Smashbox cosmetics is a Los Angeles based brand that was created by the famous Smashbox photography studio. It was founded in 1996 by Davis and Dean Factor, who are the great-grandsons of Max Factor, the great Hollywood makeup artist. They were later joined by Lori Taylor-Davis, a makeup artist.
Smashbox manufactures makeup with the desire to create products that will look equally good in real life and the studio. In 2000, the brand launched its famous Photo Finish primer that quickly became a favorite of many professionals. Seven years later, its O-Glow Intuitive Cheek Color won the innovation breakthrough award from Allure and Sephora.
In 2013, the brand started selling internationally, quickly winning several other awards, including the Clio award.
Is Smashbox Cruelty-Free?
| Not sold in China? | Yes |
| PETA Certified | Yes |
| Leaping Bunny Certified | No(*) |
| Has vegan products | Yes |
| Not owned by a Parent Company that does Animal Testing? | No |
Yes, Smashbox is cruelty-free.
Smashbox doesn’t test finished products, ingredients, or formulations on animals, and the same goes for its suppliers. At the same time, the brand doesn’t pay a third-party to test on its behalf. Smashbox is a part of PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program.
Smashbox doesn’t have the Leaping Bunny label, but this isn’t a cause of concern, as becoming a part of the Leaping Bunny program is voluntary and completely optional.(*)
Best Selling Smashbox Products
Amazon.com
Are Smashbox products sold in China?
No, Smashbox products aren’t sold in mainland China.
[epcl_box type=”information”]
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.
[/epcl_box]
Is Smashbox Vegan?
Not all of Smashbox’s makeup products are vegan, as they contain some animal-derived products, usually carmine, beeswax and lanolin. However, it has a lot of vegan options, so if you are a vegan you can still find some products that will suit your needs.
Who owns Smashbox and does the parent company test on animals?
Smashbox is owned by Estee Lauder, a company that isn’t cruelty-free that bought the brand in 2010. Estee Lauder products sell in mainland China. In other words, the company tests on animals when required by law, which prevents it from being cruelty-free.
However, Smashbox itself confirmed that, despite being owned by a company that isn’t cruelty-free, it will never condemn animal testing. It is up to consumers to decide whether or not they’d like to support a brand that is owned by a company that tests on animals.
What products does Smashbox sell?
Smashbox creates makeup products that is inspired by studio photography. It is most famous for primers, and it has over 20 different kinds of primers. It also has a huge variety of foundations, BB and CC creams and concealers. Skin is the main focus of the brand, but it also has several other kinds of items. Smashbox’s famous Be Legendary lipstick collection has an astonishing 120 different shades!
Best Selling Smashbox Products