Last Updated on April 9, 2021 by Eco Elsie
When it comes to our make-up bags and skincare collections, we want the best products that are great for your face without causing harm to others!
Cruelty-free makeup and skincare products have exploded onto the market in recent years, with more and more brands in favor of ditching animal testing and creating cruelty-free and often vegan products!
But how do we decide which brands to purchase? How do we know what brands are not only cruelty-free but ethical? With more of us searching for ethical and sustainable products, the beauty market is challenging to navigate. It can be quite a headache, can’t it?
But thankfully, it doesn’t need to be! We will work through popular and well-loved brands, helping you find cruelty-free and vegan products that you will love and avoid those that test on animals.
Up today is Lancome, so let’s get stuck in and find out all there is to know about Lancome and its cruelty-free status.
Is Lancome cruelty-free?
Sadly, not. Lancome is not a cruelty-free brand. The popular brand, known for fantastic mascaras, uses the same policy as its parent company, L’Oreal, where animal testing occurs when required to do so by law.
In a statement, Lancome confirms that they do not test their products or ingredients on animals or ask any third-party brands to do so unless it is required by law.
It is this animal testing that means Lancome cannot be considered a cruelty-free brand. Lancome is sold in mainland China, where the law states that imported cosmetics must be tested on animals before sold to the public.
Currently, bills are being passed where cosmetic testing on animals will be banned in China! We expect the bills to pass through as laws in the summer, and hopefully, many brands will be added to the cruelty-free list!
Until such time, unfortunately, Lancome and its parent company L’Oreal remain not cruelty-free.
Is Lancome vegan?
As Lancome is not cruelty-free, it is not considered a vegan brand. The brand uses some products that animal byproducts too, barring Lancome from being considered vegan.
Lancome uses lanolin, honey, and other ingredients that are derived from fish and insects. Honey is often a divisive ingredient for vegans, with some opting to consume honey, either as food or added into products.
As bees create the honey for themselves, many vegans view taking honey from them or farming beehives for honey production as cruel and therefore omit it. Consuming honey is a personal choice, though, and one only you can make.
Lanolin and other ingredients used are widely classed as non-vegan and avoided by those following a vegan lifestyle. These ingredients prevent the brand from being considered a vegan and a vegan brand.
The ingredients Lancome uses vary from product to product, so be sure to check the ingredient list of each product before purchasing.
Is Lancome an ethical company?
Ethics are an essential part of any company. As we saw earlier, Lancome is owned by the parent company L’Oreal and follows their animal testing policy and ethical policy. Whether they are an ethical company, though, remains murky.
L’Oreal and their owned brands claim to fight against child labor and exploitation, climate issues, discrimination, and corruption. They also feature the importance of ethical practice on their website, citing their recognition for ethical practice.
However, on closer inspection, all is not as it seems. L’Oreal tests on animals, questioning their ethics and using parabens and other toxic chemicals in their skincare and makeup products.
While L’Oreal claims to work against child exploitation of labor, under 16s, mica powder use in their products does raise alarm bells. Mica powder and its production are associated with child labor, which usually features exploitation.
L’Oreal defends their use of mica, claiming that by remaining in India where their mica comes from, they can combat child labor and exploitation, creating fairer and better work environments.
We are yet to see the results of the initiatives, but L’Oreal claims to be working with the Responsible Mica Initiative to work towards eradicating child labor.
Overall, L’Oreal and Lancome’s use of toxic chemicals, animal testing, and child labor connections force us to question their ethics as a company.
Does Lancome test on animals?
Lancome themselves do not test on animals but test on animals where it is legally required.
Whether it is their finalized product or ingredients, Lancome does not test animals or ask any third-party sellers or manufacturers to test animals. However, as Lancome sell their products in mainland China, their products will need to be tested on animals.
The products will be tested on animals before they enter the market, in countries where the products are required to be tested on animals, with China being the most well-known country.
Currently, the laws are changing in China! Testing cosmetics on animals is soon to be outlawed; we expect to see this come into force in the summer. Until that point, companies that sell their products in mainland China still need to test on animals.
Once the law changes should all go ahead, we can hopefully see Lancome and other brands join the cruelty-free list! Until that point, though, Lancome and the parent company L’Oreal still tested on animals.
Are Lancome products toxic?
While Lancome products do not contain natural ingredients, they are not necessarily toxic. Lancome still uses parabens in their products, which can be harmful.
In recent years the beauty industry has made great efforts to move away from parabens being used in cosmetics. As a result, some of Lancome’s products are paraben-free; it is best to check each product’s label before purchasing.
Lancome and their parent company L’Oreal use triclosan and phthalates. The binding agents for these can disrupt hormone production and organ function. While that does sound terrifying, it’s worth noting that there are gaps in the research into how it will impact human health.
These toxic chemicals can be harmful to the environment too. Considering L’Oreal and Lancome claims to work for a better climate and environment, we are hopeful the use of these products will change.
Until that time, it is best to consider their products as toxic and read each ingredient list carefully before making a purchase.
