When it comes to cruelty-free brands, there can be a lot of confusion about which brands are cruelty-free and which are not. In an attempt to make things easier, this post series hopes to help clear up the cruelty-free stance of some of the most asked about brands on Logical Harmony. A lot of people ask, “Is NARS cruelty-free?”. NARS is known for making great base products and products that have a consistent cult following, like Orgasm blush. They are a widely well-known brand available at stores like Sephora, Nordstrom, etc.

Is NARS cruelty-free? Keep reading to find out the details.

Is NARS cruelty-free?

Sadly, NARS is not a cruelty-free brand. They have long been known as one but some recent changes have occurred and NARS is no longer cruelty-free. While there is no animal testing occurring on NARS products or ingredients by NARS, or a parent company, NARS is going to start testing on animals when required by law.

Are NARS products sold in China?

They will be. NARS has confirmed that they are expanding into the Chinese market in 2017 and acknowledged that their products will be tested on animals as a part of this expansion.

The following statements were received from NARS:

“NARS does not support animal testing. Our position and values on that point have not changed. However, we are a global brand and, like many of our peers, we must comply with the legal requirements and mandatory local rules of each market we are in. We are launching in China later this year and local regulations mandate animal testing on imported cosmetics. We have updated our website FAQ to reflect this global expansion.”

“Thank you for reaching out. NARS is excited to bring our vision of beauty and artistry to fans in China, consistent with our long-held commitment to empower women and men everywhere. NARS does not test on animals or ask others to do so on our behalf, except where required by law. We are subject to the local laws of the markets in which we operate, including in China where products are subject to animal testing.“

Does NARS test on animals when required by law?

Yes. Sadly, NARS does test on animals when required by law.

NARS has now updated their FAQ page to include the following:

“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.”

Who owns NARS? NARS is owned by Shiseido.

Is Shiseido cruelty-free? No. Shiseido is not cruelty-free.

Does NARS have vegan products? Yes. NARS does have some vegan products.

Despite them having a parent company that is not cruelty-free, NARS had been one of the most dependable cruelty-free brands for a lot of consumers. The recent changes to the NARS Cruelty-Free stance are upsetting to many. I encourage you to reach out and let NARS know that being cruelty-free does matter to you, and that this change in the NARS cruelty-free status may mean losing you as a customer. Feel free to the template below or add it to any emails you may send the brand:

“I love that NARS has been a cruelty-free brand and, as a customer, I am very sad that NARS has decided to enter the market in China and take part in required by law testing to do so. One reason I supported NARS was due to the NARS cruelty-free status. Because of this change, I will no longer be a NARS customer.”

I am very sad to be sharing this news with you. I hope that NARS will change their mind and remain cruelty-free.

If you’re looking for cruelty-free dupes for some NARS products, JKissa Makeup, who covers cruelty-free beauty on YouTube, just made this great video. In it, she shares some dupes for some of her favorite NARS products. I knew that a lot of you would be asking about cruelty-free dupes for NARS products, so thank you to JKissa for making this and letting us share this here on Logical Harmony!

Courtney from Phyrra, a cruelty-free beauty blog, also created a list of cruelty-free dupes for NARS products as well.