Is NYX Cruelty Free? The Answer to the Questions You’ve Been Looking For
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NYX Cosmetics is arguably one of the biggest makeup brands in the world. The drugstore cosmetics company has over 10 million fans due to the company’s affordable products that also work amazingly.
I have to say, I was skeptical about supporting NYX at first. The first NYX makeup products I tried from them are the Jumbo Eye Pencils and Micro Brow Pencil. I love some of the colors, but others didn’t work as well for me. Other products (like their duo chromatic lip gloss) I used after that were a hit or a miss. But I am replacing all of my makeup with cruelty-free products, so this has inspired me to dig deeper into NYX’s makeup, and I’ve definitely found gems from this brand.
This reminds me, is NYX cruelty free? I have the answer for you below.
Bottom line up front:Â
NYX is 100% cruelty-free, meaning they don’t conduct animal testing during any phase of the product production process. NYX Cosmetics is owned by L’Oreal. They say they’re cruelty-free, though other sources online say they test on animals.
About NYX Cosmetics
NYX Professional Makeup is an LA-based makeup company. The brand was formed by Toni Ko, a then-25-year-old who had connections with figures in the makeup world.
She discovered that creating high-quality makeup products was more affordable than the makeup world was making it out to be, since most of the costs that consumers are paying go toward marketing, advertising, packaging, and more. This inspired her to create a fierce makeup brand that anyone could afford.
To create NYX, Ko borrowed $250K from her parents and made her first set of lip liner and eye liners that she priced at $1.99. She sold out of her products in less than 30 days. From there, NYX has been a major influence in the makeup world.
Looking to save on NYX Professional Makeup? Find promo codes and details here for offers such as free shipping, gift with purchases, and sitewide sales!
Is NYX Cruelty-Free?
Yes! Compassion for animals has been a core foundation for NYX Professional Makeup. NYX is currently certified cruelty-free by PETA, which means they don’t test ingredients or final products on animals. They are a part of the Beauty Without Bunnies program ran by PETA.Â
They also don’t undergo animal testing from third parties. NYX is owned by L’Oreal. On their website, they say they don’t conduct animal testing and haven’t since the late 80s. However, other sources online say L’Oreal isn’t cruelty-free.
Cruelty-Free Definition
Cruelty-free means no animal testing is done at any stage of the production process. This means the ingredients of a product aren’t tested on animals in addition to the final NYX product itself. Some brands may go through suppliers or third parties to conduct animal testing, especially if they sell their products in a country required to conduct animal testing. Cruelty-free brands don’t work with any third parties to conduct animal testing.
Is NYX Vegan?
NYX isn’t 100% vegan but does have plenty of vegan makeup options. All of their vegan products are clearly marked on the website.
As of now, there are 120 products in their vegan line. They also said they’re growing their vegan line. Vegan makeup means the products aren’t formulated with any animal derived ingredient and byproduct. Some common animal-derived ingredients found in makeup products include carmine and beeswax.
NYX and Ethics
There are more ethical concerns when using cosmetics other than animal testing. It’s also important to support brands that don’t incite insecurities from their consumers, that donate to charities, that are sustainable, and source their ingredients from third parties that don’t commit labor violations. Does NYX fit into this category?
NYX and Charities
NYX partners with the Los Angeles LBGT Center, supporting this organization’s services to instill a sense of safety and belonging to those identifying as LGBTQ in Los Angeles. During the month of June, NYX offers customers to give a small donation to this organization during checkout.
But NYX also extends its support to the Center all year. For example, NYX also offers LGBTQ Pride Collections, such as the 365-Days of Pride Makeup.
NYX and Retouching Photos
NYX doesn’t allow retouching or adding filters to any of their model’s photos. You can look on the NYX website and see models with pores, fine lines, and other imperfections. NYX states on their website that their goal is to show the way makeup looks in person, proving that anyone can wear their products and achieve these looks.
NYX and Ingredients Sourcing
NYX is owned by L’Oreal, a company that takes ethical ingredient sourcing and sustainability to heart. L’Oreal offers a massive Code of Ethics document that addresses their devotion to human rights and how they work with fair suppliers.
L’Oreal is also a member of the United Nations Global Compact. This means that L’Oreal must comply with the organization’s policies that address fair labor, prevent human rights violations, and promote an anti-corruption agenda.
L’Oreal also has a Solidarity Sourcing Program, meaning it’s transparent about where certain ingredients are derived from. The sourcing of some ingredients, such as mica and shea butter, are common causes of unsafe working conditions and child labor. Because mining mica has so many labor concerns, L’Oreal is one of the founding members of the Responsible Mica Initiative.
NYX and Sustainability
NYX’s parent company, L’Oreal, takes sustainability extremely seriously. The company encourages its brands to use raw materials and eco-friendly packaging. They even encourage their brands to conserve water, reduce travel, and avoid waste.
However, NYX hasn’t followed in the footsteps of its parent company. As of now, many of their products aren’t recyclable or are difficult to recycle. As a brand of the L’Oreal company, they will have to move toward reusable, refillable, compostable, and recyclable packaging by the year 2025.
My Favorite NYX Products
Now that you know NYX is cruelty-free, are you ready to try some of their products? Here are a few of my top picks from this brand!
#01 Soft Matte Lip Cream
The Soft Matte Lip Creams are liquid lipsticks and are by far my favorite NYX products that I have ever used. I have multiple colors, including:
- Amsterdam (orange-red)
- Berlin (dark brown)
- Montreal (rose-pink)
I’ve tried several liquid lipsticks over the years. What makes these stand out is the creamy texture and beautiful pigment. Plus, they don’t dry out your lips. They’re also long-lasting. While they do come off after you eat something, the color stays on when you’re drinking.
#02 Jumbo Eye Pencil
I have four different colors of these pencils:
- Black Bean
- Frappe
- Eggplant
- Blueberry Pop
I love how the pencils are so versatile. I usually use them to achieve a quick eyeshadow look or combine the pencils with other powder shadow colors. You can also use them as eyeliner.
There are some downsides to these liners. For example, the Eggplant color isn’t as pigmented as I would like. The pencils are also difficult to sharpen, so I only use them sparingly to conserve them.
#03 Lid Lingerie Eye Shadow Palette
NYX has so many beautiful eyeshadow palettes to choose from, but I love this one the best. It’s so difficult to find fully matte eyeshadow palettes. When I worked at Sephora, I had clients ask me for matte eyeshadow, and I often couldn’t give them a recommendation. I also love their waterproof eyeshadow primer too, but I couldn’t recommend that primer while working at Sephora.Â
This Lid Lingerie Palette is a good example of a fully matte palette. There are only six colors, but they’re perfect if you’re looking for everyday eyeshadow colors. There are two dark colors, so you can easily take this look to the nighttime, as well.
#04 Butter Gloss
I first have to mention that I reviewed this lip gloss about a month ago. I like the lip gloss and actually use it on a regular basis. I have the color Praline, which is a nice neutral color. There are a variety of other pretty colors here. They feel comfortable on the lips, not sticky at all.
However, this isn’t the first gloss I grab if I need something in my purse to moisturize my lips — I use my handy dandy CBD chapstick for that. The Butter Glosses aren’t as smoothing as my chapstick. The colors also don’t last that long.
#05 Bare With Me Multitaking Spray
I’m the type of person who doesn’t like spending a lot of money on setting sprays. These are only $10, which is ideal for me. Plus, I’m always seeing amazing things about this setting spray. Customers are saying that this not only helps their makeup last longer, but their makeup looks better. You can also spritz it on your face during the day if you want something refreshing. Also, I would recommend pairing this with their NYX face primer and BB cream for a super soft look!
I will mention that this setting spray has a scent. Fortunately, it goes away quickly. This also doesn’t give your makeup a specific finish, though NYX does offer other sprays for this reason.
Alternative Brands
I like NYX, but I understand that not all of its products are the best. If you want some other recommendations, here are some alternative brands to check out!
Covergirl
Covergirl is another affordable, drugstore brand owned by Coty. They are cruelty-free and have clean skincare and makeup lines that are also vegan. I have to admit, Covergirl isn’t my favorite brand in the world. I hate their foundation, and their mascara is less-than-perfect. However, they are a popular brand and are probably the closest alternative to NYX.
Pat McGrath Labs
If you want a brand as fierce as NYX but on a higher-end scale, I suggest trying Pat McGrath Labs. Pat McGrath is a legendary makeup artist. I read nothing but amazing things about their lipsticks, glosses, eyeshadow, mascara, and eyeliners. The only downside is their products are on the pricey side, but you’re definitely paying for quality.
Glossier
Glossier is a company I only discovered recently. They are on the pricey side compared to NYX, but they have a cult following. Like NYX, they make a lot of products in eye-popping colors, from their eyeliners all the way to their lipsticks. Though their products are on the pricey side, you get what you pay for. Their products are long-lasting with impressive pigmentation.
Colourpop
Colourpop is one of my favorite brands right now! I have several of their eyeshadow palettes, lipstick, lipliner, and lip gloss. No matter which product I’m using, the colors are always so vibrant. They have a huge product selection in a variety of shades. And because Colourpop is so cheap, you can be daring with new makeup looks without spending a pretty penny.
Colorupop’s eyeshadows are especially my favorite. I have four of their palettes: the limited edition Hocus Pocus palette, the Sailor Moon palette, the Capricorn Astrology palette, and one of their smoky palettes. All of the colors are rich and blendable. While some of the palettes, such as the Capricorn Astrology palette, are small, there are still a variety of light and dark colors to work with. Plus, the colors all stay on really well.
My only complaint is the Sailor Moon palette is too glittery. I find specks of glitter on my cheeks.
L’Oreal
Since L’Oreal owns NYX, this is a company I also have to mention. Out of all of the classic drugstore brands, L’Oreal is probably my favorite. I’ve used a variety of their products, from mascaras to lipsticks. Their products stay on pretty well. I also use their skincare products and have had a great experience with them.
FAQs
Question:Â Does NYX sell its products in any country that requires animal testing?
Answer: From what I’m reading, they don’t. They do sell their products in China, but that’s because the country’s animal testing laws changed last year (they no longer require animal testing on international products).
Question: I like MAC Cosmetics better than NYX. Are they cruelty-free?
Answer: MAC doesn’t test on animals. However, they’re owned by Estee Lauder. Estee Lauder is a company that isn’t cruelty-free. Whether or not you continue supporting MAC is up to you.
Question: I like Tarte products better than NYX. Are they cruelty-free?
Answer: Tarte is cruelty-free. They don’t test on animals. This company also doesn’t ask suppliers or third parties to conduct animal testing for them. They also don’t sell their products in countries where animal testing is required. However, Tarte is owned by the company Kose. Kose is not cruelty-free. Again, whether or not you continue supporting Tarte is up to you.
Is NYX Cruelty Free: Bottom Line
So, is NYX cruelty free? NYX is 100% cruelty-free, meaning that they don’t conduct any animal testing at any stage of the product production process. They don’t conduct animal testing themselves, on any ingredients nor on the final product. And they don’t ask third parties or suppliers to conduct animal testing for them. This is a big win since NYX is one of the biggest drugstore cosmetic brands in the world. Their products are widely available and affordable.
While they’re not completely vegan, they do offer a wide selection of vegan products and plan on expanding their vegan product line.
As far as other ethics are concerned, NYX supports LGBTQ charities, doesn’t retouch or add filters to their models’ photos, and their parent company, L’Oreal, is transparent about ingredient sourcing. However, NYX has yet to be more sustainable.
