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.
NARS has been owned by shiseido for quite some time, meaning their parent company does test on animals. Just something to think about; this isn’t really new. If someone was purchasing their products prior to this transition into the Chinese market, they were already ultimately supporting a brand that frequently tests on animals. Everyone is suddenly lashing out when it’s been this way for a long time. Along with many other brands that people label as cruelty free such as Laura Mercier and bare mineral (both under shiseido) important to do research especially when it comes to these topics!
Lots of people were and are aware that their parent company is not cruelty-free, but the issue here is that NARS itself was not testing on animals and was cruelty-free themselves. This is very different than simply having a parent company that isn’t cruelty-free. It’s another brand starting to test on animals. Regardless of how you feel about a parent company that tests, I think we can all agree that any brand deciding to start testing on animals is a step in the wrong direction.
This is so sad! I loved NARS and I can’t believe that even this brand is putting profits before values.
As always, thank you for the information Tashina!
I sent an email to NARS and they proceeded to send me this generic response:
“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.”
I hope that they receive enough emails to re-think their decision. It has been such a big disappointment because I’ve been such a big NARS fan for years.
Does anyone know when exactly is Nars going to start selling in china?
They haven’t announced an exact date other than a bit later in 2017.
I totally just wrote a huge rant to NARS! I am extremely disappointed in them! I am going to tell everyone I have ever recommended NARS to what kind of a company they truly are. I will also go to my local ulta and Sephora to educate their workers because many don’t keep up with cruelty free brands. I have told many workers on various occasions that NARS was a cruelty free option and I will be sure to let everyone know that they have sold their morals!
How did you contact them? I can only see a customer services email address on their website. I would love to email them as they were one of my favs 🙁