The short answer: No, Bioré is not completely cruelty free.
The long answer: Bioré is a Japanese beauty brand that was launched by Kao Corporation. Founded by Tomiro Nagase, Kao Corporation is a Japanese company that also distributes John Frieda and Jergens. Bioré broke into the American market in 1997, and is currently sold across 53 countries across the world. On its US website, Bioré confidently states that they are cruelty free. “We know you LOVE animals and so do we! That’s why all the Bioré products in our Western markets are cruelty-free and vegan friendly. We do not test our products or the materials within them on animals and we do not use any animal-derived ingredients.”
Bioré also states that they follow the conventions of the EU and other governmental bans on animal testing for cosmetics. However, they admit that they also need to comply with the laws of other countries, saying, “Occasionally, laws and regulations require testing of materials outside of the cosmetics category.” The statement pertains to countries such as China, where Bioré products are also sold. To be able to break into this huge market, Bioré must allow Chinese government officials or authorised third parties to test their products on animals. This goes against their cruelty-free claim.
Bioré strives to change the animal testing standards by saying, “Since the 1980s, Kao Corporation has been actively working together with industry associations and relevant third parties to find robust alternatives to animal testing which have been successfully adopted as international guidelines.” But until they stop selling in China or the country stops doing compulsory tests on animals, Bioré cannot be considered 100% cruelty free.
Check out other skin care brands in our cruelty free category.
References:
Is Biore Cruelty Free and Vegan?
Photo courtesy of Kakura via Wikimedia Commons
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