When you see Drew Barrymore rocking a bold lip or glowing cheekbones on the red carpet, it’s not just her charm that catches your eye-it’s the brand behind the look. Flower Beauty, her makeup line, has been talked about for years. But here’s the real question: Is Drew Barrymore's makeup cruelty-free? If you care about ethical beauty, this isn’t just a curiosity-it’s a dealbreaker.
Flower Beauty’s Official Stance on Animal Testing
Flower Beauty, launched in 2012, was created with a promise: makeup that’s fun, affordable, and kind. Drew Barrymore herself has said in interviews that she didn’t want to sell products that hurt animals. The brand has consistently claimed to be cruelty-free on its website, packaging, and social media.
Flower Beauty does not test its finished products or ingredients on animals. That’s the basic definition of cruelty-free. But here’s what matters more: they also don’t sell in markets where animal testing is required by law. That means no sales in mainland China, where imported cosmetics must undergo mandatory animal testing unless they meet strict exceptions. Flower Beauty avoids that market entirely.
They’re certified by Leaping Bunny, the gold standard for cruelty-free verification. Unlike some brands that self-declare, Leaping Bunny requires third-party audits of every supplier and manufacturer. That’s not easy to get. Flower Beauty passed those audits and has maintained certification since 2015. That’s over a decade of verified compliance.
What About Ingredients and Supply Chains?
Some brands say they don’t test on animals but still use ingredients tested by third parties. That’s a loophole. Flower Beauty doesn’t use that loophole. Their suppliers must sign legally binding agreements that confirm no animal testing occurred at any stage of ingredient development. They track this from raw materials to final product.
They don’t outsource production to factories in countries with lax regulations. All manufacturing happens in the U.S. and Europe, under strict ethical guidelines. Even their mica-often a red flag in cosmetics-is sourced from suppliers who follow the Responsible Mica Initiative. That means no child labor and no animal harm in mining.
They’ve also been transparent about their ingredient list. No carmine (made from crushed beetles), no lanolin (from sheep’s wool), and no animal-derived glycerin. Everything is plant-based or synthetic. That’s not just cruelty-free-it’s vegan.
Is Flower Beauty Vegan?
Being cruelty-free doesn’t automatically mean vegan. But Flower Beauty is both. All of their products are 100% vegan. That includes their bestsellers: the Flower Kissed Lipstick, Blush & Glow Powder, and Define & Sculpt Eyeliner. Even their brushes are made with synthetic fibers, not animal hair.
They don’t use any animal-derived ingredients like beeswax, collagen, or keratin. Instead, they use plant oils, mineral pigments, and lab-made alternatives. Their foundation, for example, uses squalane derived from olives-not sharks. Their mascara uses plant-based waxes instead of beeswax.
They don’t just say they’re vegan-they label it clearly. Every product page on their website has a vegan icon. You don’t have to dig through fine print.
How Flower Beauty Compares to Other Celebrity Makeup Lines
Not all celebrity makeup brands are created equal. Some use the celebrity name for marketing while cutting ethical corners.
Compare Flower Beauty to Kim Kardashian’s KKW Beauty. KKW Beauty was cruelty-free for a while but lost its Leaping Bunny certification in 2020 after expanding into China. They now test on animals indirectly through third parties to meet Chinese regulations.
Then there’s Mariah Carey’s M•A•C-wait, no, that’s not right. Mariah doesn’t have a brand. But Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty is also Leaping Bunny certified and vegan. So is Flower Beauty. That puts them in a small, trusted group.
Most celebrity brands-like Hailey Bieber’s Rhode or Chrissy Teigen’s Cravings-are cruelty-free but not fully vegan. Flower Beauty stands out because it’s both.
Where to Buy Flower Beauty and What to Avoid
You can buy Flower Beauty at Target in the U.S., Boots in the UK, and online through their official site. They’re also sold at Ulta Beauty and select drugstores.
But be careful. Some third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay list Flower Beauty products-but they might be counterfeit. Fake products aren’t guaranteed to be cruelty-free. Always buy from authorized retailers. Check the official Flower Beauty website for their list of trusted sellers.
Also avoid any product labeled “Flower Beauty by Drew Barrymore” that’s sold outside these channels. Counterfeit makeup can contain heavy metals, banned dyes, or even animal-derived ingredients. If it’s not from Target, Boots, or the official site, it’s not legit.
Real User Feedback and Ethical Concerns
Over 120,000 customers have reviewed Flower Beauty products on Target’s site. The most common praise? “Cruelty-free and works great.” But a few users have asked: “How do you know they’re really not testing?”
That’s where the Leaping Bunny certification matters. It’s not just a logo. It’s a legal commitment backed by audits. If Flower Beauty ever got caught violating that, they’d lose the certification immediately-and face public backlash. They’ve never had a violation.
Some critics say celebrity brands are just marketing ploys. But Flower Beauty has stayed true to its mission for over a decade. They’ve expanded their line, kept prices low ($5-$18), and never compromised on ethics-even when competitors moved into China.
Final Verdict: Is Drew Barrymore’s Makeup Cruelty-Free?
Yes. Flower Beauty is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny. It’s also 100% vegan. The brand avoids animal testing at every level-from ingredients to manufacturing. They don’t sell in countries that force animal testing. Their supply chain is transparent. And they’ve maintained this standard for more than ten years.
If you’re looking for affordable, effective makeup that doesn’t cost animals their lives, Flower Beauty is one of the few celebrity brands you can trust. It’s not perfect-no brand is-but it’s one of the most honest in the space.
Bottom line: You can wear Flower Beauty with confidence. Your conscience won’t have to pay the price.
Is Flower Beauty certified cruelty-free?
Yes. Flower Beauty is certified by Leaping Bunny, the most trusted cruelty-free standard in the industry. This certification requires third-party audits of every supplier and manufacturer to ensure no animal testing occurs at any stage of production.
Does Flower Beauty sell in China?
No. Flower Beauty does not sell in mainland China because the country requires imported cosmetics to undergo mandatory animal testing. To maintain its cruelty-free status, the brand chose to avoid the Chinese market entirely.
Are all Flower Beauty products vegan?
Yes. Every product in the Flower Beauty line is 100% vegan. They use no animal-derived ingredients like beeswax, carmine, lanolin, or keratin. All pigments, oils, and waxes are plant-based or synthetically produced.
Where can I buy authentic Flower Beauty products?
Buy Flower Beauty from authorized retailers like Target (U.S.), Boots (UK), Ulta Beauty, or directly from the official Flower Beauty website. Avoid third-party sellers on Amazon, eBay, or unknown websites-counterfeit products may contain harmful or non-cruelty-free ingredients.
How does Flower Beauty compare to Rare Beauty or KKW Beauty?
Flower Beauty and Rare Beauty are both Leaping Bunny certified and vegan. KKW Beauty lost its cruelty-free certification after entering the Chinese market, where animal testing is required. Flower Beauty avoids this compromise entirely, making it one of the most ethical choices among celebrity brands.