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Have you ever wondered if Origins is a cruelty-free brand? As an animal lover and conscious shopper, I always make sure to research the ethics behind my favorite beauty products.
And let me tell you, it’s not always easy to find out which brands test on animals and which ones don’t. But fear not! In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into Origins’ policies regarding animal testing to answer the burning question: Is Origins cruelty-free? So grab your favorite drink, and let’s get started!
The first step is to understand the difference between cruelty-free and vegan. Cruelty-free means that the products were not tested on animals, while vegan means that the products do not contain any animal ingredients or byproducts.
Some companies claim to be both cruelty-free and vegan, while others may focus on one or the other.
In this article, I will share if Origins is cruelty-free, vegan, and/or sustainable. But also if it’s clean, non-toxic, fragrance-free, and/or paraben-free. This way, you can easily decide whether you want to buy their products.
Is Origins Cruelty-Free?
Origins is not cruelty-free. They may test on animals, either themselves, through their suppliers, or through a third party.
Origins kicks off their statement with some bold, positive claims, but unfortunately, they fall a bit short. While they express a “belief” in science’s potential to put an end to animal testing and label it as “unnecessary,” they also openly admit that their products are subject to animal testing in China.
What’s more, this means they’ve been footing the bill for these tests. If a brand genuinely stands against animal testing, it should steer clear of funding such practices in China or other countries where animal testing is required by law.
There are alternatives, like staying out of the market altogether or using e-commerce channels to sell their products, sidestepping the need for animal testing. Many successful cruelty-free brands have taken these paths.
Furthermore, Origins doesn’t give any insight into whether their ingredients undergo animal testing or if their suppliers are involved in such practices.
Does A Cruelty-Free Parent Company Own Origins?
Origins is owned by a parent company that tests on animals. The parent company is Estee Lauder, and this is not a cruelty-free company.
Is Origins Cruelty-Free Certified?
No, Origins is not certified by any organization.
Is Origins Sold In China?
Origins is sold in China, which means that the brand may still test on animals.
Starting in 2023, Brands now have the possibility to enter China and avoid animal testing, so companies can now enter the Chinese market without funding animal cruelty. However, not every brand can qualify.
Certain ingredients, products, and claims may still trigger animal tests during the registration process, and post-market testing involving animals, while rare, is still a possibility.
On top of that, this doesn’t mean that China completely banned animal testing – they didn’t. If a brand wants to test on animals, it’s still possible to do so in China.
While it’s great that China is slowly relaxing its animal testing laws, I just want to warn you that it doesn’t mean that all brands sold in China are now cruelty-free.
We’re in a quite vague phase, which makes shopping cruelty-free a little harder. However, brands selling in China don’t have to be an immediate no-no anymore.
Please make sure a brand is Leaping Bunny or Cruelty-free International certified. Both these organizations help brands to sell in China without having to test on animals. In this case, Origins is not certified by any organization.
Is Origins Vegan?
Origins does offer many vegan products, but not all of their items are completely free from animal-derived ingredients. Some of their products may contain beeswax, honey, or other animal-based ingredients.
Vegan Alternatives For Non-Vegan Ingredients
There are many other vegan options for animal-derived ingredients. If you’re curious to know which non-vegan ingredients are replaceable with vegan alternatives, check out the following:
Non-Vegan Ingredient | Source | Vegan Alternative |
Squalane | Shark liver oil | Squalane (plant-derived: from olives, wheat germ, amaranth) |
Collagen | Animal connective tissues | Plant-based collagen (seaweed, algae) |
Lanolin | Sheep’s wool | Vegetable oils (shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil) |
Beeswax | Bees | Plant-based waxes (candelilla wax, carnauba wax, vegan wax) |
Honey | Bees | Agave nectar, maple syrup |
Carmine (cochineal) | Cochineal insects | Beetroot extract, berry extracts |
Keratin | Animal hair, horns, feathers | Plant-derived proteins (soy protein, wheat protein, oat protein) |
Gelatin | Animal bones, skin, and connective tissues | Agar agar, carrageenan, guar gum |
Guanine | Fish scales | Synthetic mica, bismuth oxychloride |
Silk | Silkworms | Plant-based fabrics (bamboo, hemp) |
Animal fats and oils | Various animal sources | Plant-based oils (coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil) |
Is Origins Considered Clean?
Let’s start with a little background on what exactly is meant by “clean.” The term “clean beauty” is controversial because it isn’t regulated; this means that brands can slap ‘clean,’ ‘green,’ ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ on their products whenever they want.
How I personally approach “clean beauty” is the same as Goop explains it: clean beauty products are those made without ingredients shown or suspected to harm human health, animal health, or the environment.
What Are Harmful Ingredients?
Sadly, there are quite a few (actually… thousands) of harmful ingredients or ingredients that are suspected to be harmful to humans, animals, and/or the environment. Here are some most frequently used ingredients:
Ingredient | Commonly Found In | Concerns |
Parabens | Cosmetics, personal care products | Potential hormone disruption, allergenic potential |
Phthalates | Fragrances, nail polishes, hair sprays | Reproductive and developmental issues |
Formaldehyde | Various cosmetic and skincare products | Skin irritation, potential carcinogenic effects |
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) | Cleansers, shampoos, body washes | Skin irritation, oil-stripping potential |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) | Cleansers, shampoos, body washes | Skin irritation, oil-stripping potential |
Mineral Oil | Skincare and cosmetic products | Potential for clogged pores, skin barrier disruption |
Triclosan | Soaps, toothpaste, deodorants | Antibacterial resistance, potential hormone disruption |
Oxybenzone | Sunscreen products | Hormone disruption, potential harm to coral reefs |
Talc | Powder-based cosmetics | Potential contamination with asbestos, carcinogenic |
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) | Cosmetics, personal care products | Allergenic potential, potential endocrine disruption |
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) | Cosmetics, personal care products | Allergenic potential, potential endocrine disruption |
Synthetic Fragrances | Various cosmetic and skincare products | Allergenic potential, often not fully disclosed |
Petrolatum | Lip balms, ointments, moisturizers | Potential for clogged pores, skin barrier disruption |
Aluminium cyclic silicones | Antiperspirants, cosmetics | Concerns about neurotoxicity, potential health risks |
Benzene | Nail polishes, hair dyes, detergents | Carcinogenic potential, associated with blood disorders |
Toluene | Nail polishes, hair dyes, fragrances | Neurotoxicity, potential developmental and reproductive issues |
So, Is Origins A Clean Beauty Brand?
Yes, Origins is considered a clean brand. They only use naturally derived ingredients and non-toxic-to-skin alternatives infused into their formulas. Click here to learn more about their ingredients.
Is Origins Fragrance-Free?
Origins states that their Ginger Body line contains synthetic fragrances, while the rest of their products are scented with 100% natural essential oils. All of their fragrances, whether synthetic or natural, are evaluated thoroughly for safety.
Is Origins Paraben-Free?
Yes, Origins is a paraben-free brand. Not only that, they also formulate without phthalates, formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin, diethanolamine (DEA), polyethylene beads, and 1,500+ ingredients in compliance with the EU’s stringent regulations.
Is Origins Sustainable?
Origins is a sustainable brand that has been dedicated to protecting the environment since its inception. The company has taken several steps to ensure its products are both effective and eco-friendly.
The brand implements environmentally friendly packaging solutions such as recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable materials made from renewable resources.
In addition, Origins has partnered with environmental non-profit organizations like One Tree Planted to support tree-planting efforts around the world.
All in all, Origins’ commitment to sustainability shines through in everything they do – from ingredient sourcing and product design to manufacturing processes and customer education.
Is Origins Gluten-Free?
Most Origins products are formulated without gluten, a protein found primarily in wheat and other grains; to see which of their products are gluten-free, check individual product pages on their website.
Note that none of their products are certified as gluten-free because they do not manufacture at certified gluten-free facilities.
Is Origins Soy-Free?
Origins does not have information on its website about products being nut-free. Based on this, I assume that their products may contain nuts.
Is Origins Nut-Free?
Origins does not have information on its website about products being soy-free. Based on this, I assume that their products may contain soy.
How To Find Out If A Brand Is Cruelty-Free And/Or Vegan Yourself?
The easiest way to tell if a brand is cruelty-free and vegan is to look for third-party certification.
Several organizations, such as Cruelty-Free International, PETA, and Leaping Bunny, offer cruelty-free certifications for companies that have agreed to adhere to their strict guidelines for animal testing.
Similarly, the Vegan Society provides a Vegan Trademark to companies that do not use any animal-derived ingredients in their products. Look for these certifications as a sign that a brand is truly cruelty-free and vegan.
It’s also important to look beyond the label. Many companies may claim to be cruelty-free and vegan but may not actually adhere to those standards.
Check the company’s website for information about their animal testing policies and ingredients.
Questions |
Does your brand test products or ingredients on animals? |
Do the companies you get your supplies from, test on animals? How do you ensure they don’t? |
Are there any other companies that test on animals for you? |
Do you test on animals when the law says you have to? |
In which countries can you find your products in physical stores (not counting online sales)? |
Finally, look for reviews from other cruelty-free and vegan consumers. They may have had firsthand experience with the brand and can provide insight into the company’s actual practices.
Moreover, they may be able to recommend alternative cruelty-free and vegan brands that meet your needs.
By following these steps, you can determine if a brand is truly cruelty-free and vegan. If you would like more information and tips, check out this cruelty-free makeup and skincare guide.
With more and more companies offering animal-friendly products, it’s easier than ever to find cruelty-free and vegan products that fit your lifestyle.
Conclusion On Is Origins Cruelty-Free
So, there you have it! After researching and digging through several sources, I can confidently say that Origins is not a cruelty-free brand, and neither is its parent company.
It’s important always to question the ethics behind the brands we support and make conscious decisions for our purchases. By choosing cruelty-free options, we are taking a step towards creating a better world for all living beings.
Remember that every purchase we make has an impact on the environment, animals, and ourselves. Let’s continue to educate ourselves and spread awareness to create positive change.