Estée Lauder Expands Commitment to Cruelty-Free Testing

The skincare and cosmetics manufacturer is working to ban animal testing across the globe.

On June 20, Estée Lauder announced it was expanding its partnership with the Humane Society International and forging a new alliance with Cruelty Free International. Both moves mark an important shift in the movement towards animal welfare, as Estée Lauder is one of the top skincare and cosmetic manufacturers in the U.S. With Estée Lauder's support, the Humane Society International pledges to “bring an end to cosmetic testing on animals by 2023” with the new #BeCrueltyFree Campaign.

Senior vice president of Global Corporate Affairs Anne Klein expressed her support for the partnership.

“We are proud to partner with Humane Society International, an organization that has done such thoughtful work advocating for animals everywhere,” Klein said. “They have been a wonderful partner and advisor as we work together towards our common goal to bring an end to cosmetics animal testing, worldwide.”

Estée Lauder was one of the first major companies to eliminate cosmetic animal testing over 30 years ago but acknowledges that the company operates in countries that require animal testing to determine safety. The #BeCruelty Free Campaign notes that only 38 countries have banned cosmetic animal testing, leaving 4 out of 5 countries without cruelty-free legislation. China is among the countries that require animal testing in its cosmetic products. The manufacturer hopes that through international partnerships with research institutions and advocacy groups, they can help promote alternatives to animal testing. The campaign also points out that many of these alternatives predict human reactions to products more accurately than tests on animals.

Only 38 countries have banned cosmetic animal testing, leaving 4 out of 5 countries without cruelty-free legislation.

“The Estée Lauder Companies wholeheartedly believes alternatives to animal testing are achievable through collaborations with leading scientists, industry groups and NGOs worldwide that share its passion and dedication to reach this common goal,” the company declared on its website. “To this end, the company has long worked with collaborative organizations including university research programs, industry consortiums and non-profits that have a proven track record of advocating for practical solutions and the acceptance of alternatives to cosmetics animal testing.”

Estée Lauder outlined a three-prong approach to ending animal testing, beginning with supporting research that promotes alternatives to animal testing. The brand also promised to back legislation that supports animal welfare, and align with both local and global partners to combat the issue on an international level.

Estée Lauder’s products operate in over 150 countries and include brand names such as Clinique, Tommy Hilfiger, MAC, Smashbox, and Too Faced. Their pledge joins the likes of Unilever, Avon, and Procter & Gamble, who have all voiced their support of the cruelty-free cause.