Does NYX Test on Animals? The Real Story Behind the Brand
When you buy NYX, a popular makeup brand known for affordable, vibrant colors and wide retail availability. Also known as NYX Professional Makeup, it has built a loyal following by offering high-impact products without the luxury price tag. But here’s the question many shoppers ask: Does NYX test on animals? The answer isn’t simple, and it matters more than you think. If you care about ethical beauty, you need to know the full picture—not just the marketing.
NYX is not certified by Leaping Bunny or PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program, which are the gold standards for cruelty-free status. That’s a red flag. While NYX claims it doesn’t test on animals itself, it sells its products in mainland China, where animal testing is required by law for most imported cosmetics. That means, even if NYX doesn’t run the tests, Chinese authorities do—and NYX allows it to happen to stay on shelves. This isn’t a loophole; it’s a choice. Brands like Fenty Beauty or Too Faced refuse to sell in China to keep their cruelty-free status intact. NYX didn’t. And that’s the difference between saying you’re cruelty-free and actually being cruelty-free.
What about vegan products? NYX does offer some vegan formulas—labeled clearly on packaging—but vegan doesn’t mean cruelty-free. A product can be made without animal ingredients and still be tested on animals. So if you’re avoiding animal testing, focus on certification, not just ingredient lists. Look for the Leaping Bunny logo. Check PETA’s database. Don’t trust brand claims alone. Many companies, including big names in the beauty industry, use vague language like "we don’t test on animals" to sound ethical while still allowing third-party testing. NYX is one of them.
So what does this mean for you? If your priority is avoiding animal testing, NYX isn’t the right pick. But if you still want the same bold pigments and affordable prices, there are plenty of certified cruelty-free alternatives. Brands like e.l.f. Cosmetics, Pacifica, and Cover FX deliver the same quality without the ethical compromise. You don’t have to sacrifice performance for conscience. And if you’re wondering how to spot truly ethical brands, the posts below break down exactly how to check certifications, decode labels, and find products that align with your values. You’ll also find comparisons with other popular brands like OPI and Neutrogena—so you can make smarter choices across your entire beauty routine.
