Let’s look into the Revlon brand’s current animal testing policy and cruelty-free status in 2022.
Is Revlon Cruelty-free?
Is Revlon cruelty-free? NO!
Revlon is a multinational company founded in 1932 in the United States. Being a multinational company, over the years, it acquired many brands and although the company claims to be cruelty-free; meaning it does not tests any of its products on animals but its products are available in China and the Chinese government still mandates animal testing for cosmetic products. Hence any brand that sells is China cannot be considered cruelty-free.
Revlon is also on the PETA list of companies that DOES test on animals.
Is Revlon Sold In China?
Are Revlon products available in China? YES!
Whether or not a brand sells in China is an important consideration because China is one country that has not amended its laws on animal testing. Although the law has been relaxed for domestic manufacturers, brands that manufacture products internationally to be sold in physical stores in mainland China have to comply to the mandated animal testing policies.
This law applies to only those looking to sell in mainland China and it does not include Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
All products that fall under the cosmetic category which includes make-up, skin care, hair care, perfumes, sun care etc (except oral care and soap) require the product testing label and certificate to prove that certain items fulfil the PRC GB Standard of product safety / quality requirements.
Revlon products were sold in China until the end of 2013 after which they pulled out of the Chinese market owing to financial losses and no market growth.
However, in 2016 Revlon acquired Elizabeth Arden, a skincare and fragrance company which had entered the Chinese market in 2005. So by extension Revlon, the parent company continued to have its presence in China. Similarly, over the years, Revlon retained its position in the Chinese market through its acquired brands.
And now in 2020, Revlon is making a re-entry into China through the online distribution model of Tmall. Tmall is an online platform for local and international brands to sell their goods to consumers in mainland China. The animal testing laws do not apply when selling online, a reason why many cruelty-free brands opt for this model to stay true to their cruelty-free status and also have a presence in the Chinese Market. Tmall Global is the platform for internationally manufactured brands.
Revlon, however, is making its entry on the domestic market segment of Tmall and since it is an international brand entering the domestic market, even though online, it still requires to produce the necessary certifications and tests.
Is Revlon Vegan?
Is Revlon a vegan brand? NO!
Revlon and its sub brands have its products sold in China where testing on animals is required by law and hence they have played a role in cruelty towards animals.
Also Revlon products are not completely vegan which means they do have ingredients that are derived from animals. They currently have one hair colour that is a vegan product.
And because as a brand, neither are they cruelty free nor do they have products devoid of animal derived ingredients, Revlon is NOT a vegan brand.
What Is Revlon’s Animal Testing Policy?
Revlon’s animal testing policy is mentioned on its official website and they state,
Revlon does not conduct animal testing and has not done so for decades. We comprehensively test all of our products using the most technologically advanced methods available to ensure they are both innovative and safe to use. We believe that all women should have the opportunity to express themselves through makeup and we sell our products in many markets around the world. Regulatory authorities in some countries conduct independent testing in order to satisfy their own mandatory registration requirements and a limited number of these countries have not yet adopted alternative testing methods. While Revlon complies with the requirements for safety in all of these countries, we continue to collaborate with other companies to advocate for the adoption of alternative testing methods and the elimination of animal testing around the world.
Revlon does not test on animals but does adhere to all regulations in international markets where our brands are sold. Until there is a certification that distinguishes brand vs. the parent company, Revlon will not be eligible for these certifications despite being cruelty-free.
Revlon claims to be cruelty-free but just not testing on animals themselves, does not give a brand the clean chit. Brands have to choose ethics or their need for growth, profit and market expansion. If a country has laws that are inhumane then it is the company’s choice whether to be a part of such a country. And ‘adhering to laws’ should not be an excuse because if a brand really cares about being cruelty-free, they will not adhere to any laws no matter the result.
Is Revlon Owned By A Parent Company?
NO! Revlon is the parent company. Revlon itself is a cosmetic brand and has acquired other brands in cosmetics, skin care fragrances and personal care such as Elizabeth Arden, Almay, Sinful colours etc.
What Does Revlon Sell?
Revlon is a mid-range to luxury makeup brand with a product range of lipsticks, foundations, primers, mascaras and also hair colour and beauty tools.
What Is Revlon’s Current Cruelty-Free Position?
Revlon’s current position in 2022 is that it is NOT a cruelty-free brand.
I Use Revlon Products. What Can I Do To Help?
Revlon is a widely known and loved brand and being a multinational company, it also has the power to bring about a much needed change in the cosmetics industry. Talk to the brand, tell them that it is time to come together and truly end all such inhumane practices. If the laws can be changed in other countries than China can adopt alternatives too. Every life is important and if a brand claims to be cruelty-free, it should be so in every sense of the word. And if Revlon can pull out of the Chinese market due to lower profits then it should also pull out to back their claim to be cruelty-free.
