Revlon is one of your classic drugstore makeup brands. Up there with L’Oreal and Maybelline, they are staples, especially their lipsticks! In recent years, Revlon has made some great strides with their ingredients and formulations. Do any of those strides affect their cruelty-free or vegan status?
Is Revlon Cruelty-Free?
No, Revlon is not cruelty-free. They sell in Mainland China and any brand sold there must submit to 3rd party, animal testing. Along with that, Revlon is not vegan. Revlon has one of the most deceptive ingredient statements on their website. Yet, they are transparent in that they offer in depth information on their ingredients and formulations! Revlon is a tough one to unpack but as of now, they are not cruelty-free or vegan.
“Consumer safety is of paramount importance to Revlon and we have adopted policies that are designed to ensure that we meet the regulatory requirements for safety around the world, for all of our brands. The Company has not tested on animals since 1989 and believes that animal testing is not necessary to establish the safety of our products or ingredients. Today, there are alternative non-animal scientific methods available that can be used to validate product safety. Revlon supports research to validate these alternative testing methods and organizations like the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) which broadly promotes their global use. There are, however, a limited number of countries that have not yet adopted these alternative scientific methods. While Revlon complies with the requirements for safety in all of these countries, we continue to collaborate with other companies to advocate that these governmental authorities adopt alternative testing methods and eliminate animal testing everywhere around the world.”
This longwinded attempt says – we don’t believe in animal testing but do so in countries where it is required by law. But, if you read the first few sentences, you would totally believe they’re cruelty-free. It’s deceptive on Revlon’s part because they state that they haven’t tested on animals since 1989 and that’s not true. They’re sold in Mainland China and submit to animal testing!
This is known as greenwashing. Conveying a false impression that your brand is more environmentally sound then they actually are. Many brands do this, especially brands that aren’t cruelty-free. But, don’t let it trick you. In no way is Revlon cruelty-free, even if their statement does not say that.
You can find info on Revlon’s ingredients here.
Is Revlon Vegan?
Revlon is not vegan. They use ingredients like carmine, beeswax and lanolin in their products which all come from animals. Revlon does not make any claims to be vegan, the subject goes unspoken about on their website.
Is Revlon Organic?
No, Revlon is not organic and they have no claims to be.
Where is Revlon Made?
Revlon lip products are manufactured in the USA. They manufacture their powder and complexion products in China. The brand is based in New York.
Is Revlon Sold in China?
Yes, Revlon sells in Mainland China. The 3rd party animal testing they submit to there is why they don’t have a PETA or Leaping Bunny certification.
Is Revlon Paraben-Free?
NO, Revlon is not paraben-free.
Here’s part of the statement taken from their website about their use of parabens:
“Methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl paraben have been assigned safe levels of use in all product categories by the SCCS in April 2015. As part of that same assessment, the European Commission amended Annex II of the E.U. Cosmetic Regulation, adding five parabens to the list of substances prohibited in cosmetic products. They are: isopropylparaben; isobutylparaben; phenylparaben; benzylparaben; and pentylparaben. Revlon does not use any of these preservatives.”
So, it seems like Revlon does not use the parabens – isopropyl, isobutyl, phenyl, benzyl or pentyl. But they do use methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl paraben. This statement is long winded and a little confusing if you skim through it. Revlon is not paraben-free.
Their PhotoReady Candid Natural Finish Anti-Pollution Foundation is paraben and phthalate-free.
Is Revlon Gluten-Free?
Revlon does have a good amount of gluten free products. It’s hard to say if they are 100% gluten-free. Plus, there is always the risk for trace contamination on shared machinery. If you need gluten free makeup, reach out to their customer-service before using it!
The Super Lustrous and Colorstay lipsticks are gluten-free.
Is Revlon Phthalates-free?
It looks like yes, Revlon is now phthalate-free.
“Revlon does not use phthalates in any of its cosmetic or personal care products except for the limited use of Diethyl Phthalate (DEP) in a few of its Professional products, which will be reformulated by 2Q 2018.”
So, in 2020, almost 2021, this statement leads us to believe that Revlon should be entirely phthalate free up to this point. Make sure when you’re buying their products that they are new! Drugstores should be okay but make sure to double check the packaging. Stores like Target and
Is Revlon Non-comedogenic?
Not all of Revlon’s products are non-comedogenic. For reference, non-comedogenic means non-pore clogging. Their Colorstay Foundation and ColorStay Power are non-comedogenic.
Is Revlon PETA Cruelty-Free Approved?
No, Revlon is not PETA cruelty-free approved. And nor do they have a Leaping Bunny certification. Why? They’re sold in Mainland China and no brand sold there will ever hold any type of cruelty-free certification. Revlon mentioned that PETA or Leaping Bunny needs to change their cruelty-free standards. Their belief is that they should allow brands who sell in China to be labeled as cruelty-free.
This is disingenuous and so unfair to all the brands that don’t test on animals or succumb to markets that require it. No brand deserves to receive a cruelty-free certification if they knowingly submit to any type of animal testing.
Where to Buy Revlon?
Revlon is available at any drugstore, Target, and online at:
- Amazon
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately Revlon is not vegan or cruelty-free. We applaud the ingredients page on their website. Yet, it’s flooded with greenwashing and deceptive information. No matter how Revlon tries to sugarcoat the matter, they are sold in Mainland China and are not cruelty-free. They even use parabens in their products and aren’t fully vegan. Yes, Revlon is affordable but they have so much room for progress.