Is Benefit Cosmetics Cruelty-Free?

Benefit Cosmetics is known for their quirky boxed blushes and bomb eyebrow products. Let’s not forget their iconic Hoola bronzer. As a brand, they don’t really step out of their comfort zone when it comes to creating new, innovative products. But the products they create are staples and loved by many in the beauty community.

Unfortunately, Benefit Cosmetics sells in Mainland China and they are not cruelty-free. Benefit Cosmetics states on their FAQ page that they do not test on animals. Yet they sell in Mainland China and are required to commission and pay for animal testing for all their products sold there. No matter what Benefit says, they will not be cruelty-free until they stop selling in China.

Is Benefit Cosmetics Cruelty-Free?

No. Cruelty-free means you don’t conduct, commission, allow or pay for tests on animals for any product, ingredient or formulation. Benefit sells in Mainland China which means they pay for animal testing since it’s a requirement there. It’s frustrating because Benefit says they don’t test on animals in the US yet they test the same products and ingredients in China.

On Benefit’s FAQ page they state.

“We are deeply committed to the elimination of animal testing. We’re playing a leading role in developing alternative methods through our support of the “Fund for Alternatives to Animal Testing” in the United States.”

They address their testing in China on their website as.

“Some customers expressed concern regarding the situation in China. Our products are made in Europe and for imported cosmetics, the Chinese health authorities order some test on animals: they require companies to make their products available to be tested in state-certified laboratories for registration purposes only, as it is currently their only recognized method to demonstrate product safety.”

So it appears that Benefit Cosmetics does not test on animals in the US and prides themselves on that. Unfortunately, their selling presence in Mainland China negates that.

Is Benefit Cosmetics Vegan?

No, Benefit Cosmetics is not 100% vegan. Benefit is unclear with their vegan products and if they have any which makes it difficult to decipher. So, if you’re looking for vegan cosmetics, Benefit may not be the best choice. Milk Makeup, E.L.F, Charlotte Tilbury and Colourpop are all examples of vegan beauty brands. It can definitely be done without affecting the quality of their products.

Is Benefit Cosmetics Organic?

No, Benefit Cosmetics is not organic and nor do they claim to be. Being a fully organic beauty brand is a huge feat. Few mainstream beauty brands or brands at Sephora are organic. To give you an idea, some organic beauty brands include Kosas, Ilia and RMS.

Where is Benefit Cosmetics Made?

Benefit Cosmetics is based in San Francisco, CA. All their products are developed and manufactured there as well. Their overseas products are made in Europe.

Is Benefit Cosmetics Sold in China?

Yes, Benefit Cosmetics is sold in Mainland China at Sephora China. This means they are not cruelty-free and commission animal testing to meet their regulations. Any brand that sells at Sephora China is not cruelty-free because they have to test on animals to be sold there.

Is Benefit Cosmetics Paraben-Free?

No, Benefit Cosmetics is not paraben-free but they do have some paraben-free products. Parabens are linked to endocrine disruption and have a bad rep in the beauty industry. They’re found in preservatives to help boost the shelf-life of products.

Benefit Cosemetics’ paraben-free products include:

  • Foolproof Brow Powder (also phthalate free)
  • BadGal Lash Mascara
  • RollerLash Mascara
  • Gimme Brow Gel
  • Rockateur Blush
  • Coralista Blush
  • Watts Up Highlighter
  • PoreFessional Regular, Matte and Pearl
  • Precisely My Brow Pencil
  • Hello Happy Foundation
  • Goof Proof Brow Pencil
  • Hoola Lite
  • Dandelion Blush
  • Dandelion Highlighter

Unfortunately, their original Hoola bronzer and Hoola Caramel does contain parabens.

Is Benefit Cosmetics Gluten-Free?

Benefit Cosmetics no longer formulates their products with gluten ingredients. So if you’re avoiding gluten in your beauty products, Benefit is a great option. They have a disclaimer that trace sources of gluten could be present in their raw materials but go on to say that they use high quality ingredients.

Benefit Cosmetics recommends avoiding the following ingredients if you have a gluten allergy.

  • Triticum vulgare (wheat)
  • Avena sative
  • Secale cereal
  • Hordeum distichon

Anytime you are looking for makeup free of any ingredient, especially for an allergy, it’s best to reach out to the brand directly for complete clarity!

Is Benefit Cosmetics Phthalates-free?

Benefit Cosmetics does have some phthalates-free products but it’s unclear as to what products those are. Few brands are phthalates-free unless they are a clean brand. To look for phthalates in your products look for fragrance, DEP, DBP and phthalates on the label.

Europe has banned phthalates and they are linked to endocrine disruption. Hopefully, phthalates will become banned in the US or more brands will choose to eliminate them from their products.

Is Benefit Cosmetics Non-Comedogenic?

No, Benefit Cosmetics does not claim that any of their products are hypo-allergenic or non-comedogenic. If that is something you look for in complexion products then Benefit may not be the best for you. Instead go for their brow products or mascaras!

Is Benefit Cosmetics PETA Cruelty-Free Approved?

No, Benefit Cosmetics is not PETA cruelty-free approved because they are not. They claim to not test on animals yet they sell in Mainland China. In China it’s required by law to pay for and commission animal testing. So, that negates any sort of cruelty-free claim they try to advertise.

The only way they can become PETA cruelty-free certified is if they pull from China. Along with sharing documentation that they don’t test on animals in any avenue.

Where to Buy Benefit Cosmetics products?

Final Thoughts

Benefit Cosmetics has a lot of work to do. If you search the FAQ on their website they claim to not test on animals yet they sell in Mainland China. They’re not cruelty-free in any way because they pay for and commission tests on animals. They will never become PETA or Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certified until they pull out of Mainland China and stop all forms of testing on animals.

Benefit Cosmetics has some good products but they lack innovation and diverse offerings. Along with testing on animals they aren’t vegan and their products contain parabens and phthalates. There is a lot of work that needs to be done on Benefit’s part and it’s attainable because there are many other brands that have been able to do that. Benefit Cosmetics is not a bad brand and they have some great products! But, modernizing their brand is the direction they need to head in to stay current.