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5 Skincare Brands That Still Test On Animals

Amara Nwosu  /  September 2, 2026  /  2 min

Before you pick out your favorite cosmetics, one thing you'll definitely want to make sure of is that the products you choose haven't been tested on animals. If you think that most companies are cruelty-free by now, think…

These Brands Are Still Not Cruelty-Free

Before you pick out your favorite cosmetics, one thing you’ll definitely want to check is whether the products have been tested on animals. If you think most companies are cruelty-free by now, think again—many well-known brands still aren’t. From Benefit to Origins, here are five skincare brands that continue to condone animal testing.

1. Benefit

Despite Benefit skirting around the issue by claiming that they don't test on animals, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has confirmed that the company isn't cruelty-free. They may test on animals themselves, through a supplier, or sell their products in countries that allow animal testing.

5 Skincare Brands That Still Test On Animals
Photo: Lina Kivaka on Pexels

2. Clinique

Clinique is another brand that isn't cruelty-free. On their website, they state (like Benefit) that they don't, except where it's required by law. This means that some of their products—and the ingredients in those products—may still be tested on animals.

5 Skincare Brands That Still Test On Animals
Photo: Theodora Ispas on Unsplash

3. Estée Lauder

Like Clinique, Estée Lauder tests on animals where it's required by law. While they've stated they're implementing methods to end animal testing, they still sell their products in countries where animal testing is allowed and legally mandated, making them not cruelty-free.

5 Skincare Brands That Still Test On Animals
Photo: Tati Lebedenko on Pexels

4. Maybelline

Maybelline is another company that uses professional jargon to claim that they don't test on animals, when they're not actually cruelty-free. Even if they don't follow these methods themselves, they allow other suppliers or third-party entities to conduct animal testing.

5 Skincare Brands That Still Test On Animals
Photo: Aggeliki Siomou on Pexels

5. Origins

Origins may claim that their products are vegetarian and without animal-derived ingredients, but don't be swayed—they, too, test on animals. Origins is also owned by Estée Lauder, which means their products are sold in countries where animal testing is required by law.

5 Skincare Brands That Still Test On Animals
Photo: michela ampolo on Unsplash
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Amara Nwosu

Skincare writer.

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