Written by Phyrra
While I was reading through the comments on Temptalia’s site regarding the decision that Urban Decay has made to start selling in China, someone linked to the company Lush and their press release on why they won’t sell in China.
You can view it here, but I thought it would be relevant to share. I think everyone would have been happier if Urban Decay had made the press release below instead. We applaud Lush for taking this stance and hope that Urban Decay will reconsider their position.
We realise that there is huge potential for Lush in China and it is with great regret that we are unable to accept applications to develop Lush in this market.
In order to launch into the Chinese market, at the moment the registration process requires that our products would have to be tested on animals.
Our company does not test on animals and does not work with any company or supplier who tests on animals. As our anti animal testing policy is such a core element to our business we will not do anything that would be a risk to this. As such we have made a decision not to enter China until this law is changed out-right.
We hope that at some stage changes will be made to the registration process, enabling us to open up applications for this market.
That’s the way to go, Lush! The only way.
I am so disappointed in UD, their press release is so ridiculous!
Thank you for posting this and well done Lush! I am Highly dissapointed in Urban Decay! I’ve also heard Mac did the same thing as Urban decay. Have you heard anything about that?
Sylwia
xx
Bravo Lush! This is exactly what Urban Decay should have done. It is the core philosophy of the UD business to not harm animals, just as it is with Lush. UD should have stuck to their morals. They make me sick!
P.S. Just look at that opening photo. Look how scared that mouse is. How on earth can a brand that said they would never do that just say, “oh to hell with it, we aren’t the ones holding the needle so what does it matter?”.
Does anyone know if Lush is taking any steps to help change China’s law, while still staying out of China’s market place? Because I think that is at least a part of why UD is entering their market, to work from the inside, instead of being an outside company trying to influence a foreign countries rules. I’m really just curious and trying to get more info to help me interpret company statements to the best of my ability.
This is so disappointing of Urban Decay especially since they were one of the first brands to make a point of marking some of their products vegan.
This is so disappointing of Urban Decay especially since they were one of the first brands to make a point of marking some of their products vegan.
I wanted to try their new reformulated shadows…That won’t be happening now. 🙁
Time to BOYCOTT companies that sell to China!!!! It’s such a pity because we buy so much of their crap!
Thanks again for updating your info and showing how companies should be repsonding!
Again, veggiebeauty has a fantastic website that has cruelty free makeup list and many videos on youtube about it (including mine)
it may be of interest to note/share how NYX now has joined urban decay and MAC in animal testing too!
“UPDATE 6-8-12: NYX & EOS involved in 3rd parting animal testing…Via Grace (had a feeling about NYX, took them down about a year ago off my list): Thanks for writing us. To answer your questions 1-4, the answer is no. For question #5, while we do not currently sell our products in China, they are currently available from third parties in limited distribution. As we continue to expand our business internationally, we are aware that some countries require that local labs perform tests on animals as a prerequisite to give permission for products to be sold within their countries and we actively support efforts underway to change these practices.
Regards,
Jonathan T.”
Thanks for the info Luke, but I’m confused – the reply above sounds like they are not doing any animal testing (in China or elsewhere). Am I missing something?
Yes – unfortunately, MAC and all Estee Lauder companies are doing business in China, so no longer cruelty free. 🙁
Personally, I don’t think putting out labels that say “cruelty free” will have any effect on the people – and if it did, China is not a democracy, so why would the government care?
Lush is now available in China – seems that they didn’t hold out to long!! what companies will do for money – I am disgusted! they hide behind all their ” cruelty free” campaigns but they are rotten at the core.