Is Laneige Cruelty-Free? Here’s Our Expert’s Final Verdict

Last Updated on August 10, 2024 by Shavy Jain

Is Laneige cruelty-free? That’s a smart question to ask, especially in a beauty world’s that’s drowning in greenwashing and superflous claims to sell more units. Cosmetics and skincare are a part of the Instagram showbiz culture, dazzled by stars promoting high-end brands and claiming to be the best of their times. Well, not just stars, the brands are also using labels such as cruelty-free, vegan, organic, etc. to set them apart from the masses. 

The 21st century customer is inclined towards sustainable beauty alternatives. This shift has further pushed brands to establish their products as vegan, animal cruelty-free and nature-friendly. 

Sadly, as the saying goes, “It’s easier said than done!” With the rise of greenwashing, eco-conscious customers are actively checking the credibility of the claims made by skincare, cosmetic and beauty brands. Among the many so-called “cruelty-free” brands, today we are going to look closely at – Laneige.

If you’re a part of the crowd that’s inclined towards sustainable beauty alternatives, then this article is for you. We’ll answer questions like: Is Laneige cruelty-free? What is its animal testing policy?

Also Read: Is Nivea Cruelty-Free?

We will also address common questions about the identification of such brands to help readers make informed decisions. 

Without further ado, let’s first understand what makes a brand cruelty-free.

What Makes a Cruelty-Free Beauty Brand? 

A simple definition of a cruelty-free brand would be – a brand that refrains itself from testing its products on animals by them, by third-party sellers, or by other countries; at any stage of product development. 

In more simple words, no bunnies, mice or any animals are involved in the formulation, testing, and production of the product whatsoever! 

Additionally, we also need to talk about the circularity of the product, and supply chain of the brand. The responsibility of a cruelty-free brand extends to a few more crucial aspects of manufacturing and selling beauty products.

Here’s a quick check list:

Also Read: Is Dove Cruelty-Free?

Laneige: Is Your Favorite Lip Balm Brand Really Cruelty-Free? 

Did you know, that Laneige’s lip balm is the best-selling lip balm in the US? Well, it’s true! 

This award winning product is loved by millions. Its product range includes hydrating creams, vibrant lip tints, moisturizers, long-lasting foundation, facial oils and serums, and everything anti-ageing! Here are a few examples of its most raved skincare beauty products. In over 3 decades, Laneige has spread its wings from South Korea to nearly half of the globe. Its wide range of skincare treatment range became its wings, and its products found homes in all ethnicities.

Now, let’s talk about it’s minimalism packaging. Not just you, but all the buyers love that classic opaque hue that comes with most Laneige lip balm bottles. But that’s bad news for the buyers, as minimalism evades the brand to put labels on the product. 

Let’s get to the bottom of this question: Is Laneige cruelty-free or not? Experts at Ecowiser got to the bottom of this.

Also Read: Is Rare Beauty Cruelty-Free?

Is Laneige Cruelty-Free? 

No! Our experts have concluded that despite the pastel colored claims, Laneige is not cruelty-free.

At Ecowiser, our team of experts put each brand through meticulous standards of testing. Check out our process of How We Rate. 

Let’s start with some important facts: Laneige does not explicitly market itself as cruelty-free on its website, but it does asserts, that it does not conduct animal testing on its products sold in most markets.  

Its parent company, Amorepacific has also stated that they no longer do animal testing, and are cruelty-free only in the countries that do not require it by law. 

Also Read: Is The Ordinary Cruelty-Free?

Is that enough? Unfortunately, it’s not. 

Because, when we consider Laneige’s presence in regions with mandatory animal testing regulations, such as China, Laneige’s cruelty-free status comes into question. Laneige’s operations in these regions are still a question mark to us, and a challenge to its ethical reputation. As a buyer sitting in California, U.S. you might think that Laneige is not testing its products on animals here, or that your product is cruelty-free. But, truly speaking “is Laneige cruelty-free?” when the company is testing on animals in some other part of the world? 

Let’s see what does Laneige’s animal testing policy has to say about it. 

Also Read: Is Neutrogena Cruelty-Free? 

What is Laneige’s Cruelty-Free Policy?

Like many South Korean skincare brands, Laneige didn’t have a cruelty-free certification. They haven’t made a formal statement declaring themselves cruelty-free, nor have they been certified by organizations like PETA or Leaping Bunny.

Here’s the sole declaration on the Amorepacific website:

As you can clearly see, their policy mentions that in countries like China, Laneige’s products are tested on animals. Ain’t that disappointing!

Is Laneige Cruelty-Free: Certifications

No,  Laneige doesn’t have any certification which provides information about its cruelty-free status. This is a major turning point when you’re looking for an answer to a question like is Laneige cruelty free?

Why is it important? Well, certificates from recognised animal welfare organizations are a way to ensure the cruelty-free status of the brands. Organizations like PETA and Leaping Bunny have very strict criteria for assessing brands under cruelty-free certification. Still, many brands promising cruelty-free products undergo their process to show their support for animals and cruelty-free practices. 

Ecowiser’s Verdict! 

Is Laneige cruelty-free? No, it’s not!

It’s neither certified by PETA or Leaping Bunny, nor it mentions about its testing methods, ingredient sourcing with the consumers. Moreover, its operations in regions with mandatory animal testing laws like China, raise questions about its overall stance on animal welfare.

Also, Laneige doesn’t share any information about its approach towards the environment and efforts to create sustainable product development and manufacturing practices. Ecowiser gives a score of  “2” to Laneige for its lack in displaying commitment to sustainability and not being transparent about its practices.  

But, you should also hear what customers are saying. 

What are Laneige’s Customers Saying? 

Laneige’s customers have been raising their voices across social media. Some have even stopped using its product to show their disregard towards the brand’s animal welfare policy. Today, the consumer is more mindful of their purchase. They want to support businesses and brands that are good for the environment and its ecosystem. It’s high time that brands begin to recognise it and change their measures.  

Until Laniege makes its way back to cruelty-free practices, here are a few cruelty-free beauty product recommendations from Ecowiser.

Ecowiser’s Cruelty-Free Beauty Product Recommendations 

As an eco-conscious consumer, if you are looking for cruelty-free beauty products, check out Ecowisers cruelty-free recommendations – The Ordinary, Paula’s Choice, Biossance, and more.  

Additionally, for those seeking a natural touch to their makeup routine, consider the natural bronzer brush from Dome Beauty. This brush is crafted with eco-friendly materials and is perfect for your eco-conscious makeup needs.

Checklist to See if a Brand is Cruelty-Free

Wondering how can you be sure if a brand truly upholds these values? We can help. Here’s a checklist that can serve as your guide when you want to determine if a brand is genuinely cruelty-free.

Now, you have a fair idea about what cruelty-free means for the brands and consumers that support it. So tell us now, is Laneige cruelty-free?   

Conclusion

So, is Laneige cruelty-free? No. Laneige falls short on not one but many grounds like animal testing in countries like China and is not backed by animal welfare organizations for being cruelty-free. 

No doubt, their products have some great formulations and work wonders on people. But, the cost of it can easily be avoided by taking alternative testing methods, and by making strong ethical policies. 

As a consumer, it is vital to select the brands that not only keep you ‘young and beautiful’, but also help in keeping the animals and environment alive. So, pick wisely! We have great eco-friendly cosmetics waiting to be yours at our store!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Laneige vegan friendly?
Laneige is not entirely vegan-friendly as some of its products contain animal-derived ingredients like beeswax, honey, and lanolin. It’s important to check the ingredient list of each product to determine its vegan status.

Does Laneige test on animals?
Yes! Laneige tests their finished products on animals in countries like China, which mandatorily requires it. If you ask – is Laneige cruelty-free? No, it’s not. 

Which cosmetics do not use animal testing?
Several cosmetic brands are committed to not testing their products or ingredients on animals. Brands like The Green Beaver, The Ordinary, Briogeo, Hempz, and Ethique are a few that are cruelty free. Check out Ecowiser’s recommendations of Beauty And Personal Care products that are both easy on the planet and on you.