Laneige is a skincare and cosmetics brand founded in 1994 in Seoul, South Korea. Its name means ‘snow’ in French. The brand is focused on skin hydration and uses its Advance Water Science technology for its products.
Laneige started with a single skincare collection, UV Green, which was promoted by celebrities Lee Yoo-ri and Kim Si-won. By 1996, the brand had already become widely popular throughout Korea, and its reputation only kept growing. In 2002, the brand opened its first stores in Shanghai and Hong Kong, becoming international. Soon after, Laneige opened its first stores in Moscow, Russia, and then across Europe.
After internationalization, the brand launched its cosmetic line, as well as Laneige Homme, their first line for men.
Today, Laneige is considered one of the most well-known South Korean brands outside of Korea. Its products can be sold in various retailers, such as Sephora and Target.
Is Laneige Cruelty-Free?
| Not sold in China? | No |
| PETA Certified | No |
| Leaping Bunny Certified | No |
| Has vegan products | No |
| Not owned by a Parent Company that does Animal Testing? | No |
No, Laneige is not a cruelty-free brand.
According to its animal testing policy, Laneige doesn’t test its finished products on animals. However, most animal testing is done at the ingredient level. The brand doesn’t state anything about its ingredients being cruelty-free. Their statement says that as of 2013, the brand will find alternatives for ingredient testing; however, it isn’t stated whether Laneige ever followed up. Also, no disclosure says anything about third-party testing.
At the same time, Laneige states that its finished products are tested on animals where it’s required by law. This proves the brand doesn’t care about animal rights unless there’s profit.
Suppose you like Laneige’s products, but can’t support a brand that isn’t cruelty-free. If this is the case, you can always contact its representatives and politely ask them to reconsider their animal testing policy. Just remember to be respectful, as hate speech never accomplishes anything.
Alternative Cruelty-Free Sleeping Masks
Amazon.com
Alternative Cruelty-Free Moisturizers
Amazon.com
Are Laneige products sold in China?
Yes, Laneige sells its products in mainland China.
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What is the Deal with China?
Even though animal testing is proven to be an unnecessary and unethical practice, some countries still require it by law. This is the case with the second-biggest market in the world, China.
China requires any beauty product to be tested on animals before allowing importation and being sold in Chinese stores. Any company or brand that makes the decision to sell in China has also decided to test on animals – either by themselves or, usually, by paying a third-party company to test on their behalf. This is the main reason why a lot of brands can’t achieve a true cruelty-free status. After growing public outrage, China did lift some regulations in 2014, which allowed certain beauty products, such as shampoos and other skincare items, to be imported without testing, but this is still a small percentage.
A lot of brands that claim to be cruelty-free are being misleading thanks to these laws. Even if a brand doesn’t conduct animal testing on its own, by deciding to take the opportunity and sell in countries such as China, it is allowing a third-party to test the final product on animals. This is why PETA and the Leaping Bunny Program have forbidden brands that they certify to expand their market in this direction – and rightfully so.
A lot of companies are working with the Chinese government on lifting these regulations, and legislation was proposed in 2019 that should stop mandatory animal testing. However until today, no substantial progress has been made in this regard, we continue to wait patiently.
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Is Laneige Vegan?
Laneige is not a vegan brand. This means that most, if not all, of its products, contain some form of animal-derived ingredients or animal by-products, such as hyaluronic acid, carmine, glycerin, or lanolin. None of its products are labeled vegan, and the brand doesn’t have an official vegan product list.
Who owns Laneige and does the parent company test on animals?
Laneige’s parent company is Amore Pacific, a cosmetics conglomerate from South Korea, which is not cruelty-free.
What products does Laneige sell?
Laneige started as a skincare brand that focuses on adequate skin hydration. It sells various face masks, serums, and face creams. In 2007, the brand began manufacturing makeup and sells many different cosmetics products, such as lipsticks, concealers, and foundations. In 2017, Laneige debuted its Lip Sleeping Mask, exclusive only to the US. With the growing popularity of Korean skincare, the brand is becoming one of the most loved Asian brands in Europe and the US.
Alternative Cruelty-Free Sleeping Masks
Amazon.com
Alternative Cruelty-Free Moisturizers
Amazon.com
