Finally! Estée Lauder Joins Cruelty-Free International & HSI To End Cosmetic Animal Testing Worldwide

Estée Lauder has announced that it has entered into a new partnership with Cruelty-Free International and has expanded its partnership with Humane Society International (HSI) to advance the global end to cosmetic animal testing.

This is confusing because while a statement on The Estée Lauder website notes that it does not test its products on animals and it does not request others to do so on its behalf, it simultaneously acknowledges that its brands are sold in countries where animal testing for cosmetics or cosmetic ingredients are required by law.

The company claims to believe it “has a responsibility to contribute to the sustainable solution to end animal testing for cosmetics.”

One way is through strong partnerships and by supporting efforts such as that of Cruelty-Free International, to encourage leaders to embed cruelty-free consumption and production measures in the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); a collection of targets set by the UN General Assembly for the year 2030, to achieve a better and more sustainable future.

As a demonstration of their commitment, Estée Lauder will also apply for the Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certification of some of its brands. Why just some?

“Cruelty-Free International has been at the forefront of ground-breaking advocacy in the animal testing space with like-minded partners globally,” Anna Klein, Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs at The Estée Lauder Corporation, said in a statement. “We are very proud to collaborate with them on their tireless commitment to sustainable cruelty-free beauty.”

Cruelty-Free International also expressed its position on “partnering with such an important, respected, global beauty company to help bring animal testing for cosmetics to an end.”

“Consumers expect brands to be leaders for positive change which is why genuine involvement from businesses is so important,” said Cruelty-Free International Chief Executive, Michelle Thew, further noting that this announcement “encourages more cosmetics companies to do the right thing, listen to public demand and make a commitment to ending animal suffering in the cosmetics industry.”

Estée Lauder has also become the latest beauty company to back the Humane Society International, the Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund’s #BeCrueltyFree Campaign, the largest effort in history to end cosmetic animal testing globally.

As per HSI, the #BeCrueltyFree campaign is an unprecedented education and consensus-building effort among federal legislators, regulators and other stakeholders to ensure that all newly manufactured cosmetics are both safe and cruelty-free. It has already helped shape cosmetic animal testing and sale bans in nearly 40 countries.

You can help all animals by choosing compassion on your plate. #GoVeg