Is Estee Lauder Cruelty-Free?

Does Estee Lauder test on animals or sell in China?

Estee Lauder is a multinational cosmetics company. They own popular beauty brands such as DKNY, MAC, Clinique, and Bobbi Brown. But is Estee Lauder 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 Estee Lauder doesn’t meet the above cruelty-free requirements and is not considered to be a cruelty-free parent company. 

Let’s look into what all of that really means and what you can do about it.

Is Estee Lauder 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.

Estee Lauder is not found on any of these organizations’ cruelty-free lists. 

Does Estee Lauder Test on Animals?

The next step in my research is going directly to the company’s animal testing policy to see where they stand. Estee Lauder’s policy can be found in the ‘Our Commitments’ section of their website. Here is an excerpt of what it states:

“More than 30 years ago, The Estée Lauder Companies was one of the first cosmetics companies to eliminate animal testing as a method of determining cosmetic product safety. We don’t test our products on animals and we don’t ask others to test for us. We acknowledge our brands are sold in countries where animal testing on cosmetics or cosmetic ingredients is required by law. As a global company dedicated to bringing many of the beauty industry’s most beloved products and experiences to our consumers in over 150 countries and territories, we believe it is our responsibility to contribute to the sustainable solution to end animal testing for cosmetics, and we believe that through strong partnerships, sharing our science and engaging with our communities in a meaningful way, we can contribute to the global end of cosmetic animal testing.”

Estee Lauder’s animal testing policy contradicts itself. It states that they do not test on animals. However, they will make the exception to statsify a country’s health authority. Therefore, Estee Lauder does allow animal testing on their products.

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, Estee Lauder 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. 

What Brands Does Estee Lauder Own?

Estee Lauder is a multinational beauty company that owns several popular cosmetics brands. Below is a list of all the brands owned by them. 

Many people in the cruelty-free community choose to completely boycott any brand owned by a non-cruelty-free parent company. So, I try to provide as much information as possible so that you have the resources to make your own decision. 

So, I’ve indicated which brands are sold in China or are certified cruelty-free. I would err on the side of caution for any of the companies that don’t have additional information.

• Aerin Beauty – SOLD IN CHINA
• Aramis – SOLD IN CHINA
• Aveda – PETA CERTIFIED
• BECCA Cosmetics – PETA CERTIFIED
• Bobbi Brown – SOLD IN CHINA
• Bumble and Bumble – PETA CERTIFIED
• Clinique – SOLD IN CHINA
• Darphin Paris
• DKNY – SOLD IN CHINA
• Donna Karan – SOLD IN CHINA
• Dr. Jart – SOLD IN CHINA
• Editions de Parfumes Frederic Malle
• Ermenegildo Zegna – SOLD IN CHINA
• GLAMGLOW – SOLD IN CHINA
• Jo Malone – SOLD IN CHINA
• Kilian Perfume as an Art
• Kiton
• Lab Series for Men – SOLD IN CHINA
• La Mer – SOLD IN CHINA
• Le Labo – PETA CERTIFIED
• MAC Cosmetics – SOLD IN CHINA
• Michael Kors Beauty – SOLD IN CHINA
• Origins – SOLD IN CHINA
• Rodin
• Smashbox Cosmetics – PETA CERTIFIED
• Tom Ford Beauty – SOLD IN CHINA
• Tommy Hilfiger  – SOLD IN CHINA
• Too Faced – PETA CERTIFIED
• Tory Burch

Wrap Up: Is Estee Lauder Cruelty-Free?

No, Estee Lauder is not a cruelty-free cosmetics company. Even though they claim to not test on animals, they choose to sell in a country that requires imported cosmetics to be tested on animals.

Therefore, Estee Lauder is not considered to be cruelty-free. They will be added to my list of brands that test on animals. 

However, they do own some Peta certified cruelty-free beauty brands. But the choice is yours on whether you feel comfortable using them.

Now I’d like to hear from you…What are your thoughts about Estee Lauder? Will you boycott them completely or use some of their cruelty-free brands? Please leave your comments below!

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