CoverGirl cruelty-free: Is it truly ethical in 2025?
When you see CoverGirl cruelty-free, a makeup brand that claims to avoid animal testing. Also known as cruelty-free cosmetics, it means the products aren’t tested on animals at any stage of development. But here’s the catch: CoverGirl is owned by Coty, a company that sells products in countries like China, where animal testing is required by law for some imported cosmetics. That means even if CoverGirl doesn’t test directly, their parent company may pay for tests to happen behind the scenes. So is CoverGirl truly cruelty-free? It depends on what you’re willing to accept.
Many people look for Leaping Bunny certification, a strict global standard that requires brands to prove no animal testing occurs anywhere in their supply chain. CoverGirl doesn’t have it. They do have PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies logo, which only means they don’t test on animals themselves—but not that their suppliers or parent company avoid it either. That’s why some shoppers choose to avoid them, even if the brand says "cruelty-free" on the box. Meanwhile, other brands like NYX, a brand also owned by L'Oréal. Also known as vegan makeup, it offers similar products but with a different ethical stance. NYX is Leaping Bunny certified, even though it’s under the same corporate umbrella. Why? Because NYX made a deliberate choice to separate its supply chain from animal testing, even if its parent company doesn’t. CoverGirl hasn’t done the same.
If you care about cruelty-free beauty brands, companies that refuse to compromise on animal welfare., you need to dig deeper than marketing labels. Look at ownership, check for third-party certifications, and ask: Who’s really behind the product? Some people decide that supporting a brand like CoverGirl still sends a message of demand for ethical products. Others feel that any connection to animal testing—even indirect—is a dealbreaker. There’s no right answer, only what aligns with your values. Below, you’ll find real discussions, comparisons, and honest breakdowns from people who’ve asked these same questions. Whether you’re switching brands, researching for the first time, or just tired of greenwashing, these posts give you the facts—not the fluff.
