Does Sephora Test on Animals in 2024? A Cruelty-Free Shopper‘s Guide
As animal testing controversies continue making headlines in the cosmetics industry, many beauty shoppers wonder – does Sephora test their products on animals? This definitive guide examines Sephora‘s latest animal testing policies, which brands sold at Sephora are cruelty-free, and expert tips for conscious consumers.
Sephora‘s Official Updated Stance for 2024
This year, Sephora reinforced their commitment to avoid animal cruelty in cosmetics testing whenever possible. However, Sephora will allow third-party animal testing of products bound for sale in Mainland China and other countries that legally mandate it.
"Sephora advocates for the use of alternative non-animal test methods and hopes for an end to mandatory animal testing requirements globally," their 2023 policy states.
How Many Shoppers Demand Cruelty-Free Beauty?
Consumer demand for cruelty-free cosmetics continues rising exponentially – a 2022 survey found 71% of US beauty buyers want makeup and skincare free from animal testing. Sephora responds to this demand by offering over 50 Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brands with no recent animal testing in their supply chain.
| % of US Shoppers Demanding Cruelty-Free Makeup & Skincare | 2022 | 71% |
|---|
Where Does Sephora Allow Animal Testing?
While Sephora avoids animal testing for products sold in the United States, European Union, and other regions banning it, they will allow it in China.
China‘s government requires animal testing on all imported cosmetics before allowing their sale. So Sephora, and some brands they carry, permit third parties to test on animals if those specific products may be exported to Mainland China.
"We sincerely hope for an end to mandated animal testing for beauty globally," Sephora said in a 2023 statement.
Which Products Sold at Sephora Are Not Cruelty-Free?
According to monitoring by animal rights organizations, these brands sold at Sephora likely test on animals when exporting products to China:
- Benefit Cosmetics
- Bobbi Brown
- Estée Lauder
No definitive evidence proves brands like NARS and Kiehl‘s test on animals currently, but their parent companies‘ policies allow it.
Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free Brands Sold at Sephora
For customers seeking cruelty-free options, Sephora offers over 50 makeup and skincare brands approved by Leaping Bunny as completely free of new animal testing. Some standout cruelty-free labels to shop at Sephora include:
| Vegan & Cruelty-Free Brand | Parent Company | Leaping Bunny Certified |
|---|---|---|
| Milk Makeup | Milk Makeup | Yes |
| Fenty Beauty | Fenty Beauty | Yes |
| Tarte | KOSÉ | Yes |
| Too Faced | Estée Lauder Companies | Yes* |
*Too Faced is certified cruelty-free, but owned by Estée Lauder, who tests on animals when required by law.
Expert Tips for Cruelty-Conscious Shoppers
When buying cosmetics at Sephora, examine brand policies and certifications closely before assuming products are 100% cruelty-free. Sephora makes an effort to offer ethical options – but still allows some animal testing.
Shoppers can use Leaping Bunny, Choose Cruelty Free, and PETA‘s cruelty-free lists to find guaranteed compassionate brands. And if the ethics around testing concern you, vote with your wallet to motivate stronger change.
