What’s the Deal with Parent Companies?

Parent companies – what does it mean?

Parent companies have long been an issue when it comes to buying cruelty free cosmetics. It refers to when a bigger company owns a smaller company. The problem is that some smaller companies that are against animal testing are owned by big companies that test on animals.

Should you support these smaller companies?

Peta have suggested the idea that buying from smaller companies that have non-cruelty free parent companies can be positive:

“When massive corporations buy smaller, more compassionate companies, the big companies learn from the smaller companies’ success that consumers are concerned about things such as animal testing and cruelty to farmed animals.”

Some companies that are owned by animal testing parent companies are cruelty free approved, for example: Urban Decay (owned by L’Oréal) or Batiste (owned by Church and Dwight).

These companies are devoted to being 100% against animal testing, Urban Decay has even been celebrated by Peta – check out this article). But, Urban Decay is owned by L’Oréal – who Peta have directly promoted customers to avoid (check out this article!)

It’s easy to see how the whole issue is confusing to consumers, I personally tend to avoid brands that I know are owned by an animal testing parent company – but I have also bought things upon see they have a cruelty free approved bunny logo without proper research.

Where does my money go?

Profits made on a cruelty free purchase will go towards the larger parent company – for instance, by giving your money to Burt’s Bees a percentage of it will go to Clorox. Because of this, by consuming products from the smaller company you are indirectly funding the animal testing of the parent company.

Large corporations vs. independent businesses?

Large corporations have an excess of means, independent businesses that are locally made and locally sold to us are more likely to be cruelty free because of the Chinese animal testing law. Furthermore, small independent business will better benefit from financial support, especially those which are working to produce kind products.

What companies are owned by parent companies that test on animals?

L’Oréal companies that test on animals:

• Biotherm
• Garnier
• Kiehl’s
• Maybelline
• Lancome

L’Oréal companies that do not test on animals:

• Purelogy
• Urban Decay
• Nyx

Estee Lauder companies that test on animals:

• Bobbi Brown
• Clinique
• Mac
• Origins

Estee Lauder companies that do not test on animals:

• Smashbox
• Aveda

Clorox companies that test on animals:

• Glad
• Green Works
• Pine-Sol
• Tilex

Clorox companies that do not test on animals:

• Burt’s Bees