Is Maybelline cruelty-free? Maybelline animal testing status and alternatives
Not cruelty-free
No, Maybelline is not cruelty-free, because its animal testing status depends on markets where animal testing can be required by law. PETA lists Maybelline, a L'Oréal brand, among the companies that test on animals, and L'Oréal states that its products are sold in China, where the health authorities still require and carry out animal testing for certain products. Last verified on October 2, 2026.
Cruelty-Free Check editorial teamPublished
Fact sheet: Maybelline
- Brand
- Maybelline
- Cruelty-free status
- Not cruelty-free
- Certifications
- None
- Parent company
- L'Oréal (not cruelty-free)
- Sold in mainland China
- Not disclosed
- Vegan
- Not stated
- Country of origin
- United States
- Price tier
- drugstore
- Last verified
- October 2, 2026
Does Maybelline test on animals?
Maybelline does not test on animals itself, according to its own policy, but it is not cruelty-free. PETA lists Maybelline, a L’Oréal brand, among the companies that test on animals, and L’Oréal states that its products are sold in China, where the health authorities still require and carry out animal testing for certain products.
Maybelline states: “At Maybelline, we care for animal welfare and do not test on animals.”
What is Maybelline’s parent company?
Maybelline’s parent company is L’Oréal. L’Oréal is not cruelty-free: it acknowledges that it still figures on PETA’s list of companies that test on animals, because its products are sold in China.
What are cruelty-free alternatives to Maybelline?
The cruelty-free alternatives to Maybelline are brands certified by Leaping Bunny, Cruelty Free International or PETA. At drugstore prices, e.l.f., essence, CoverGirl and Milani are certified; at prestige prices, Tarte and Benefit are.
- Certified alternatives to Maybelline mascara are on our list of best cruelty-free mascaras.
- Certified alternatives to Maybelline foundation are on our list of best cruelty-free foundations.
- Certified alternatives to Maybelline concealer are on our list of best cruelty-free concealers.
How do you check whether Maybelline is cruelty-free?
You check whether Maybelline is cruelty-free by searching the brand on the Leaping Bunny, Cruelty Free International and PETA lists, because a brand’s own policy is an unregulated claim in the US. Cruelty-Free Check last verified Maybelline on October 2, 2026.
- Maybelline appears on PETA's list as Maybelline (L’Oreal), rated NOT cruelty-free.