If you’re buying makeup and care about animals, you’ve probably asked: Does NYX still test on animals? The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no - and it matters. NYX is one of the most popular makeup brands among people who want bold color without the guilt. But since L’Oréal bought it in 2014, confusion has grown. So what’s really going on in 2025?
NYX’s Official Stance: Cruelty-Free, But Not Fully Independent
NYX Professional Makeup still claims to be cruelty-free on its website and packaging. It’s certified by Leaping Bunny, which means no animal testing happens at NYX’s own facilities or through its direct suppliers. That’s real. They don’t test finished products on animals. They don’t pay third parties to do it either. Their global formula development happens in labs that follow strict no-animal-testing policies.
But here’s the catch: NYX is owned by L’Oréal, a company that does test on animals in countries where it’s legally required - mainly China. That’s not NYX’s choice. It’s the parent company’s. And because of that, many cruelty-free advocates won’t buy NYX, even if the brand itself isn’t testing.
Why Ownership Matters: The L’Oréal Factor
When a brand is owned by a parent company that sells in mainland China, it’s not enough to say, “We don’t test.” China still requires animal testing for most imported cosmetics. L’Oréal sells hundreds of products there, including brands like Lancôme and YSL. That means L’Oréal pays for animal tests to get those products approved. And while NYX isn’t sold in mainland China, the parent company’s actions affect how the whole group is viewed.
Think of it like this: If your neighbor runs a vegan bakery but works for a company that owns a factory that uses animal byproducts, would you still feel good buying their bread? That’s the dilemma with NYX. The brand doesn’t test. But its owner does - and profits from it.
What About Selling in China?
NYX is not sold in mainland China. That’s important. It’s available in Hong Kong, Macau, and online through global retailers like Sephora, but not through physical stores in mainland China. That means NYX doesn’t have to submit to China’s mandatory animal testing for cosmetics. So, technically, they’ve avoided the requirement that forces other brands to compromise.
But avoiding the requirement isn’t the same as fighting against it. L’Oréal still supports the system. And until a parent company stops funding animal testing globally, many consumers will keep their distance - even from brands like NYX that claim to be clean.
Leaping Bunny Certification: What It Really Means
NYX is certified by the Leaping Bunny program, run by Cruelty Free International. That’s the gold standard. To get it, a brand must prove that:
- No animal testing occurs at any stage of product development
- Suppliers also follow the same rules
- The brand doesn’t sell where animal testing is required by law
- They’re audited annually
So NYX meets those standards. That’s why it’s still on Leaping Bunny’s official list. But certification doesn’t cover ownership. Leaping Bunny certifies individual brands, not corporate parents. So even if L’Oréal tests on animals, NYX can still be certified - as long as it doesn’t do the testing itself and doesn’t sell in China.
That’s a loophole. And it’s why some people still won’t trust NYX.
Is NYX Vegan?
Being cruelty-free doesn’t mean being vegan. NYX has a growing list of vegan products - you’ll see the vegan logo on packaging. Their popular products like the Butter Gloss, Micro Brow Pencil, and Soft Matte Lip Cream are all vegan. But not everything is. Some lipsticks and eyeshadows still contain beeswax, carmine (made from crushed beetles), or lanolin.
If you want 100% vegan, check the product page before buying. NYX makes it easy - they label vegan items clearly. But if you’re avoiding all animal-derived ingredients, you’ll need to read the fine print.
What Do Real Consumers Think?
On Reddit, Instagram, and beauty forums, opinions are split. One user wrote: “I buy NYX because they don’t test, and I don’t want to support brands that do. L’Oréal’s behavior is their problem, not NYX’s.” Another said: “I won’t touch anything owned by L’Oréal. If you’re rich enough to buy a billion-dollar company, you can find a way to sell without animal testing.”
There’s no right answer here. It’s personal. For some, supporting a brand that refuses to test - even under a parent company that does - keeps pressure on the industry. For others, buying NYX feels like funding a system they hate.
Alternatives: Brands That Are Truly Independent
If NYX’s ownership makes you uncomfortable, here are five cruelty-free and vegan brands that aren’t owned by any company that tests on animals:
- IT Cosmetics - Owned by L’Oréal? No. Certified Leaping Bunny. 100% vegan options.
- Fenty Beauty - Owned by Rihanna. No animal testing. Not sold in mainland China.
- Too Faced - Leaping Bunny certified. Doesn’t sell in China.
- ColourPop - Fully independent. No animal testing. Vegan line clearly marked.
- Dr. Hauschka - Certified by NATRUE. No parent company testing. Organic, ethical, and transparent.
These brands don’t have the same budget as NYX, but they’re growing fast. And they don’t have to explain why they’re still allowed to exist under a corporation that harms animals.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
The real question isn’t just “Does NYX test?” It’s “Should we reward companies that try to be good while being owned by ones that aren’t?”
When you buy from NYX, you’re not just buying lipstick. You’re helping fund L’Oréal’s global expansion - including its presence in markets that require animal testing. That’s the uncomfortable truth. But you’re also supporting a brand that refuses to compromise on its own standards. That’s also true.
There’s no perfect choice. But awareness is power. If you choose NYX, know why. If you avoid it, know why. Either way, your money is a vote.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy NYX in 2025?
Here’s the bottom line:
- If you care only about whether NYX itself tests on animals - no, it doesn’t. It’s certified cruelty-free.
- If you care about corporate ethics and don’t want to support L’Oréal’s animal testing practices - then skip NYX.
- If you want vegan options - many are available, but not all.
- If you want to send a message to the industry - buy from truly independent cruelty-free brands.
There’s no shame in choosing NYX. But there’s also no harm in choosing something else. The market is full of options that match your values - without the corporate baggage.