L'oreal Update

Hey guys.

I'm in the process of contacting L'oreal, obviously, about their animal testing policy. Although, I have my suspicions about this company, I still feel the need to make it official. I am aware that L'oreal is sold in China. If you are new to the world of cruelty-free cosmetics; China requires any cosmetic company (and probably other non-beauty related companies) to conduct animal testing before selling in the country.

I have a good feeling about what I will hear back from L'oreal. Make of that what you will ;).

With the whole UrbanDecay disaster, I felt my research was incomplete. Although, my sources are highly credible, I still feel the need to provide you with my personal correspondence and the information I have gathered. If all the information I provided you was dependent on other resources, what would be the point of this blog?

Even though it takes longer to due because most companies take about 2-3 weeks to reply or some simply never reply, I feel the need to make it official. I'm sure you would agree. It makes me credible because I'm not just throwing out my own opinions or premonitions about a company, there is actual prove which helps you make your decision.

If I wanted, I could just take what I think I know and spurt out my opinions. Which, trust me I greatly enjoy doing, however I'm sure you appreciate the professionalism I take when it comes to the subject of animal testing. I take it very seriously and therefore want to make sure all my research is objective. Meanwhile, you can look forward to my very subjective opinions ONCE I have the prove to back them up.

I'm going to list all the companies, according to L'Oreal's website. 

L'oreal Paris

Garnier

Maybelline New York

Softsheen, Carson

CCB Paris

Essie

L'oreal Professionnel

Kerastase

Matrix

Pureology

Shu Uemura Art of Hair

Keraskin Esthetics

Essie

Lancome

Biotherm

Helena Rubinstein

Shu Uemura

Giorgio Armani

Ralph Lauren

Cacharel

Viktor & Rolf

Diesel

YSL Beaute

Maison Martin Margiela

Stella McCartney

YUE SAI

Vichy

La Roche Posay

inneov

Skinceuticals

Sanoflore

Roger&Gallet

The Body Shop

I do NOT support companies who claim to be cruelty-free but whose parent companies test on animals and sell in China. If a company falls under another company that conducts any type of animal testing, THAT COMPANY IS NOT CRUELTY-FREE. An example of that would be Burt's Bees, which is owned by Clorox. 

So if you are in the process of switching to 100% cruelty-free products and are unsure of L'oreal. I would highly suggest you hold off on purchasing any of their products for now. At least that is what I have done with any company I have been unsure of. 

As for now, I will cite L'Oreal's  FAQ page and be back shortly with a post dedicated to that. Once, I hear back from them I will let you know! 

If you need any help let me know in the comments or email me at ca.alva@yahoo.com . Don't hesitate, I really would love to help you in any way. Also, know that I understand how frustrating it can be to go through this process, but always remember why your doing it. For those innocent little creatures who deserve to be loved not poked and harassed 24/7. 

-Camila Alvarez 

waiting game

As of now, I'm in the waiting process with a great number of companies......

Instead, of completely neglecting this blog while that happens, I decided to share with you what companies say or do not say on their websites about their animal testing policies. This information is not as credible as actually receiving having a correspondence with a company, but it's the second best thing. Especially, since going cruelty-free, I know, can be frustrating.

I'm still here :)

This was Lola!

A beauty!

I love this picture and thought, it would be nice for you to have something colorful to look at :) 

Hey guys.
So I haven't been as regular with posts as I would like. However, it can often take a while to hear back from companies. I'm actually investigating some other things(animal-rights related of course) on the side, which you will hear about soon enough! Also, I'm a college student and am dealing with finals! I guess I'm lucky, because so far it hasn't been too hard to study. But I'm sure that will change the following week! I'm also so happy, because I now have two followers!! AHH!! Can't believe it! I'm so grateful that this little blog, that I write because I truly care about the suffering of my little furry friends, has somehow been helpful to someone! I want to share what I know and learn all I can from wonderful people like all of you! 
So I guess all I really wanted to say is that I'm still here! Hi :) Stay tuned because I still have a lot to discuss :)
-Camila Alvarez :) 

Final Update UrbanDecay

Hey guys. So I emailed UrbanDecay on Friday and received a reply today.

(This is the message I sent them)
"To whom it may concern,

I have recently learned that this company has been bought by industry giants L'oreal. L'oreal is not 100% cruelty-free and I am afraid your policy will change because of this fact. I believe the consumer has the right to know whether a company test on animals. Please respond as soon as possible. I will be sharing any correspondence I receive on: [this blog) . 

-Camila Alvarez "

(This is what I received in reply direct from UrbanDecay)

"Hello,

We want to reassure our customers that although our ownership is changing, our principles have not. L'Oreal is the industry leader in finding alternatives to animal testing. We're excited to have a partner who has made and continues to make important changes in our industry.

Sincerely,

Team UD"

So there you go.

Like I mentioned before I do not support company's who has a parent company that test on animals. I do not support Burt's Bees and Maybelline, Revlon, Mac, etc. I will not be purchasing anything from UrbanDecay and hope this is the last time I type their name on my blog.

I am really curious on your opinion. Let me know.

-Camila Alvarez

UrbanDecay

Hey guys. 

So I've been investigating the whole L'oreal is buying out UrbanDecay ordeal and here is what I know so far. 

I looked all over the web and could not find an official press release statement from either UrbanDecay or L'oreal. I did however find a a website phyrra.net , where Phyrra posted her correspondence with UrbanDecay. (Please go click the link to read the original document). 

“As for the sale, we want to reassure our customers/fans that although our ownership is changing, our principles have not. L’Oreal is the industry leader in finding alternatives to animal testing. We’re excited to have a partner who has made and continues to make important changes in our industry. Thank you again.”

So what do I think about this entire thing?

      Honestly, I am so disappointed it makes me almost feel sick to my stomach. 

      Especially, when you are just beginning to replace the items in your makeup collection with cruelty-free. It's not just the convenience of companies like UrbanDecay, it is also the hope they give you about the future of the beauty industry. The fact that these companies can produce high-quality pigments: eyeshadows, lipsticks, lip-glosses; foundations in the fairest of ivory to the deepest of ebony without having to resort to the torture of innocent voice-less creatures. 

       I feel sick to my stomach because I feel that hope I have, not that it has been deminished, but it has been bruised. Meanwhile, it makes me more determined to boycott and educate people about these companies. 

   However, urge you to tell companies lie tarte, ELF, NYX, Wet N' Wild, etc... to stay strong in their animal testing policies. Basically, to let them know that we, the consumers, are out there and demand cruelty-free high-quality products. 

      As for me. I do not have a UrbanDecay product and now will never own one. I would never support a company that would change their moral values in a second for $350 million dollars.

-Camila Alvarez 

UrbanDecay purchased by L'oreal aka "The KING of ANIMAL TESTING"

Hey guys.

    I just want to put this out there. I will have a more in detail post later. However, you know what I stand for. Like Burt's Bees, that claim to be cruelty-free but is owned by Clorox, but of course Clorox tests on animals. That same thing is happening to Urban Decay. L'oreal is infamous among us animal rights activist, because they test on animals. L'oreal owns half of the drug store. (Click link to find out) !
  
   Basically STOP supporting Urban Decay. If you support Urban Decay you also support Animal Testing!!! 
    
    Please watch these videos to learn more. These ladies know what they are talking about.
Remember: I will keep you updated.

-Camila

Physicians Formula

Hey guys.
     I guess the people at Physicians Formula, and many other companies are just too busy. I've emailed them maybe three times now and have not received a reply. Yes, I know I know. That is why big companies have FAQ pages, but is a personal correspondence too much to ask for? I think not. 
     I decided, in as a desperate measure to in fact discuss what is one the Physicians Formula FAQ page. (Click the link if you wish to check it out.) 
  
 "Q. Does Physicians Formula test on animals?

    A. Physicians Formula Inc. does not conduct tests, or commission any outside facility to conduct tests that involve the use of animals. The safety of our products is determined using such alternate methods as "in-vitro" testing, human clinical evaluations and human use-trials under the supervision of a Board Certified Dermatologist." 

         The only problem I have with this is the use of "commission". If we want to get annoying technical, the definition for commission is: "the authority to perform a task or certain duties." 

      

      What does commission mean here? Does it just mean: 'We do not permit/allow "outside facility to conduct tests..." or 'We do not require "any outside facility..." See the difference? 

      

       As I am one of those, very technical persons who notices the slightest change, of course I must question the use of that word, commission. I'm sorry if that annoys you, trust me it annoys me too, but it's in my nature!!! I can't help it :( 

       

       This is where a personal correspondence with a company is important. If they took two seconds to reply to my questions the whole mystery would come to light. (Yes, I will blame them for my OCD) 

       

        In all seriousness, the use of the word commission is important to me. Animal testing is not a topic I take with a light heart. It's horrific and because it is so cruel, it must be treated in such a manner. Remember these animals are poked, cut, blinded, burned, etc. They are put in cages 24 hours of the day, feed little or nothing. No living thing deserves to live that way. When I think of these things, my OCD is very much justified. 

       Aside from that, I'm extremely happy with the rest of the answer to the Q: " Does Physicians Formula test on animals." I truly appreciate when a company tells you how they conduct their testing. They discuss the "in-vitro" method they use instead of animal testing. To be completely honest I have no idea what that is, but I now plan to find out. ;) *wink wink, hint hint* I advocate human use-trails as an alternative to animal testing. They are humane and in turn create jobs. What is there to lose?  

        Note: I will post an update, when my "commission" question is answered :) 

      

        I am, as of now, not afraid to browse the products on the Physicians Formula counter. However, I would appreciate a reply. Physicians Formula, answer my questions pretty please.!!!!

        I have used their products in the past and really enjoyed them. I encourage you, if you are interested, to join me in relentlessly emailing and trying to contact PF. If you do please let me know. Either comment below or email me at ca.alva@yahoo.com :) 

--Camila A. ☼

Real Techniques

Hey guys.

I have to be frank. I received this correspondence sometime in October. October 24th  actually. I honestly have no idea why I didn't talk about it. Might of been that I was busy with a midterm or something of that nature. Regardless, here it is. And being that I am a huge fan of the Pixiwoos sisters on YouTube I am so excited and not disappointed. This brand carries synthetic make up brushes. Read for yourself. 

"Dear Camila,Real Techniques does not subscribe to animal testing on our finished products or individual ingredients. With today’s huge bank of safety-tested ingredients and several alternative methods to animal testing available, we find it unnecessary to conduct animal safety studies on our products or ingredients. In those cases where chemicals may have never undergone safety screening, and we believe there is a reasonable basis to question the safety of such an ingredient, we take two paths. First and foremost, we try to avoid the use of such an ingredient. In some instances where the ingredient is vital to the performance of the product, we conduct other types of laboratory testing, but do not conduct testing on animals.It remains our goal to provide quality, safe, and environmentally and socially responsible products for you and your family.The FDA does not have any regulations for items which are classified as “vegan.” The term “vegan” refers to food items, and our products do not fall into that category. We do consider our products earth-friendly and we do have very natural components, such as: 100% cruelty-free synthetic Taklon bristles. We hope that you decide to purchase Real Techniques to complete your makeup looks.Thank you for your interest!All our best,Real Techniques"

     Similar to Sonia Kashuk's email, they give details to their alternative testing methods. They also state that they consider animal testing "unnecessary". Not one correspondence I've received from any other company, regardless of whether they do or do not test on animals have given a statement close to that one. It truly shows this companies ethics. 

     I'm ecstatic!! I wish that every reply I received from a cosmetic company was this honest and clear. Real Techniques gets right to the point. The first sentence is "Real Techniques does not subscribe to animal testing...." I does not get more honest than that. In fact, the entire tone of that email is friendly. 

     Not only do I recommend checking out this brand but I also recommend checking out the Pixiwoo's YouTube channel. They are Sam Chapman and Nic Haste. They are beautiful and so talented. 

     I'm planning to buy the core collection and posting a receive. Let me know if that is something you'd be interested in. Also, just a comment would be fun. I haven't received a comment yet :( *wink wink* *Hint hint* 

     Lot's of love and stay strong in the quest of making the world a little bit of a better place, with one small act of kindness each day. 

--Camila A. ☼

My Cruelty-Free

So I've contacted a good hand full of companies, enough that I feel comfortable starting my list. Of course company policies are changing daily, none that I know of as of now, so that list will possibly change. This is just letting you guys know what is to come. I still have many to contact. These are the ones I've received a reply so far:

KEY:

BLACK : NOT cruelty-free

yellow ☀ :Cruelty Free

Fushia : haven't received a reply

(P:___) Parent Company is...

✘: Parent Company DOES NOT comply

_______________________________________________________________________
1st List (Cruelty-Free Companies)

***As you can see there are a LOT more non-cruelty-free companies vs. cruelty-free (or at the ones I've researched). I recommend you check out LeapingBunny's list, where they have PLENTY of more companies you can choose from. I'm sure having a list of non-cruelty-free companies is just as helpful as GOOD companies.

Desert Essence☀

NYX☀

Physicians Formula☀

Real Techniques☀

Sonia Kashuk☀

tarte☀

Too-Faced☀

theBalm☀

Wet N' Wild☀

_______________________________________________________________________

2nd List (NOT cruelty-free COMPANIES)

(a)

Adidas (P: Coty)✘

Astor(P: Coty)✘
Almay (P: P&G companies) ✘

(b)

Burt's Bees (P: Clorox) ✘

Balenciaga (P: Coty)✘

Beyonce (P: Coty)✘

Bottega Veneta (P: Coty)✘

bareMinerals (P: Shiseido) ✘

Biotherm (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

(c)

CCB Paris (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Cacharel (P: Coty)✘

Chloe (P: Coty)✘

Calvin Klein Fragrances (P: Coty)✘

Celine Dion (P: Coty)✘

Cerruti (P: Coty)

CK ONE Color (P: Coty)✘

Chopard (P: Coty)✘
Covergirl (P: P &G companies)

(d)

Diesel (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

David Beckham (P: Coty)✘

David Off (parfume) (P: Coty)✘
Dolce & Gabbana Fragrances (P: P&G companies)

(e)

Essie (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Elite Models (P: Coty)✘

Esprit (P: Coty)✘

Estee Lauder 

(f)

Faith Hill (P: Coty)✘

(g)

Garnier (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Giorgio Armani (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Guess (P: Coty)✘

(h)

Halle Berry (P: Coty)✘

Heidi Klum (P: Coty)✘

(i)

inneov (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

(j)

Jennifer Lopez(P: Coty)✘

Jil Sander(P: Coty)✘

Joopi(P: Coty)✘

Jovan(P: Coty)✘

(k)

Keraskin Esthetics (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Kate Moss (P: Coty)✘

Kylie Minogue (P: Coty)✘

(l)

L'Oreal Paris

L'Oreal Professional (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Lancome (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

La Roche Posay (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Lady Gaga (P: Coty)✘

Lancaster(P: Coty)✘

(m)

MAC (P: Estee Lauder)✘

Maybelline (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Matrix (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Maison Martin Margiela (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Madonna (P: Coty)✘

Manhattan ✘

Marc Jacobs (P: Coty)✘

Miss Sporty (P: Coty)✘

(n)

NYX 

N.Y.C NEW YORK COLOR (P: Coty)✘

Nautica (P: Coty)✘

Nicole by OPI (P: Coty)✘

NIKOS (P: Coty)✘

Nars (P: Shiseido)✘

(o)

OPI (P: Coty)✘

(p)

Pantene (P: P&G Companies)

Pureology (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Philosophy (P: Coty)✘

Pierre Cardin (P: Coty)✘

Playboy (P: Coty)✘

(q)

N/A

(r)

Revlon (P: Estee Lauder)✘

Ralph Lauren (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Roger & Gallet (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Rimmel (P: Coty)✘

Roberto Cavalli (P: Coty)✘

(s)

Sonia Kashuk 

Softsheen (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Shu Uemura Art of Hair (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Shu Uemura (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Stella McCartney (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Skinceuticals (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Sanoflore (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Sally Hansen (P: Coty)✘

Sarah Jessica Parker (P: Coty)✘

Stetson (P: Coty)✘

Shiseido 

(t)

Tim Mcgraw (P: Coty)✘

Tjoy (P: Coty)✘

Tonino Lamborghini (P: Coty)✘

(u)

Urban Decay (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

(v)

Viktor & Rolf (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Vichy (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

Vera Wang (P: Coty)✘

Vivienne Westwood (P: Coty)✘

Venus (P: P&G companies) ✘

(w)

(x)

(y)

YSL Beaute (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

YUE SAI (P: L'Oreal Paris)✘

(z)

_______________________________________________________________________

Disclaimer: I look at three factors to determine if a company is cruelty-free.
1. I look at their parent company. I do not believe in supporting a brand which is under a big company that does not also have a 100% cruelty-free status. I believe this because in those situations you often don't know where your money is going. Often, it might be funding animal testing.

2. I look at the suppliers of the company's raw ingredients. Companies I consider to be 100% cruelty-free will have verified that they make sure the manufcatures of the raw ingredients comply. They are often also accredited by an animal rights organization such as PETA or LeapingBunny. This gives me more reassurance that the suppliers are also cruelty-free.

3. I look to see if the products are sold in China. I do this because for cosmetic products to be sold in the Chinese market cosmetic companies must test their products on animals. Meaning, that if a company sells it's products in that market it cannot be cruelty-free. [Disclaimer: Although I ask about vegan products, I do not use that criteria exclusively to determine whether a company is cruelty-free. I just do it for the convenience of my vegan friends. :) ]

MAC

Hey guys.
I finally received a reply from a MAC representative. I'm not sure if you are aware of  it but MAC is actually owned my Estée Lauder ( read my correspondence and you will see.)  I knew what was coming. Though, I am not surprised, my passion for blogging about companies like these has grown. Read for yourself.

"Wednesday, November 7, 2012 8:49 AM

Dear Ms. Alvarez,

Thank you for your interest in M.A.C, a brand of the Estée Lauder Companies. We apologize for the delay in our response.

Providing consumers with products unsurpassed in quality and safety, while strictly adhering to legal requirements wherever we do business, is part of the deep heritage of the Estée Lauder Companies.

Our longstanding commitment to end animal testing has not changed: we do not test our products or ingredients on animals, nor do we ask others to test on our behalf, except where required by law.

We were one of the first cosmetic companies to demonstrate that cosmetic product safety can be achieved by non-animal testing methods. We are proud of the role we have played in advocating to regulators and industry participants worldwide, that cosmetic product safety can be proven by means other than animal testing. We have consistently supported the research program coordinated by the European trade association, Cosmetics Europe, for the replacement of animal tests since its inception 20 years ago. This broad program includes projects co-funded by the European Commission such as SEURAT (Safety Evaluation Ultimately Replacing Animal Testing). We are also members of the European Partnership for Alternatives to Animal Testing (EPAA), an initiative launched in 2005 by stakeholders from various industries, including the European Commission, to promote the sharing of knowledge across industries and facilitate the validation and acceptance of alternative test methods and strategies.

We are proud of our role in the great progress that has been made in eliminating animal testing around the world. Given, however, that there are still countries that require some animal testing, we have an opportunity to encourage global acceptance of scientifically validated non-animal testing methods. We are increasing our efforts and investments to make this goal a reality. Our activities toward this end include:

• Hosting industry dialogues and consortia to discuss the promotion of non-animal testing, state-of-the-art research and new breakthroughs in in vitro and other advanced testing methods, to regulators throughout the world

• Contributing funds to the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS), a US-based non-profit research and testing laboratory dedicated to the advancement of in vitro (non-animal) methods worldwide

• Developing and implementing programs in China and other markets where in vitro testing is not accepted in order to educate scientists on the scientifically validated safety record of these methods

• Continuing to support innovation at maximum speed and sharing protocols with regulators and industry participants worldwide

In addition, I appreciate the opportunity to explain that I do not have a comprehensive list of products that contain or do not contain specific ingredients. However, if you would kindly provide me with the specific names of products with which you are interested, I will be happy to have our chemist check for each of them.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

[I omitted the name, just for privacy, I don't want this person who is just trying to survive to get a bunch of haters]
Consumer Response Representative" 

   

    MAC is stating how much they have tried to end animal testing, apparently for 20 years now,by partnering with SEURAT (Safety Evaluation Ultimately Replacing Animal Testing). I have no doubt this is not true, and I applaud their efforts, but it does not change anything. Why can companies like Urban Decay, Wet N' Wild, Tarte, Sonia Kashuk, etc. deliver amazing quality products without having to resort to those inhumane means, especially when they are completely unnecessary? They chose to.

  

  Remember there are 1.3 billion people in China, that is a huge market. Companies like MAC, Revlon, and Maybelline are not stupid, they know what 1.3 billion people means for their pockets. The world would be a nicer place if these CEO types, who make millions of dollars, would considered stuffing their pockets with some humanity.

    

    I know many of you are not sure what to think when you investigate these companies and receive replies, like the one above, that are inconclusive.

   

    There are "signs" of trouble that you can look out for, when you are in contact with a company. First, if they say something a long the lines of: we don't test on animals.....unless required by law. It just means: we test on animals. Also, any company that sales in China, at specific retail outlets (its different with selling online); it just means : we test on animals.

     I'm sorry if it seems like I'm just ranting. But I have to be honest with you guys and myself about how I feel. How would it benefit anyone if i tried to be "politically correct"? 

    

    The only MAC product I own, my sister actually "borrowed" from a friend; then I "borrowed" it from her. All, I can say is that my Cruelty-Free Wet N' Wild eyeshadows give those a run for their money. They are as pigmented, and dare I say more buttery. If you are a MAC-die hard user, know that behind their "oh-la-la" look, stands a dark reality. Behind, the glitter and the red lips, is the scarlett blood of innocent creatures. Ask yourself, is the status I get from my peers by showcasing my "MAC" compact worth it? I know what my answer is.
 

-Camila A. ☼