MAC: No More Excuses, Go Cruelty-Free Now

Once celebrated as a groundbreaking brand when it debuted in Toronto in 1985, MAC Cosmetics remains widely popular to this day. Unfortunately, however, it has failed to keep up with the times and embrace the modern age of cruelty-free beauty.

Despite having a lengthy statement on their website about how the brand does not directly test on animals and is working towards a cruelty-free world by partnering with IIVS (Institute for In Vitro Sciences) to develop humane alternatives to animal testing, they also make it clear that they sell their products in China, which they state “tests on animals as part of its safety assessment of cosmetic products.” The company claims that they continue to sell their products in China despite animal testing because “We love our fans and we never want to exclude them anywhere.” This is a weak excuse for participating in the horrific harm that animals used for cosmetics testing endure so that the company can continue to profit off the massive Chinese market.

The animals used for cosmetic testing in China are primarily rabbits, guinea pigs, and mice. These innocent animals are subjected to torturous procedures that include being force-fed large quantities of chemicals to see if the products are poisonous when swallowed, having chemicals dripped directly into their eyes, and having substances rubbed onto patches of shaved skin to test for irritation and allergic reactions. Many of these animals experience severe burns, permanent blindness, poisoning, and extreme pain all without any form of anesthesia, while others die during testing or are killed shortly afterward. 

These outdated tests cause extreme suffering and are unnecessary, as modern non-animal alternatives, such as in vitro models and computer simulations, already exist and provide more reliable results for human safety. China has updated its regulations as of 2021 so that animal testing is no longer required for all imported cosmetics, however, brands must submit detailed safety and ingredient data for government approval, a process that is often complex and costly. Many brands that sell products in China, including MAC, have chosen not to pursue this exemption. This is unacceptable. No amount of money makes animal testing defensible, and torturing and killing innocent animals can never be justified to sell products in a particular market.

Animal testing for cosmetics is widely recognized as cruel, unnecessary, and outdated, and over 40 countries have banned the practice outright, most recently Brazil, yet individual companies still have the power to make a difference. A number of ethical brands, including Urban Decay and Too Faced, have stopped selling their products in China as a result of the country’s animal testing policies. If MAC truly cared about working towards a cruelty-free world, they would do the same.

Take Action Now

Please join Species Unite in calling on MAC Cosmetics to live up to their own stated principles and go cruelty-free now.