Origins is not cruelty free because their products are tested on animals where required by law.
Additionally, Origins is not 100% vegan as a brand. This means that some of their products contain animal-derived ingredients or animal by-products.
To learn more about this brand and find out why they’re not cruelty free, keep on reading!
If you’re looking for new cruelty free products to add to your skincare routine, make sure to check out the last section of this post where you’ll find some of the best Origins cruelty free alternatives.
Let’s dive right in!
Is Origins cruelty free? Are Origins products tested on animals?
Origins is NOT cruelty free.
In order to be cruelty free, brands:
- Must not test their finished products or ingredients on animals
- Must make sure that their suppliers don’t test on animals
- Must not commission third parties to test their products on animals
- Must not sell their products in stores in mainland China, or other countries where animal testing is still required by law
Let’s take a look at Origins’s official animal testing policy (I’ve highlighted the important part):
Animal Testing
Source: Origins
Our belief is that science can end animal testing.
We don’t believe in testing on animals. We believe in the power of nature and the proof of science. And we know science has proven it’s unnecessary to test products for safety on animals. So we don’t do it. Instead, we use volunteers to test out our products. And they help us make sure everything is totally safe for you.
Some countries where Origins is sold require animal testing on all imported cosmetics as part of their regulator safety process. As a brand rooted in science, we’re doing everything we can to put an end to animal testing worldwide through science. That’s why we’re partnering with The Institute for In Vitro Sciences (http://wwww.iivs.org) in their mission to ensure alternative testing becomes the global standard.
In the highlighted part, Origins is referring to mainland China, where animal testing is still required by law.
Selling in China is in contradiction with one of the requirements for cruelty free brands.
Since Origins does sell their products in mainland China, their products may be subjected to animal testing there.
Additionally, Origins is on PETA’s list of companies that do test on animals.
Therefore, Origins is not cruelty free.
Keep on reading for more information!
Is Origins sold in China?
Origins 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 Origins owned by a parent brand? If yes, is it cruelty free?
Origins is owned by Estee Lauder, a company that tests on animals.
Is Origins vegan?
Origins is not 100% vegan. Some of their products contain animal-derived ingredients or animal by-products.
Also, please keep in mind that since Origins products may be tested on animals in mainland China, I definitely wouldn’t consider them as a vegan-friendly brand.
Cruelty free and vegan alternatives to Origins
Origins is a beauty brand focused on natural skincare
There are so many beauty brands that are cruelty free!
That’s why, in my opinion, there’s really no excuse for supporting brands that test on animals.
Some of the best cruelty free alternatives to Origins are:
The Ordinary
Paula’s Choice
Krave Beauty
Pacifica
Youth to the People
Drunk Elephant
If you want to discover more cruelty free skincare brands, check out my post on The 7 Best Cruelty Free Skin Care Brands in 2021 That Are Also 100% Vegan and Sustainable.
Now it’s your turn!
What are your favorite cruelty free brands?
Let me know in the comments below!