OPI is known as the global leader in the nail care and nail polish industry. Since 1989, OPI has dedicated all its resources, skills, knowledge, expertise and know-how to developing high-quality products that caters to the professional working woman. While OPI formulates extraordinary, contemporary and chic colors, the question still remains as to whether OPI is cruelty-free.
Is OPI Cruelty-free?
By way of definition, cruelty-free means that products are not tested on animals that may cause harm or death to these animals. In today’s consumer world, customers are concerned about whether companies conduct animal testing on their products, which in turn, determines whether the products are bought or boycotted.
Cruelty-free does not necessarily mean that the company itself, in this case, OPI, does not test their products on animals, but cruelty-free also means not funding animal testing for their products in other countries.
According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), OPI in the United States of America does not test their products on animals, however, OPI does invest heavily in animal testing their products in China, as this is required by law. In essence, this means that OPI is not cruelty-free.
The law of China requires that all foreign cosmetic products that are manufactured outside China, undergo mandatory animal testing. Coty Inc, a company that acquired OPI, is in discussions with the Chinese authorities to find an alternative to testing OPI products on animals.
Determining Cruelty-free Companies
Consumer’s behavior has evolved over the years from purchasing products that were known for its brand and reputation to purchasing products that are now cruelty-free. There are a few ways in which consumers may determine as to whether a company is cruelty-free:
- Spotting the certified cruelty-free logo;
- Research the company and their products on certified cruelty-free websites;
- Contact the company and inquire;
- Consult a cruelty-free blogger;
- Download a cruelty-free app.
Please take note that this list is not exhaustive.
Accredited Cruelty-free Logos
As of 2021, there are three companies issuing cruelty-free logos:
- PETA;
- Leaping Bunny; and
- Choose Cruelty-free which has merged with Cruelty-free International.
It is important to note that this information has been taken from an external website and that the procedures, requirements and costing may have changed.
Spotting Fake Cruelty-free Logos
Today, it is very easy for companies to claim that their products are cruelty-free and create a logo that emphasizes the same message. However, there are many ways in which a customer is able to spot fake cruelty-free logos:
- There are only three cruelty-free logos that you can trust. Any other logo that is similar or not accredited by a reputable cruelty-free organization is unofficial.
- Should the company have one of the three cruelty-free logos, the next step would be to ascertain the authenticity of the logo by checking for the company on the organization’s website.
- Do in-depth research to ensure that the product you are buying is actually cruelty-free.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is worthy to note that while OPI itself is cruelty-free in the United States of America, this is not the case with China as OPI funds animal testing on their products in China due to the regulatory requirements of the country.
It is necessary for companies to put a stop to animal testing and to stop the pain and harm that is brought upon these animals in the name of beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a cruelty-free company mean?
A cruelty-free company does not test their products on animals that may potentially harm or kill them nor do they fund animal testing on their products in any capacity.
- How do I know if a brand is cruelty-free?
There are currently three reputable organizations that issue cruelty-free logos:
- PETA;
- Leaping Bunny; and
- Choose Cruelty-Free which has merged with Cruelty-Free International.
If the brand has one of these three logos on its product, it is cruelty-free. However, it is worth noting that research should be done on the brand as well to ensure that the brand is actually cruelty-free.
- Is there a difference between a product being vegan and a product being cruelty-free?
Yes. A vegan product means that there are no animals ingredients used in the formulation of the product, whereas, a cruelty-free product means that the product is not tested on animals.
- Are there fake cruelty-free logos?
Yes. With technological advancement, it is very easy to create labels and logos that state a product or brand is cruelty-free but actually isn’t. Therefore, it is imperative that in-depth research is done before purchasing a product that states it is cruelty-free.
- How does a product/brand/company get a cruelty-free logo?
Companies would have to follow and fulfill certain requirements, procedures and costing in order to obtain the licenses that state that they are cruelty-free.
