Is Bath And Body Works Cruelty-Free and Vegan?

We all like to look good, feel good in our skin.

Wearing make-up, skin products, and things that will get rid of those pimples, wrinkles, and stress.

But, it’s no new news to anyone that a lot of beauty products are made by companies that aren’t necessarily cruelty-free.

One of the worst things about cosmetic companies is that some of them do truly horrendous things.

You do not want to buy yourself a new skincare product only to find out that it was force-fed or applied to a pregnant rabbit for 28 days only then to be killed in this animal testing process. 

It can be hard to know which companies support and condone these practices.

This may have you wondering about popular companies such as Bath and Body Works.

Well, do not fret, I decided that it was time to know what these companies are really up to.

I did the research, looked into them and their practices, and am here to tell you whether or not Bath and Body Works deserve the support or the scorn of the vegan community, and those who slander unethical practices.

Do Bath and Body Works Test on Animals?

If you have a look on their website you will find a statement that makes it sound like they are vegan and cruelty-free.

“Bath & Body Works does not test any of our products, formulations, or ingredients on animals. 

Period.

All of our personal care products are produced in North America, Europe, and South Korea.”

Sounds fine right? 

Think again.

Vegan activists took to Twitter and started asking for more specifics.

For the most part, they were ignored.

Until they were emailed and produced this response.

“L-Brand company policy prohibits the testing of our branded products, formulations and ingredients on animals except in rare cases when required by government regulations.”

These two statements contradict each other.

Even more so, while their direct products do not necessarily test on animals, you cannot call the company vegan.

Brands buy ingredients from suppliers, and many ingredients for these products are not cruelty-free.

Is Bath and Body Works Vegan?

Bath and Body Works have not confirmed that their suppliers do not test on animals and so, while they may not, who is to say if their suppliers do?

In any animal product testing case, it is not just the matter of the end product, but the whole supply chain and that is where there is information missing.

Then, you look at their 2019 decision to sell in China.

Any company that sells in mainland China has to test on animals, even if they say they don’t.

It is Chinese law that dictates that all cosmetic products must go through animal testing before being sold in China.

In the summer of 2019, Bath and Body Works started selling in China.

Even though they made a statement to say that the products sold in China, would only be made in China, it kind of defeats the whole idea of being a cruelty-free company.

While this brand tries to make it seem as though they have done all they can to ensure no animals are harmed, it just isn’t the case.

They are no longer ‘Leaping Bunny’ approved and PETA has removed them from their list of ‘completely vegan beauty and body product brands’.

Even though outside of China they do not test on animals, as a company and brand they do still allow it, if even only in China.

I think this taints the whole company, but it is up to you to make your own decision as a vegan or compassionate person to decide whether or not it is a deal-breaker for you.

Are Bath and Body Works PETA or Leaping Bunny Approved?

Bath and Body works are not listed as being Leaping Bunny Approved.

Bath and Body Works are not listed as being PETA approved.

Is Bath and Body Works an Ethical Company?

Considering how Bath and Body Works sell in China and partially participate in animal testing, the answer here is already a big ‘NO’. But, let’s dig a little deeper.

Bath and Body Works is a subsidiary of ‘L-Brand’, which is a retail for women-focused company.

Taking a look into ‘L-Brand’, I turned to ‘censible.co’ and took a look at their figures for ethics. Shocking!

First of all, they got a rating of 1- ‘very poor’ in their pollution prevention, in short, they aren’t even trying.

They also got a 1- ‘very poor’ in workplace health and safety, corporate governance, and forced labor!

If it isn’t enough that Bath and Body Works sell in China allowing animal testing, the fact alone that the parent company allows such disregard for the environment and its workers is horrific.

The only area in which they are praised is ‘data and privacy protection’ which received a 5- ‘top performer’.

While none of these figures can be said to directly correspond with Bath and Body Works.

The parent company of the brand is slacking in all areas but one.

So, I think it is safe to say, no, they are not ethical.

Does Bath and Body Works Come From China?

Aside from their obviously China sold products, yes, the ones that HAVE to undergo animal testing, a majority of Bath and Body Works products are USA made.

So, that’s something.

The only worldwide sold products sold by Bath and Body Works that are made in China are the bags and baskets.

This means that if you want to avoid Chinese-made products that it is not too difficult.

If you were to holiday in China though, the Bath and Body Works products you would find in China would be made there, and these are the ones we don’t like, the animal tested ones.

However, shopping elsewhere, everything except the baskets or bags, is USA made.

Bath and Body Works says:

“We currently produce the vast majority of our personal care products in the United States.

We do produce some accessories in China (such as baskets, Scentportable casing).

Those account for less than one percent of our products. We are committed to providing only the highest quality products”

So, while their animal-testing regulations aren’t good, and their parent company is not exactly ethical, at least they are not outsourcing their work and keeping things in the USA.

I don’t know about you though, but I still wouldn’t buy from them.