Is NARS Cruelty Free and Vegan? (2024 Update)

NARS is not cruelty free. This means that their products are tested on animals.

Additionally, although they have a few vegan products, NARS is not 100% vegan as a brand.

If you want to learn more about NARS and the reasons why they’re not cruelty free, keep on reading!

By the way, if you’d like to discover some cruelty free alternatives to NARS, make sure to check out the last section of the post where I’ve listed brands similar to NARS which are actually cruelty free.

Let’s dive right in!

Is NARS cruelty free? Are NARS products tested on animals?

NARS is NOT cruelty free.

First, let’s look at their animal testing policy:

DOES NARS TEST ON ANIMALS?
NARS does not test on animals nor do we ask others to test on our behalf, except where required by law. NARS is actively working with industry and other partners to eliminate animal testing globally and is committed to the development and acceptance of alternative methods. We are equally dedicated to the health and safety of our consumers ensuring we meet the highest in quality standards. We remain committed to bringing our vision of beauty and artistry to more fans around the globe, as part of our long-held commitment to empower women everywhere.
Source: the NARS website

As you can see, NARS products are tested on animals where required by law. This refers to mainland China, where imported products that are sold in physical stores there are subject to animal testing.

Therefore, NARS is not cruelty free.

Additionally, NARS is on PETA’s list of companies that test on animals.

Keep on reading for more information!

Is NARS sold in China?

Yes, NARS is sold in mainland China where animal testing is still required by law.

Why can’t cruelty free brands sell in mainland China?

Animal testing is still happening for products sold in physical stores in mainland China.

Pre-market animal testing is required for all special-use imported products, and non-routine post-market testing on animals may also be done in cases of customer complaints.

However, please keep in mind that this doesn’t apply to products sold in stores at the airports, or in Hong Kong.

Also, products can be sold online and shipped to mainland China without being tested on animals.

Is NARS owned by a parent brand? If yes, is it cruelty free?

NARS is owned by Shiseido, a company that tests on animals.

This is Shiseido’s official animal testing statement on their website:

Initiatives in Response to Animal Testing and Alternative Methods
Initiatives towards Abolishing Animal Testing
Shiseido has established a safety assurance system based on alternative methods and has discontinued animal testing in cosmetics/quasi drugs that are developed in April, 2013 or later. This excludes cases in which we must explain the safety to society.
We will continue to develop effective alternative methods in the future and proactively and sternly work with administrative agencies in various countries with the aim of establishing alternative methods as official methods (to be certified as official experimental methods according to laws and regulations of various countries/regions).
Source: the Shiseido website

What do they mean under “explaining the safety to society”?

In Cases in Which We Must Explain the Safety to Society
This refers to cases in which we must prove again the safety of ingredients that are in the market and the only option in order to do so is animal testing, as well as cases in which animal testing is essential to assure the safety of cosmetics in some countries*.
*some countries : In China, in order to guarantee the safety of imported cosmetics, safety studies including animal testing may be required.
Source: the Shiseido website

So, as you can see, Shiseido has admitted to selling in mainland China.

Of course, that means that this brand can’t be cruelty free as animal testing is still required by law in mainland China.

Is NARS vegan?

NARS is NOT 100% vegan.

Although they do have some vegan-friendly products, NARS can’t be considered as a vegan-friendly brand.

This is their official statement regarding this question:

DO NARS PRODUCTS CONTAIN ANY ANIMAL PRODUCTS?
We are continually evaluating alternatives to animal-derived ingredients and have replaced many ingredients with vegetable derived substitutes. However, certain NARS products may contain animal derivatives, such as lanolin. If you would like further information as to which NARS products contain animal derivatives please contact customer care and we will provide that information.
Source: the NARS website