Is Origins Cruelty-Free and Vegan? (This Might Surprise You!)

Origins was founded in the United States in 1990 and they are marketed as being plant-based although the products are not all vegan as some contain animal byproducts.

When the company was founded they were a trailblazer in the world of naturally based cosmetic products. 

In order for a company to be considered cruelty-free, it must meet some criteria.

These are not testing products or base ingredients on animals; not allowing third-party companies to test on their behalf, and not selling their products in countries where animal testing is required by law.

Let's see where Origins are on this scale...

Do Origins test on animals?

Origins’ policy on their website states “We don’t believe in testing on animals” and claims that they test their products on willing volunteers.

This is how it is determined whether their products are suitable for human use.

While their statement makes it appear as if Origins is a cruelty-free company, this is not the case.

Do Origins Sell In China?

They sell their products in mainland China where the law requires that they are tested on animals before they can be sold to the public.

This testing must be funded by Origins, proving their lack of commitment to their plant-based values.

While Origins do not test their products on animals personally, by allowing a third party to perform animal tests they have become part of the cycle of cruelty.

If they were truly committed to being a cruelty-free company then they would withdraw from the Chinese market completely or just go through the e-commerce route which does not insist on animal testing.

Origins, like many other cosmetics brands, have partnered with the Institute for In Vitro Sciences.

This is an organization that is working with scientists to promote cruelty-free alternatives to animal testing worldwide.

There is no mention on Origins’ website as to whether their ingredients are tested on animals, or if their suppliers test on animals.

Are Origins a Cruelty-Free compant?

No, Origins is not a cruelty-free company. Moreover, they are owned by Estee Lauder, another non-cruelty-free company.

Are Origins PETA or Leaping Bunny Approved?

No, they have not been awarded a cruelty-free certification by any governing bodies such as PETA, Leaping Bunny, and Choose Cruelty Free.

Is Origins really all natural?

On Origins website it states that their formulas include “the highest quality plant, earth, and sea-based ingredients plus non-toxic to skin alternatives.”

They do not include parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, formaldehyde, sodium lauryl sulfate, mineral oils, petrolatum, paraffin, diethanolamine, and polyethylene beads.

They have an in-depth ingredient index on their website which clearly lists all of the ingredients used in their products.

You can click on each ingredient to learn more about it and to see which products it is included in.

They are not completely natural.

Their product formulations combine natural, plant-based, mineral, and synthetic ingredients.

They are definitely one of the more natural cosmetic companies, but they are by no means all natural.

They are part of the Green the Planet initiative and have planted over 1,307,847 trees to help offset their carbon emissions.

55% of their packaging mass is either recyclable, refillable, reusable, recoverable, or recyclable. In this way, they are incorporating their natural and environmental values into all parts of their brand.

Is Origins a good skincare brand?

As everyone’s skin is unique, all people will respond differently to the same product or product line.

There will always be an element of trial and error when experimenting with new skincare products and it will not work in the same manner on any two people.

We would recommend looking at the online customer reviews for any products you are contemplating purchasing.

This will allow you to read the differing experiences of multiple consumers and make an educated decision as to whether it is right for you.

Origins has been widely acclaimed in the media and their products have won many press awards such as the Allure 2018 Readers Choice Award Winner and the Women’s Health Editor’s Choice Award.

It is also the cosmetics company of choice for some celebrities.

Britney Spears has told Cosmopolitan that she loves the Origins Cleansing Milk for removing makeup at the end of a busy day.

Khloe Kardashian is also said to love the classic Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask.

She says it makes her pores look visibly smaller and leaves her skin feeling soft and smooth.

Swedish model Frida Gustavsson only uses Origins products due to their natural ingredients.

Her favorite product is the A Perfect World SPF 25 Age-Defense Moisturizer with White Tea.

If Britney and Khloe are using their products, it is safe to assume that the cosmetics are of a high quality.

They have enough money to buy whatever they want, so the fact that they have chosen a mid-range brand says a lot about the product quality.

What Origins products are vegan?

All of the Origins products are completely vegetarian.

The only non-vegan ingredients included in some of their product formulations are cruelty-free honey and beeswax.

Some products are created following a vegan formula, but none of the products can be considered truly vegan.

Until Origins stops selling their products in China, or Chinese laws dictate that animal testing is no longer required, nothing they produce can be considered vegan.

This is because the company is knowingly profiting from the exploitation of animals.

Origins also do not solely create vegan products.

Many vegans will not feel comfortable supporting a company that profits off animals in any way.

The fact that Origins use animal-derived ingredients in some of their product ranges suggests that most vegans will not opt to purchase from this brand.

It is very difficult to filter their products by suitability for vegans.

The only way that you can find out is by clicking on individual products on their website and scrolling through the details about the ingredients.

There are many other, more vegan-friendly cosmetic companies with stronger ethics and a true commitment to being cruelty-free.