30+ Amazing High-End Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands

I love animals and it hurts my soul that animals still get are tortured and killed each year for animal testing. In the US alone we’re talking about more than 100 million animals. 

There’s one huge industry that’s responsible for a big chunk of the animal testing going on, and that’s the cosmetics industry sadly. 

In today’s post, I’ll mention 30+ High-End Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands so we can safely shop without harming any animals.  

For years and years, animal testing has been practice worldwide. The first time someone ever wrote about animal testing is in 1628.

Back in the day, people thought that animals didn’t feel pain so that’s why they started testing several things on animals. We all know now very well that animals do feel pain. 

Animal testing for drugs and cosmetics exists because governments needed to establish whether or not a product or ingredient is safe for public health before allowing it on the market.

For decades, this practice has been prevalent all over the world, and has been the accepted method of testing ingredients for “safety”. Not only for drugs but also for cosmetics. 

animals that are used for testing purposes

CrueltyFreeKitty breaks down which animals are used in tests, which are the following: 

• For cosmetics tests, most animals used are bunnies, guinea pigs, mice, and rats. They often die from the experiments.
• Dogs are often used in medical research. They’re subjected to particularly invasive tests for cardiology, endocrinology, and bone studies. In 2013, 67,772 dogs were used in research in the United States.
• Cats are often used in neurological studies. Half of the tests cats are subjected to can “cause pain or distress”. In 2013, 24,221 cats were used in research in the United States.
• Non-human primates, especially macaques but also monkeys, baboons, and chimpanzees, are used in a multitude of experiments. They take part in toxicology, AIDS, hepatitis, reproduction, and xenotransplantation tests among others. Over 70,000 non-human primates are subjected to tests every year in the United States and European Union.

In the meantime, we know over 7,000 safe ingredients that cosmetic brands can use to formulate their beauty products and there are several alternative methods available that don’t require animal testing. Nowadays technology makes it possible to spare millions of animal lives. 

We, as consumers, play a huge and important role in this. If we pay closer attention to what brands we buy from we can really make a difference. 

By choosing cruelty-free brands, you’re (very politely) giving the finger to the animal testing industry, and informing the beauty world that animal testing will no longer be tolerated.

How Can We Determine If A High-End Makeup Brand Truly Is Cruelty-Free?

CrueltyFreeKitty mentions five criteria to consider if you want to know if a company is 100% cruelty-free. These are the three criteria to keep in mind: 

1. Finished Products: Their finished products are not tested on animals by the company or any other company.
2. Ingredients: Their ingredients are not tested on animals by the company or any other company.
3. Suppliers: Their suppliers do not test ingredients, raw materials, or finished products on animals.
4. Third Parties: No third party is testing their finished products or ingredients animal on their behalf.
5. Required by Law: They don’t test on animals where the law requires it, and are not sold in mainland China.

If you ever want to contact a brand to confirm if they are or aren’t testing on animals. Cruelty-Free Kitty uses these 5 questions to ask the brands which you can use too:

• Does your brand test on animals, for either finished products or ingredients?
• Do your suppliers test on animals? How do you ensure this?
• Do any third-parties test on animals on your behalf?
• Do you test on animals where required by law?
• In which countries are your products sold (excluding online sales)?

One more thing you should keep in mind is the parent company of the brand in question. Some brands are completely cruelty-free, while also being owned by a brand that tests on animals (for example Urban Decay). While this doesn’t mean that the company in question has lost its cruelty-free status, you should still bear it in mind. I know some people don’t mind this but I also know other people don’t want to buy from brands that have an animal testing parent company. That’s why you’ll see me mention the parent companies and based on that you can make your own choice!

Caution

Some brands literally act like they’re cruelty-free. Yes, you read that correctly. Think about MAC Cosmetics, if you browse their website you’ll find a statement about how they’re cruelty-free.

If you’re not doing more research, you might think it’s fine. Well… MAC just doesn’t really mention it sells its products in China and as we already figured out, if a brand is sold in mainland China, it’s not cruelty-free.

Sadly we have to be careful and do our research because sometimes we can’t trust the brands 100%. Check out the red flags that a brand might test on animals.

Last but not least, I don’t judge you

Let me say one thing, I’m not a saint. I try to avoid buying from animal testing brands but I do have makeup in my collection that comes from brands that are selling in mainland China (where it’s the law to test on animals) or testing on animals themselves.

Some of these brands are considered cruelty-free in Europe and the US but still sell in mainland China. This makes these brands not 100% cruelty-free and yes, I too have some of these brands laying around. 

This post isn’t written to judge you, not at all, but it’s to inform you. It’s to make you aware of your contribution to the cosmetics industry. I firmly believe together we can make a change. 

30+ High-End Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills

This brand has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. They don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third parties. They also don’t sell their products where animal testing is required by law.

2. bareMinerals

This brand has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. They don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third parties. They also don’t sell their products where animal testing is required by law. However, bareMinerals is owned by Shiseido, a company that is not cruelty-free.

3. BECCA Cosmetics

This brand has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. They don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third-parties.

They also don’t sell their products where animal testing is required by law. However, BECCA is owned by Estée Lauder, a company that is not cruelty-free. Also, BECCA Cosmetics is closing in September 2021.

4. Bite Beauty

Bite Beauty has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. Moreover, they’re 100% vegan and certified by Leaping Bunny.

However, Bite Beauty is owned by LVMH which is not a cruelty-free brand. If you prefer avoiding brands owned by a company that tests on animals, I recommend avoiding Bite Beauty.

5. Buxom

Buxom has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. Moreover, they’re certified by Peta. Buxom is cruelty-free but not 100% vegan, meaning that some of its products contain animal-derived ingredients.

However, Buxom is owned by Shiseido which is not a cruelty-free brand. If you prefer avoiding brands owned by a company that tests on animals, I recommend avoiding Buxom.

6. Chantecaille

Chantecaille has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. Moreover, they’re certified by Peta and not owned by any parent company that tests on animals. Chantecaille is cruelty-free but not 100% vegan, meaning that some of its products contain animal-derived ingredients.

However, Their philanthropy collections have helped raise awareness & money for endangered sea turtles, coral reefs, gorillas, wolves, bees, elephants, giraffes, and more. 

7. Cover FX

Cover FX has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. Moreover, they’re 100% vegan, certified by Peta, and not owned by any parent company that tests on animals.

8. Danessa Myricks

Danessa Myricks has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. Moreover, they’re not owned by any parent company that tests on animals.

However, they’re not certified by any organizations (yet). Danessa Myricks is cruelty-free but not 100% vegan, meaning that some of its products contain animal-derived ingredients.

9. Dose of Colors

This brand has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. They don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third-parties. They also don’t sell their products where animal testing is required by law.

10. Em Cosmetics

Em Cosmetics has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. Moreover, they’re not owned by any parent company that tests on animals.

However, they’re not certified by any organizations (yet). Em Cosmetics is cruelty-free but not 100% vegan, meaning that some of its products contain animal-derived ingredients.

11. Glossier

This brand has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. They don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third parties. They also don’t sell their products where animal testing is required by law.

12. Hourglass

Hourglass has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free and certified by Peta. They’re cruelty-free but not 100% vegan, meaning that some of their products contain animal-derived ingredients.

However, Hourglass is owned by Unilever which is not a cruelty-free brand. If you prefer avoiding brands owned by a company that tests on animals, I recommend avoiding Hourglass.

13. ILIA

ILIA has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free and is certified by Leaping Bunny. Moreover, they’re not owned by any parent company that tests on animals. However, ILIA is cruelty-free but not 100% vegan, meaning that some of its products contain animal-derived ingredients. But ILIA is considered a clean beauty brand.

14. IT Cosmetics

This brand has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. They don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third parties.

They also don’t sell their products where animal testing is required by law. However, IT Cosmetics is owned by L’Oréal, a company that is not cruelty-free. 

15. Jouer

Jouer has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free and is not owned by any parent company that tests on animals. Moreover, they’re certified by Leaping Bunny.

Jouer is cruelty-free but not 100% vegan, meaning that some of its products contain animal-derived ingredients.

16. Kjaer Weis

Kjaer Weis has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free.  Moreover, they’re not owned by any parent company that tests on animals. However, they’re not certified by any organizations (yet). Kjaer Weis is cruelty-free but not 100% vegan, meaning that some of its products contain animal-derived ingredients.

17. KKW Beauty

This brand has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. They don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third parties. They also don’t sell their products where animal testing is required by law.

18. Kosas

Kosas has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free and is not owned by any parent company that tests on animals. Moreover, they’re certified by Leaping Bunny. Kosas is cruelty-free but not 100% vegan, meaning that some of their products contain animal-derived ingredients.

19. KVD Vegan Beauty

This brand has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free and 100% vegan. They’re also certified by Peta. KVD Vegan Beauty is owned by LVMH which is not a cruelty-free brand. If you prefer avoiding brands owned by a company that tests on animals, I recommend avoiding KVD Vegan Beauty.

20. Kylie Cosmetics

This brand has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. However, they’re not certified by any organizations (yet). After their rebranding, they’re supposed to be 100% vegan. 

Kylie Cosmetics is owned by Coty which is not a cruelty-free brand. If you prefer avoiding brands owned by a company that tests on animals, I recommend avoiding Kylie Cosmetics. 

21. Lawless

Lawless has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. Moreover, they’re not owned by any parent company that tests on animals. However, they’re not certified by any organizations (yet). Lawless is cruelty-free but not 100% vegan, meaning that some of its products contain animal-derived ingredients.

22. Lilah B.

Lilah B. has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. Moreover, they’re not owned by any parent company that tests on animals. However, they’re not certified by any organizations (yet). Lilah B. is cruelty-free but not 100% vegan, meaning that some of its products contain animal-derived ingredients.

23. LYS Beauty

Lys Beauty has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free and 100% vegan. Moreover, they’re certified by Leaping Bunny & Peta and are not owned by any parent company that tests on animals.

24. Marc Jacobs Beauty

This brand has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. They don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third parties. They also don’t sell their products where animal testing is required by law.

However, Marc Jacobs Beauty is owned by LVMH, a company that is not cruelty-free. Another important fact is that Marc Jacob Fragrances are not cruelty-free. Only the Marc Jacobs beauty side is cruelty-free. 

25. Melt Cosmetics

This brand has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. They don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third parties. They also don’t sell their products where animal testing is required by law. 

26. Milk Makeup

Milk Makeup has always been 100% vegan and cruelty-free. As of 2019, Milk Makeup even has gained Leaping Bunny certification, which is the golden standard of cruelty-free accreditation! Milk Makeup is now one of the few Leaping Bunny-approved brands.  Plus, as their brand grows, they’re taking steps to be more sustainable as well.

27. Natasha Denona

Natasha Denona has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. Moreover, they’re not owned by any parent company that tests on animals. However, they’re not certified by any organizations (yet). Natasha Denona is cruelty-free but not 100% vegan, meaning that some of their products contain animal-derived ingredients.

28. OFRA Cosmetics

This brand has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. They don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third parties. They also don’t sell their products where animal testing is required by law.

29. Patrick Ta

Patrick Ta has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. Moreover, they’re not owned by any parent company that tests on animals. However, they’re not certified by any organizations (yet). Patrick Ta is cruelty-free but not 100% vegan, meaning that some of their products contain animal-derived ingredients.

30. Saie

Saie has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. Moreover, they’re not owned by any parent company that tests on animals. However, they’re not certified by any organizations (yet). Saie is cruelty-free but not 100% vegan, meaning that some of its products contain animal-derived ingredients.

31. Tarte Cosmetics

This brand has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. They don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third parties. They also don’t sell their products where animal testing is required by law. However, Tarte is owned by Kose, a company that is not cruelty-free.

32. Too Faced

This brand has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. They don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third parties.

They also don’t sell their products where animal testing is required by law. However, Too Faced is owned by Estée Lauder, a company that is not cruelty-free. 

33. Tower 28

Tower 28 has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free and 100% vegan. They’re also certified by Peta. Tower 28 is not owned by any parent company that tests on animals.

34. Urban Decay Cosmetics

This brand has confirmed that it is truly cruelty-free. They don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third parties.

They also don’t sell their products where animal testing is required by law. However, Urban Decay is owned by L’Oréal, a company that is not cruelty-free.

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As you can tell, there are lots of different makeup brands to choose from when it comes to buying cruelty-free high-end makeup. If you want to take this a step further and go completely vegan, please check out my post about 7 awesome high-end and 100% vegan makeup brands.

What can we do More To Help?

1. Spread the word: let your friends and family know how bad it really is. The more people become educated, the closer we’ll get to an animal testing ban.
2. Sign petitions: 2 petitions you can sign are Petition to Pass the Humane Cosmetics Act and L’Oreal to Stop Animal Testing. 
3. Donate: you can donate money to organizations that work hard to end animal testing. You can donate money to Cruelty-Free International and/or Leaping Bunny for example. 

Do you buy cruelty-free beauty products? If so, which brands are your favorite? Let me know in the comments