NARS boycotted after it admits to animal testing in China

Published: 29-Jun-2017
Regulatory

Cosmetics brand tells fans ‘we hear you’, but will continue to test on animals in order to comply with regulations in China

NARS has confirmed that it is testing its beauty products on animals in order to comply with regulations in China.

The Shiseido-owned company posted a statement on Instagram, which explained that it will continue to test on animals in order to sell its products in China – a market it entered this month.

It posted: “We have decided to make NARS available in China because we feel it is important to bring our vision of beauty and artistry to fans in the region. NARS does not test on animals or ask others to do so on our behalf, except where required by law.”


We want you to know that we hear you. The global elimination of animal testing needs to happen. We firmly believe that product and ingredient safety can be proven by non-animal methods, but we must comply with the local laws of the markets in which we operate, including in China. We have decided to make NARS available in China because we feel it is important to bring our vision of beauty and artistry to fans in the region. NARS does not test on animals or ask others to do so on our behalf, except where required by law. NARS is committed and actively working to advance alternative testing methods. We are proud to support the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS), a globally recognized organization at the forefront of advancing non-animal methods in China and around the world. NARS is hopeful that together, we can work toward a cruelty-free world. For more on the good work IIVS is doing, see: http://bit.ly/2rVjnwV

A post shared by @narsissist on


Unhappy customers

NARS has a loyal following, with hero products such as its Orgasm Blush, gaining cult status around the world.

However, since its announcement, cruelty-free organisations and consumers have agreed to boycott the brand.





NARS opened its statement with: “We want you to know that we hear you.”

It added: “The global elimination of animal testing needs to happen. We firmly believe that product and ingredient safety can be proven by non-animal methods, but we must comply with the local laws of the markets in which we operate, including in China.”

The brand did attempt to reconcile its decision by explaining that it is committed to advancing alternative testing methods in the region.

“We are proud to support the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS), a globally recognised organisation at the forefront of advancing non-animal methods in China and around the world. NARS is hopeful that together, we can work toward a cruelty-free world.”

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