Animal Testing Cosmetics in China

Urban Decay is going to be selling its cosmetics in China. The problem: China does animal testing. Urban Decay maintains that they will not do any animal testing in China or anywhere else, but they admit that the Chinese government may separately and independently test their products on animals before they can be sold there. PETA and other animals rights groups say pushing blame on the Chinese government isn’t good enough; the decision to sell in China has placed Urban Decay and other previously cruelty-free brands on a list of companies that are NOT animal friendly. In depth lists can be found online: http://www.mybeautybunny.com/list-non-cruelty-free-brands-selling-china/

I adore animals and do not condone animal testing. I just don’t believe animal testing is necessary anymore, technology has made it possible for us to test the safety of cosmetics without harming animals. China, however, is not the U.S. and this is a requirement for any cosmetics company that wants to sell there. China is a huge emerging market and companies that want to grow are courting the new consumers. So what is a company to do? They want to remain loyal to their ideals, but in order to thrive they also need to constantly expand and find new markets. China’s policies have placed many American cosmetics companies between a rock and a hard place. It is worth mentioning that Urban Decay, who are pioneers in cruelty-free cosmetics, has said that it will advocate alternative animal friendly testing in China. 

Will you be purchasing from any of the brands on the list? Give your opinion in the comments section below.