Urban Decay has been a vegan's dream company for many years. They have everything from amazing vegan make-up to eco-friendly packaging. They always seemed to be a company that cared. They have two missions for their company. One is empowering women and the other is animal/Eco welfare. The other day though the company made a huge decision, to sell in China. This is a problem for many of the vegan and eco-minded customers including myself. Let me fill you in in case you don't know. China requires all cosmetics companies to allow them, if they deem so, to test the products on animals before selling to it's citizens. In other words Urban Decay has decided to risk allowing a round of animal testing at the hands of the Chinese government.
Now at first I thought maybe the company is suffering like many companies in the United States. I thought maybe they have to move there for monetary reasons. Maybe they wanted to ensure their employees still have jobs by opening up to a whole country of customers. I was trying to give them the benefit of the doubt even though I would rather sleep in my car than sell out. Still though...
They finally released a statement, which they have since taken off of their Facebook page. The link now leads to information about the online meeting to ask them questions. Basically the statement said they will not be making any money for awhile in the country. They said their main reason for going was to complete their mission of
providing power to women there and making a difference in China. They also mentioned helping the Chinese people see there is great eco-friendly and animal free products.
Here's the thing. Basically, their intentions in and of themselves are
good. They want to make a difference for good in another country. However, they
are basically saying they are willing to sacrifice a round of animals to
horrific suffering and death for "the greater good". There are already
many people in China fighting against their animal testing regulations
and also fighting for women's rights. I personally do not think it is
okay to submit to this no matter how good the intentions. I don't believe
in doing something wrong in order to ultimately gain something good. I
believe animal testing is wrong and unnecessary in the beauty market.
To be fair, Urban Decay is not the only company selling out these days. They are just being singled out more because they were loved so much by vegans and anti-testing customers. Smashbox, Avon, Estee Lauder, and
Mary Kay are among the most popular that have recently made the same decision but for financial reasons. Mary Kay and Smashbox do try to work with the Chinese government to limit it but the tests are still happening. Mary Kay, Avon, and Estee Lauder also did not tell Peta or consumers their policy changed. At least Urban Decay put it all out there.
Urban Decay has angered and lost many customers. I feel more sad than anything because they were one of my favorite companies. However, hope prevails. Here are some of my other favorites that have amazing quality make-up:
Stila: I absolutely LOVE their eyeshadow and brushes
Tarte: Foundations, Highlighters and Bronzers, and Mascara
Josie Maran: http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/about-the-brand
Eco harvested and Organic Argan in every product and completely natural
I hope you continue to join me and many others in the boycott of companies that allow their products to be tested on animals. Let us also try to do what we can to tell the Chinese government our feelings. I am hoping one day they will change the way they treat their children, women, and animals.
Here is are some informational websites:
Animal Testing Facts, Learn the truth
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