Benefit Cosmetics is known for its amazing Porefessional Primers and mascara products. They create one iconic makeup product after another that remains a cult-favorite for years. Is Benefit Cosmetics cruelty-free, though?
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What Is Cruelty-Free?
Cruelty-free means that a product nor it’s ingredients are tested on animals at any time. It means the ingredients are never tested on animals, and no animals are harmed to make the product. The product itself is never tested on animals, which also means it does not sell products where animal testing is required by law.
Cruelty-Free Vs. Vegan
Always remember that cruelty-free and vegan are two separate things. Vegan means that a product doesn’t contain animals or ingredients from animals, such as beeswax. A brand can ethically sourced animal byproducts, ensuring that animals are not harmed. In this situation, they can become certified as cruelty-free even though they are not considered vegan.
Certification
Brands can work with companies like PETA to become certified cruelty-free. This involves proving that the ingredients and products never involve harming or testing on animals. PETA maintains a website that lists cruelty-free brands.
Once certified, a company can legally use the PETA Leaping Bunny logo to show they are cruelty-free. It’s important to note that just because a brand says they are cruelty-free doesn’t mean they are certified cruelty-free.
Is Benefit Cosmetics Cruelty-Free?
Benefit Cosmetics usually claims they are a cruelty-free brand, but it’s not that simple when it comes to this brand.
Brand Claims
Benefit Cosmetics has a statement on the website that makes it sound like they are cruelty-free. It states:
“Benefit does not test our products on animals, nor do we permit suppliers or retailers to conduct testing on our behalf. All Benefit products undergo very strict tolerance tests using non-animal methods during the development of each product to ensure quality and safety prior to market.
In each country where we operate around the world, we strictly follow local rules and laws. While Benefit Cosmetics has operated in China since September 2007, as of May 2022 we have only imported “General” cosmetics products, which bypass premarket testing and are no longer subject to post-market animal testing.”
Many point out that although the company says they don’t permit animal-testing, the statement also doesn’t say they actively prevent it. Benefit Cosmetics is also accused of saying they were cruelty-free for years, even though they were selling products in China that required animal-testing by law.
The brand may still cooperate with suppliers that conduct animal testing or sell in other regions that require animal testing. The lack of transparency makes it challenging to figure out whether they are, in fact, cruelty-free. Some countries, such as Japan, still require animal testing on certain ingredients, and we don’t know if Benefit Cosmetics uses ingredients from Japan.
Certification
A brand becoming certified by PETA is the easiest way to determine whether they are cruelty-free. PETA maintains an ultimate list and database that you can easily search online. It states that Benefit Cosmetics is not cruelty-free. You can check it out here.
Benefit Cosmetics
Although the brand continues to produce iconic products, it might not be the best brand for you if you want to shop with a brand that is certified cruelty-free. The company states it doesn’t test on animals, but the lack of transparency makes it hard to determine whether they are, in fact, cruelty-free. They are not certified by any organization, such as PETA.
Cruelty-Free Brands
While Benefit Cosmetics might not be cruelty-free, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck, either. More brands are expanding vegan products lines and getting certified as cruelty-free to ensure they align with consumer demands.
You can easily find something in any price range, for any age, and even trendy makeup products from cruelty-free companies. E.l.f. cosmetics is known for being one of the most affordable brands. They bring you effective skincare and trending makeup products at budget-friendly prices. All of their products are vegan and cruelty-free, so you know you’re getting products that align with your ethics.
You can also check out the rest of the website. We’ve scoured the internet to find amazing products, including products that are vegan or cruelty-free. It doesn’t matter whether you’re searching for a vegan bronzer that will work well for mature skin or cruelty-free brands to keep your bathroom and vanity stocked, we’ve got you covered.
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