L’Occitane products have been making waves worldwide for a few decades now, and the most frequently asked question today about brands in the beauty market is whether they are cruelty-free or not.
Let’s see what we found out after checking on the famous brand from France, L’Occitane.
The company or brand creating L’Occitane products states that they are cruelty-free. On their website, they clearly mention that they do not test any of their raw materials or finished products on animals. They go on to state that they are a company that also stands against any kind of animal testing. However, they do sell their items in countries that by law, require testing on animals.
Now that you know that L’Occitane does not test any of their products on animals, let’s have a deeper look at the product and if this statement is true.
If L’Occitane States That They are Cruelty Free, Then What About China?
To have any cosmetics or beauty items sold in Mainland China, the products will be required, by law, to be tested on animals. This is done to ensure the safety of the consumers.
L’Occitane products are sold in China, which means that their products must have been tested on animals for them to be introduced into the market there.
For this, L’Occitane representatives state on their website that they were not involved in this testing and that these tests were done by the Chinese laboratories and approved by the country’s local authorities.
They go on to state that by having their items sold in China, they will then be able to bring in or influence the necessary change in the country and get them to try alternative methods of testing instead of using animals as test subjects.
The bottom line is that L’Occitane will allow for their products to be tested on animals when required by law. However, in those situations, they will try to influence the country to change those laws by approaching the FDA with other various forms of testing.
All About L’Occitane
Olivier Baussan, at age 23, in the year 1976 created essential oil from rosemary and lavender using steam distillation. He sold this oil in the markets of his hometown, Provence.
He named the product L’Occitane, for the women of Occitania – a place that existed in the Middle Ages in France.
During the same time, he began using an abandoned soap factory that had been given to him, to create natural, vegetable soaps. The first L’Occitane boutique and factory was opened in the year 1981.
In the 1990s the name of the brand was changed to L’Occitane en Provence. The company has always tried to help uplift the economy by offering many job opportunities to the people of France.
Most of the natural ingredients used in the manufacturing of all L’Occitane products are sourced from Provence.
Additionally, this company promotes the traditional cultivation of plants, especially lavender. They also promote the cultivation of almond trees in the Alps of Haute-Provence.
The company buys shea butter from women in Burkina Faso, thus helping these women to earn a living.
These are not the only benefits to the community offered, but L’Occitane strives to help the environment. They state that they would never conduct any animal testing with their products.
They also state that their products are made without any animal by-products, except for beehive products which are used in the manufacturing process for some of their items.
The company has over 170 stores in the U.S. and continues to grow with over 1500 retail stores situated internationally.
Products By L’Occitane
L’Occitane produces quite a few items in their body and fragrance range.
Brands Under L’Occitane en Provence
L’Occitane en Provence
This brand offers fragrances, skincare, and body and bath ranges that are specifically made with natural products designed to aid your skin with not only luxury care but beneficial properties as well.
Melvita
This brand uses the best of nature, honey, and 870 other natural raw ingredients to create oils and other products specifically designed to offer you an organic brand like no other.
Erborian
This brand’s products are all created using Korean formulation instructions.
L’Occitane au Brésil
This brand promotes fragrances, hair, and body care products that are made with ingredients specifically from Brazil’s small producing communities.
Duolab
This is a scientific brand that has focused on creating an item that creates a formulation for your skincare and, the formulations change daily according to the needs of your skin.
Elemis
This brand uses technology and the world’s best ingredients, both from above and below the ground, to aid with skincare optimization.
LimeLife
This is a brand highly focused on improving the complexions of users, as well as enhancing one’s natural beauty.
Conclusion
L’Occitane is a cruelty-free brand that strives to end animal testing for beauty and cosmetic products.
However, there are L’Occitane products sold in China. These products underwent animal testing by Chinese laboratories and were approved by their local authorities.
In their statement, L’Occitane does not deny that their products underwent animal testing and they also stated that with this, they feel they are able to directly influence the FDA in China to eventually change their law on animal testing by trying other alternative testing routes in the future. They have had some progress so far.
