, lotion, and makeup can be sold without being tested on animals. However, a company is required to jump through various hoops for this to happen. As of now, Clinique has not been exempt and their products can still be tested on animals by the Chinese health authority. Even if an exemption happens it is still possible that the products can be subjected to post-market testing.
Is Clinique Owned By a Parent Company?
Yes, Clinique is owned by Estee Lauder, a company that tests on animals. You can view a full list of brands that they own to see which other companies you should avoid.
Is Clinique Vegan?
Clinique is not considered to be vegan because they test their products or ingredients on animals or allow others to do so on their behalf. So, until this changes, we choose not to look into whether they may or may not have products that don’t contain animal ingredients.
What are Cruelty-Free Alternatives to Clinique?
There are several cruelty-free skincare alternatives to Clinique. Check out the list below:
Wrap Up: Is Clinique Cruelty-Free?
No, Clinique is not a cruelty-free cosmetics brand. Even though they claim to not test on animals, they choose to sell in a country that requires imported cosmetics to be tested.
Therefore, Clinique is not considered to be cruelty-free. They will be added to my list of brands that test on animals.
Now I’d like to hear from you…What are your thoughts about Clinique? Please leave your comments below!
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I will never buy Clinique, as they are not cruelty free. I have years ago, used Clinique and liked it, but this is the 31st century for goodness sake! I’m so anger.