Is The Ordinary Cruelty-Free? The Short Answer and In-Depth Analysis

Cruelty-free and ethical beauty products are becoming increasingly important to consumers. With a growing awareness of animal welfare and environmental concerns, many shoppers want to ensure their cosmetics align with their values. One brand that has garnered attention for its affordable and science-backed formulations is The Ordinary. But a common question arises: Is The Ordinary cruelty-free?

The short answer is yes, The Ordinary is a cruelty-free brand. They have strict policies against animal testing at any stage of product development, from ingredients to finished products. Additionally, The Ordinary is certified as cruelty-free by reputable organizations like Leaping Bunny and PETA.

This guide explores The Ordinary’s animal testing policies, certifications, ingredient sourcing, parent company affiliations, and sustainability initiatives:

• Understanding what it means to be cruelty-free
• The Ordinary’s animal testing policies and certifications
• Their stance on animal-derived ingredients and vegan products
• The brand’s ownership and potential conflicts of interest
• Ethical sourcing and sustainability efforts
• Addressing common concerns and misconceptions

By the end of this article, you’ll have a thorough understanding of The Ordinary’s cruelty-free practices, allowing you to make an informed decision about supporting the brand.

What Does Cruelty-Free Mean?

Before delving into The Ordinary’s specific policies, it’s essential to understand the concept of cruelty-free cosmetics. A brand is considered cruelty-free when it does not test its products or ingredients on animals at any stage of development, production, or marketing.

This includes not only the brand’s testing practices but also those of its suppliers, third-party contractors, and any other entities involved in the supply chain. Additionally, a truly cruelty-free brand does not sell its products in regions where animal testing is required by law, such as certain parts of mainland China.

Cruelty-free and vegan are not the same. Cruelty-free means no animal testing, but products can still contain animal parts. Vegan means no animal parts or byproducts, but testing may still occur. A brand can be one or both.

The Ordinary’s Animal Testing Policies

The Ordinary, a subsidiary of the company DECIEM, has a clear and well-documented stance against animal testing. According to its website and statements, the brand does not conduct, commission, or condone animal testing at any stage of product development or marketing.

This policy extends beyond just their finished products – The Ordinary also ensures that none of their ingredient suppliers or third-party contractors engage in animal testing on their behalf. Additionally, the brand does not sell its products in physical stores in mainland China, where animal testing is currently required by law for most cosmetics.

To back up their claims, The Ordinary has obtained certifications from two of the most respected organizations in the cruelty-free space: Leaping Bunny and PETA.

Leaping Bunny Certification

The Leaping Bunny Program is widely regarded as the gold standard for cruelty-free certification. To earn this certification, brands must undergo a rigorous auditing process that includes a comprehensive review of their supply chain, ingredient sources, and manufacturing processes.

The Leaping Bunny seal on a product or brand indicates that no animal testing was conducted at any stage of product development, from ingredient sourcing to final production. This certification is awarded by a coalition of animal protection groups and is recognized worldwide.

PETA Certification

In addition to Leaping Bunny, The Ordinary is also certified by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) as a cruelty-free brand. PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program evaluates companies based on their policies, supply chain, and manufacturing processes to ensure no animal testing is involved.

Brands approved by PETA are listed on their website and are authorized to use the organization’s cruelty-free bunny logo on their products and marketing materials.

These third-party certifications from respected organizations like Leaping Bunny and PETA provide independent verification of The Ordinary’s cruelty-free claims, giving consumers added confidence in the brand’s ethical practices.

The Ordinary and Vegan Products

While The Ordinary is undoubtedly a cruelty-free brand, its stance on vegan products is a bit more nuanced. According to their website and various sources, The Ordinary offers a mix of vegan and non-vegan products.

The brand states that many of its formulations are 100% vegan, meaning they do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or byproducts. However, some of their products may include ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, or other animal-derived components.

To clarify which products are vegan, The Ordinary provides clear labeling on its website and product packaging. Consumers can easily identify vegan options and make informed choices based on their preferences.

A product can be cruelty-free even if it contains animal-derived ingredients, as long as those ingredients are sourced ethically without animal testing.

The Ordinary’s Ownership and Potential Conflicts

One aspect that often raises concerns among ethical consumers is the brand’s ownership structure. The Ordinary is a subsidiary of DECIEM, which is owned by the multinational corporation Estée Lauder Companies.

Estée Lauder, as a larger conglomerate, has not publicly committed to being a cruelty-free organization. Some of their other brands may still engage in animal testing practices, particularly in regions where it is required by law.

This potential conflict of interest has led some consumers to question whether supporting The Ordinary indirectly contributes to animal testing practices within the larger Estée Lauder Companies umbrella.

The Ordinary is a separate entity with its own ethical policies and practices, and it remains cruelty-free despite its parent company’s policies.

Consumers must decide whether to support The Ordinary based on its ownership, with some choosing to boycott and others supporting the brand due to its ethical practices.

Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability Efforts

Beyond the cruelty-free aspect, many conscious consumers also evaluate a brand’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. While The Ordinary’s primary focus has been on animal welfare and avoiding animal testing, they have also made strides in addressing these other areas of concern.

One key issue is the sourcing of mica, a mineral commonly used in cosmetics for its shimmery effect. The mining of mica has been linked to human rights violations, including child labor, in some parts of the world. When asked about their mica sourcing practices, The Ordinary stated that their products meet all safety requirements and are assessed by qualified professionals. However, they did not provide specific details on the traceability or auditing processes for their mica supply chain.

Regarding sustainability, The Ordinary’s parent company, DECIEM, has outlined several initiatives aimed at reducing their environmental impact. These efforts include responsible packaging, fighting climate change, better waste management, responsible sourcing, and water conservation.

The Ordinary is taking steps to address sustainability concerns and reduce its environmental impact, even if it’s not a fully “clean” or “green” brand.

Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions

As with any popular brand, there are bound to be misconceptions and concerns surrounding The Ordinary’s cruelty-free status. Here are some common issues addressed:

Concern: The Ordinary is owned by Estée Lauder, which is not cruelty-free.

While it’s true that The Ordinary’s parent company, Estée Lauder Companies, is not entirely cruelty-free, The Ordinary operates as a separate entity with strict policies against animal testing. Their cruelty-free certifications from Leaping Bunny and PETA provide independent verification of their practices.

Misconception: All of The Ordinary’s products are vegan.

As mentioned earlier, The Ordinary offers a mix of vegan and non-vegan products. Some formulations may contain animal-derived ingredients like beeswax or lanolin, while others are 100% vegan. The brand clearly labels its vegan options for transparency.

Concern: The Ordinary’s affordable prices may indicate unethical sourcing or production practices.

The Ordinary’s business model is focused on providing high-quality, science-backed products at affordable prices by cutting out unnecessary costs like marketing and excessive packaging. However, their commitment to cruelty-free practices and ethical sourcing is well-documented and verified by third-party organizations.