NUXE’s iconic French skincare is inspired by nature and backed by science. With over 40 patents, however, are these formulations vegan or cruelty-free?
NUXE is not 100% cruelty-free or vegan, as its products are sold where animal testing is required by law. It also cannot be considered vegan as it is not cruelty-free.
NUXE uses potent active botanicals with clinically backed lab innovations. Its intoxicating natural scents are good for the body and mind. The idea is to take NUXE from personal care to a sensory experience.
NUXE proclaims, “Animal welfare has always been one of [its] concerns.” Yet the brand opted into a region that enforces animal testing. Can you take NUXE’s cruelty-free and vegan policies at face value?
NUXE Ethical Overview
NUXE Is Not Cruelty-Free
Test any of its products or ingredients on animals
NO
Purchase any ingredients tested on animals within its supply chain
MAYBE
Distribute its products to any countries that require animal testing by law.
YES
Nuxe is also owned by the Belgian holding company, Sofina. The group does own brands associated with animal testing.
Does NUXE Test on Animals?
NUXE has been clear that animal testing is conducted on its products when required by law and that it does ship to countries like China. However, it still has a stance on cruelty-free cosmetics.
What Is NUXE's Cruelty-Free Status in 2022?
Here is a screenshot of NUXE’s official statement regarding its cruelty-free policies and vegan products, taken from its website:
NUXE Has No Cruelty-Free Certification.
If they keep doing business in a country that tests imported personal care and beauty products on animals, we can’t see that changing.
Ideally, all brands that consider themselves cruelty-free should be Leaping Bunny certified.
While you might know PETA very well – it surprisingly doesn't hold the strictest cruelty-free regulations. Leaping Bunny certification is the gold standard to live up to.
Is NUXE Sold Where Animal Testing is Required By Law?
Yes, NUXE distributes its products in China, where animal testing on cosmetics is required as products arrive at the border.
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?
NUXE is Not Vegan
Despite NUXE claiming that 90% of its range is vegan, it’s hard to consider any of its products free of animal-derived ingredients as “vegan” because it’s not 100% cruelty-free.
The most common animal-derived ingredients that NUXE uses are: honey and beeswax.
If you're interested in which products are vegan or finding vegan brand alternatives – keep reading or click on this link: NUXE vegan products.
Vegan Alternatives to NUXE
Brand | price range | 100% vegan | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
$20 - $80 | Yes | PETA, Leaping Bunny | |
$20 - $60 | Yes | Leaping Bunny | |
$30 - $80 | Yes | PETA, Leaping Bunny | |
$20 - $80 | Yes | PETA, Leaping Bunny | |
$20 - $70 | Yes | PETA, Leaping Bunny |
NUXE Isn't Considered Natural or Organic
NUXE claims to be a natural and organic brand.
With an ECOCERT certification that meets the highest EU standards, NUXE products have an average of 99% natural and 52% organic ingredients.
All products use a certain amount of synthetic ingredients in their formulas. NUXE 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.
NUXE Has a 91% Allergen-free Ranking
According to Skin Safe, NUXE has a 91% allergen-free ranking for each product.
Many of NUXE’s products are free of allergens such as parabens, lanolin, topical antibiotics, MCI/MI, nickel, gluten, soy, propylene gylcol, dyes, and SLS.
NUXE has leveled up its game by being 100% non-comedogenic.
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!
Given NUXE is a UK/EU-based brand with strict ingredient policies – you don't need to worry too much.
Luckily, NUXE sets a great example of what true clean beauty is meant to be, and you shouldn’t have to worry about any serious hidden nasties in its products.
With skincare, you want to avoid these ingredients:
NUXE Has Moderate Sustainable & Ethical Initiatives
Some of the ethical causes NUXE supports are
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.
NUXE takes environmental and social accountability by:
Final Thoughts
While NUXE is doing a lot of work with sustainable NGOs, they could have more eco-efforts in place. Especially considering how much it leans into an earthy friendly image.
But calling most of its products vegan and claiming to care for animal welfare when its distribution choices cause animal testing is a direct conflict of interest.
We don’t see that changing soon. NUXE reported that just four sales points in one city in China contributed about 64% of total product sales.
As consumers, we decide what we will and won’t tolerate – this is something we won’t stand for.