Is Too Faced Cruelty Free And Vegan In 2025? Ethical Cosmetic Brands

If you're a fan of cosmetics, you've probably asked yourself, “Is Too Faced cruelty free?” This guide breaks down the brand’s stance and what “cruelty-free” and “vegan” really mean in beauty. If you’re also updating your wardrobe to match your values, check out our vegan fashion picks for more animal-friendly choices.

Is Too Faced Cruelty-Free? Status in 2025

So you're wondering if Too Faced cosmetics is as ethical as it claims. The good news: Too Faced does not test on animals. However, not all of its products are vegan.

Too Faced is officially certified as cruelty-free by PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies program. They do not conduct animal testing on their products or ingredients and do not sell in countries like China, where animal testing is required. In the U.S., animal testing is not required for cosmetics, according to FDA guidance, which is why many brands now pursue non-animal methods.

While Too Faced does offer some vegan products, not all items are vegan. Some formulas contain ingredients like beeswax and carmine. If vegan cosmetics are important to you, check the details on each product page and ingredient list.

Too Faced sources some ingredients from suppliers that do tests on animals, though Too Faced themselves do not conduct or commission any animal testing. If you want to avoid supporting brands that work with suppliers that test on animals in any way, Too Faced may not meet your standards.

In summary, while not all products are vegan, Too Faced is cruelty-free. For some shoppers, that ethical status is enough; for others, the parent-company connection and supplier questions remain a concern. As with any brand, it comes down to your own priorities and where you draw the line.

Cruelty-Free vs. Vegan: What’s the Difference?

“Cruelty-free” means a product and its ingredients were not tested on animals. “Vegan” means the formula contains no animal‑derived ingredients. A product can be cruelty-free but not vegan (for example, using beeswax), or vegan but not cruelty-free if animal testing occurred. Common non‑vegan ingredients include beeswax, carmine, lanolin, and shellac.

Too Faced Sold to Estée Lauder

In 2016, Estée Lauder acquired Too Faced for $1.45 billion. For many consumers, this was disappointing news. Estée Lauder is not a cruelty-free company and does animal testing when required by law. However, Too Faced has stated that they will remain true to its principles.

Too Faced was founded in 1998 by Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson. They built the brand to be vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free. After the acquisition, Blandino and Johnson remained co-presidents and promised to uphold the brand’s values. So far, they have kept that promise.

Too Faced does not test any of its products or ingredients on animals. They do not sell in mainland China where animal testing is required. Too Faced also does not buy any ingredients from animal testing suppliers, according to the brand. Their products are certified by various organizations.

However, some argue that by being owned by Estée Lauder, Too Faced indirectly supports animal testing. Estée Lauder’s unethical brands, like MAC, Clinique, and Bobbi Brown, perform experiments on lab animals and sell in China. Some of the profits from Too Faced sales may go to Estée Lauder and support those brands.

Why Animal Testing Should End

There are many reasons to end this practice, the first being that it is unethical and conflicts with animal rights. Subjecting animals to harm in order to produce vanity products is cruel and unnecessary, something we should all push back against.

It’s also impractical. Animal experimentation has scientific limitations because human and animal biology differ in key ways, which can make data hard to translate to people. Modern, human‑relevant methods reduce these gaps.

It’s not like there are no alternatives. Advancements such as in vitro testing and computer models are widely used, and many are accepted by international regulators under OECD guidelines. In addition, U.S. regulators do not require animal testing for cosmetics, as noted in FDA guidance, which encourages validated non‑animal science. Luxury trends in other industries can also hide cruelty—learn about the reality behind civet coffee.

Other Cruelty-Free Cosmetic Brands

Tarte: This popular company reports that they never test their finished products on animals and that they seek out suppliers with the same standards. Tarte has registered their brand practices with PETA, and the organization certifies that Tarte does not use animals. They also have a line of vegan-friendly products made with no animal-derived ingredients.

Caswell Massey: A high-end beauty products company well-known for its soaps, lotions, and fragrances. Caswell Massey does not test their products or the ingredients in them on animals. They are certified as cruelty-free by both PETA and the CCIC (Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics).

Josie Maran: Known for its popular argan oil and other beauty products, Josie Maran describes their philosophy as “Luxury with a Conscience.” They report that they are a cruelty-free company that does not use animals to test their products and don’t allow their suppliers to conduct animal testing on their behalf. They are listed on the PETA website as cruelty-free as well.

Murad: Murad makes a variety of high-end skin care products. They list “protecting animals” as one of their core company values and certify that they test their products on people and use ingredients that have not been animal tested. They also report that they sponsor animal rescue groups. PETA lists Murad as a cruelty-free company.

Prefer to build an animal-friendly lifestyle beyond your makeup bag? Our quick guide to vegan fashion shows how to keep clothes and accessories aligned with your values, too.

FAQ

Is Too Faced Gluten-Free?

The majority of their products are gluten-free. Check the ingredients list to ensure the one you’ve bought is among them. Be aware that while cross‑contamination is unlikely, it can still occur in facilities that handle gluten-containing materials, so sensitive users should review each product’s details.

Why Do Cosmetic Companies Test on Animals?

Some countries still require animal testing by law. Companies that sell in these countries may test to comply with regulations. Many consumers and advocacy groups view cosmetic animal testing as unethical and unnecessary. As alternative methods gain acceptance, more brands are choosing cruelty-free approaches.

How Can I Help End Cosmetic Testing on Animals?

There are a few ways you can help put an end to cosmetic testing on animals:

• Buy from cruelty-free and vegan brands like Too Faced. Supporting these companies shows that there is a demand for ethical products.
• Sign petitions to end mandatory animal testing laws in other countries. Many petitions can be found on sites like Change.org.
• Contact lawmakers and government officials and urge them to ban testing on animals. Let them know why this issue is important to you.
• Donate or volunteer your time with organizations like PETA, The Humane Society, and Cruelty Free International, working to end cosmetic animal testing.
• Spread awareness about this issue on social media using hashtags like #crueltyfree and #endanimaltesting. Educate others about cruelty-free and vegan cosmetic options.
• Choose to buy from companies that do not sell in countries where animal testing is required, like China. Some popular cruelty-free brands that do not sell in China include Kat Von D, Charlotte Tilbury, and Milk Makeup.

By taking action, each person can make a difference in creating a more ethical cosmetic industry. Every signature, purchase, donation, and social share counts toward building a future without testing on animals.

Is Too Faced 100% Vegan?

No. While Too Faced is cruelty-free, not all of its formulas are vegan. Some items may include animal‑derived ingredients like beeswax or carmine. For a fully vegan routine, filter for products labeled “vegan” and double‑check ingredient lists before you buy.

What Is Carmine?

Carmine is a red pigment derived from cochineal insects. It’s used to create red and pink shades in lip and cheek products. If you prefer vegan makeup, look for shades colored with plant‑based or mineral alternatives instead of carmine, and verify the ingredient list on each product page.

So go ahead and indulge your taste for the finer things, like our bunny shirts, while you show your love for animals… all our adorable bunny pets approve of these companies!