Let’s look into the Origins brand’s current animal testing policy and cruelty-free status in 2021.
Is Origins Cruelty-Free?
Is Origins cruelty-free? NO!
Origins is a cosmetics brand founded in 1990 in the United States. The brand is known for its natural care products, however Origins is not a cruelty free brand because its products are available in China. Although most of the countries have over the years banned testing of products on animals as part of safety regulations, China continues to follow the same law and hence brands that choose to sell their products in mainland China are not cruelty-free as they play a role towards abuse of animals.
Origins is also listed on PETA as a company that DOES test on animals.
Is Origins Sold In China?
YES! Origins is available in mainland China.
As per the Chinese guidelines, all products except soaps and oral care fall under the cosmetics category and cosmetics that are imported and sold in a physical store in China are required by law to be tested on animals. These tests can be pre-market and/ or post market tests which in most cases are financed by the parent company to allow the sale of their products and in other cases animal tests are conducted by the Chinese authorities in case of a consumer complaint and they are not liable to inform the brand in the event of such tests. For this reason, brands that are available in China always run the risk of having their products tested on animals.
The law of animal testing applies only to international brands that manufacture products outside of mainland China and not to domestic manufacturers and online sales of products. Also neither does it apply to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan which are part of the Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China.
Is Origins Vegan?
Is Origins a vegan brand? NO!
Origins is a natural skin care brand with products formulated from plant, earth and sea-based ingredients, however it is not completely devoid of animal byproducts as it uses honey and beeswax.
Also because it is available in China where animal testing is mandated by law neither is it cruelty free. And for a brand to be vegan, it has to be cruelty-free and free from animal derived ingredients. Origins is neither and hence it cannot be considered a 100% vegan brand.
What Is Origins’ Animal Testing Policy?
Origins’ animal testing policy is mentioned on the FAQ page of its official website. It states,
Our belief is that science can end animal testing.
We don’t believe in testing on animals. We believe in the power of nature and the proof of science. And we know science has proven it’s unnecessary to test products for safety on animals. So we don’t do it. Instead, we use volunteers to test out our products. And they help us make sure everything is totally safe for you.
Some countries where Origins is sold require animal testing on all imported cosmetics as part of their regulator safety process. As a brand rooted in science, we’re doing everything we can to put an end to animal testing worldwide through science. That’s why we’re partnering with The Institute for In Vitro Sciences (http://www.iivs.org) in their mission to ensure alternative testing becomes the global standard.
This is a perfect example of how bigger brands whitewash the truth with fancy words and statements. The company directly does not own up to testing on animals but has vaguely mentioned about countries that do. To have a belief is great but what is even greater is to abide by what you believe in, no matter the costs. And in most cases, even though companies do not believe in cruelty towards animals but they end up being a part of it for the sake of market growth and profits.
Is Origins Owned By A Parent Company?
YES! Origins is owned by Estee Lauder and is one of the original brands of the Estee Lauder group of companies as Origins belongs to Leonard Lauder (son of Estee Lauder).
Estee Lauder is also certified by PETA as a company that does TEST on animals.
What Does Origins Sell?
Origins is a skin care and make-up brand that sells moisturizers, cleansers, serums, body washes, lipsticks, eyeliners, foundations etc. They also have a skincare range for men.
What Is Origins’ Current Cruelty-Free Position?
Origins’ position in 2021 is that it is NOT a cruelty-free brand.
It adheres to one or more of the following:
1) The brand directly engages in animal testing
2) The brand has suppliers that engage in animal testing
3) The brand permits a third party to test on their behalf
4) The brand tests on animals when required by law
5) The brand sells products in stores in mainland China despite being aware of the country’s mandatory animal testing policy
I Use Origins Products. What Can I Do To Help?
Our voices need to be heard. Cruelty towards animals is something no one should endure and is a bane in the current world. Tell the brand to back up their belief. Pull back from the Chinese market not when sales are down but to make a point that the brand does not stand for any form of cruelty or abuse. There are innumerable alternatives and it’s high time to adopt them and when brands start putting money where their mouths are; is when the real change in the system begins.
