With an unexpected take on skincare, Klairs is so popular that some of its products have sold over a million units. But is Klairs cruelty-free, vegan and worth the hype?
Klairs is 100% cruelty-free and vegan. It doesn't conduct animal testing on its products or use animal-derived ingredients.
But you’ve probably also seen that most Korean Beauty brands are OBSESSED with anima-derived ingredients.
With the slogan;
“ Simple but Enough, Mild but Powerful Basic but Ultimate”,
Klairs doesn’t chase trends. That’s another hallmark of the South Korean beauty industry. Instead, Klairs aims to make a few formulas so that fans will purchase products again and again and again.
But why did such a simple brand prioritize cruelty-free policies and veganism? And can we trust them?
Klairs Ethical Overview
Klairs is 100% Cruelty-Free
Test any of its products or ingredients on animals
NO
Purchase any ingredients tested on animals within its supply chain
NO
Distribute its products to any countries that require animal testing by law.
NO
Klairs is owned by Wishtrend, a company with no known association with animal testing.
To back this up, Klairs has not one but two cruelty-free accreditations.
Does Klairs Test on Animals?
Klairs has been committed to creating simple, effective, and affordable skincare cosmetics that are also cruelty-free. This has been its intention since it was founded in 2010.
What Is Klair’s Cruelty-Free Status in 2023?
Here is a screenshot of Klair’s official statement regarding its cruelty-free policies and vegan products, taken from its website:
Klairs is PETA & KARA Certified
Klairs is PETA and KARA (Korea Animal Rights Advocates) certified.
It’s very unusual for a K-Beauty brand to have cruelty-free certifications, so Klairs has just wowed us!
Certification from Leaping Bunny is ideal – even more so than PETA – because it holds rigorous standards and does regular audits to ensure they are upheld.
Leaping Bunny certification proves that:
Is Klairs Sold Where Animal Testing is Required By Law?
Klairs does not distribute any of its products to China or any country that requires animal testing on cosmetics by law.
China has a shocking track record. It is the country with the most animal testing globally, with over 20 million animals used per year.
However, if you live in China or are concerned about its cruel beauty policies, there are a couple of loopholes.
Here's how to find cruelty-free cosmetics in China: Are Cosmetics Made in China Cruelty-Free?
Klairs is Vegan
Since 2016 this well-priced and accessible skincare brand has worked towards going entirely vegan.And in late 2022, they did just that!
While this brand is free of animal-derived products, it's worth knowing that Klairs is the exception and not the rule.
Most mainstream skincare brands are not 100% vegan. Especially K-Beauty brands!
These are certain animal-derived ingredients to look out for in general include honey, beeswax, lanolin, collagen, squalane, snail mucin, pearl extract, horse oil and carmine.
What Klairs Products Are Vegan?
Klairs is already a standout K-Beauty brand because of being cruelty-free AND vegan.
They are taking it one step further by having some products verified by The Vegan Society and the Korean Agency of Vegan Certification and Services. Klairs wants all of the products to be certified by both in time!
Here are some of Klair’s most popular, vegan certified options:
You can find all of Klair’s vegan products on its website.
Vegan Alternatives to Klairs
Brand | price range | 100% vegan | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
$5 - $15 | Yes | PETA, Leaping Bunny | |
$20 - $50 | Yes | Leaping Bunny | |
$20 - $50 | Yes | PETA, Leaping Bunny | |
$5 - $20 | Yes | Leaping Bunny | |
$15 - $30 | Yes | Leaping Bunny |
Klairs is Not Considered Natural and Organic
Although is often used natural extracts and organic ingredients, Klairs isn’t considered natural or organic.
However, it does claim to use safe and simple ingredients.
Its whole ethos is to make clean formulas and products that anyone can use.
All products use a certain amount of synthetic ingredients in their formulas. Klairs is no exception – but it does choose to use better or clean synthetics.If a synthetic ingredient is "clean," it means it is safe and non-toxic for us. Its purpose is to preserve the stability of a beauty formulation.
Klairs Has An 91% Allergen-Free Ranking
According to Skin Safe, Klairs has a 91% allergen-free ranking for each product.
Many Klairs’ products are free of allergens such as parabens, gluten, fragrances, topical antibiotics, lanolin, MCI/MI, nickel, soy, Balsam of Peru, irritants, dyes, and SLS.
Klair’s products never contain parabens, alcohol, or artificial coloring.
Reading the ingredient list is crucial because Klairs is not 100% hypoallergenic or non-comedogenic, and they do not claim to be.
However, certain products are specifically for these concerns, so make sure you buy what your skin needs.
The EU/UK Have Stricter Ingredient Regulations
We don’t want to scare you, but you HAVE to read up on any product’s ingredient list before you make a purchase – especially if you live within the United States. The reason why will shock you.
The FDA has only banned or restricted 11 harmful chemicals from cosmetics within the country. Europe and the UK, on the other hand, have banned 1,328!
Even though they don’t market themselves as clean, Klairs sets a great example of what true clean beauty is meant to be. So, you shouldn’t worry about any serious hidden nasties in its products.
With skincare and cosmetics, you want to avoid these ingredients:
Klairs Is Moderately Sustainable and Ethical
One of the ethical causes Klairs supports is ending animal testing, and the freeing and rehabilitation of laboratory animals.
It's no secret that the world has a huge waste problem, and cosmetic brands only make it worse by using unsustainable packaging and harmful ingredients.
Klair’s takes environmental accountability by:
Final Thoughts
It is invigorating to see the K-beauty brand that has two cruelty-free certifications and is getting more and more products approved by third-party vegan associations!
We love seeing Klair's environmental initiatives. Although, clarity of the recyclability of packaging and the impact of manufacture would be a huge improvement. It would also help to know about ingredient sourcing.
Like, is their palm oil RSPO certified? And what about mica?
Klairs is a refreshing step in the right direction for conscious K-beauty, and we hope more brands follow their lead.
Can you trust them with your skin?? We would!