Bath & Body Works is No Longer Cruelty Free

Sadly, another brand has recently changed their stance on animal testing. Bath & Body Works has long been known as a cruelty free brand with lots of vegan options. Sadly, they now test on animals when it is required by local and regional laws.

I first began to suspect that something was up when I emailed the brand about a month ago to check-in on their status. I received a confirmation email stating that I would get a response in 24-48 hours, but never received any follow up communication. Today Logical Harmony reader Jennifer (@beautifullyvgn on Twitter), forwarded me an email that she received from the brand that stated that they test on animals as required by law.

As always, I like to get information directly from the brands themselves. I immediately emailed the brand, Tweeted at them asking if they had changed their animal testing stance, and posted on their Facebook wall asking them to confirm or deny that they were now testing on animals as required by law. I also checked the brands FAQ page, which stated, “We believe all living creatures deserve respect and would never think of testing any of our products on animals. Likewise, we don’t ask anyone who may be helping us develop or make our products to conduct these kinds of tests on our behalf.“

My tweet was ignored by the brand. My Facebook wall post was deleted and I was banned from posting on their page. I did, however, receive an email response.

Dear Tashina,

Thank you for your email regarding our Animal Testing policy. We are happy to assist with your inquiry.

L Brands policy prohibits the testing of our branded products, formulations and ingredients on animals except in rare cases when required by government regulations. Through our involvement in the Institute For In Vitro Sciences, we are supporting research to develop additional non-animal alternative methods which we believe will ultimately result in the elimination of animal testing worldwide.

Thank you for your interest in BathandBodyWorks.com, Tashina.

Bath & Body Works has now been moved to a Brand to Avoid on the Cruelty Free & Vegan Brand List here on Logical Harmony. I am very sad that the brand has decided to make this change.

Another formerly cruelty free Limited brand, Victoria’s Secret, also changed their stance on animal testing this year. Limited also owns the brands Henri Bendel and La Senza. Both of these brands are now also stating that they test on animals as required by law and are also being added to the Brands to Avoid list here on Logical Harmony.

Please note: At this time PETA still lists Bath & Body Works, Henri Bendel, and La Senza as being cruelty free. I am not sure how often PETA checks with brands. The brands are not listed as cruelty free by Leaping Bunny. Logical Harmony curates the brands list without the use of 3rd party information and by speaking to the brands directly.

Update on October 16, 2014: After a call with a representative of Bath & Body Works, I have more information about the required by law testing stance of the brand. They will remain on the list of brands to avoid here at Logical Harmony. You can read more information in the post – An Update on Bath & Body Works and Animal Testing.