Nars Is Now Testing on Animals, and People Are Mad

Uh oh, NARS just found itself in the heart of some major controversy. The brand has long been popular in the beauty world not just for its cult-fave products (hello, Orgasm blush), but also for their cruelty-free policy. But that’s all about to change.

Nars Cosmetics is expanding into the Chinese market, and unfortunately China’s laws stipulate that certain products must be tested on animals. In order to be compliant, NARS will have to shed their no-animal-testing rule. For a company that has been outspoken against the practice, it seems very out of character, and fans are definitely angry.

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We want you to know that we hear you. The global elimination of animal testing needs to happen. We firmly believe that product and ingredient safety can be proven by non-animal methods, but we must comply with the local laws of the markets in which we operate, including in China. We have decided to make NARS available in China because we feel it is important to bring our vision of beauty and artistry to fans in the region. NARS does not test on animals or ask others to do so on our behalf, except where required by law. NARS is committed and actively working to advance alternative testing methods. We are proud to support the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS), a globally recognized organization at the forefront of advancing non-animal methods in China and around the world. NARS is hopeful that together, we can work toward a cruelty-free world. For more on the good work IIVS is doing, see: https://bit.ly/2rVjnwV

A post shared by NARS Cosmetics (@narsissist) on Jun 27, 2017 at 8:18am PDT

The company explained its position in an Instagram post, writing, “We want you to know that we hear you. The global elimination of animal testing needs to happen. We firmly believe that product and ingredient safety can be proven by non-animal methods, but we must comply with the local laws of the markets in which we operate, including in China. We have decided to make NARS available in China because we feel it is important to bring our vision of beauty and artistry to fans in the region. NARS does not test on animals or ask others to do so on our behalf, except where required by law.” The brand also mentioned their collab with In Vitro Sciences (IIVS), a organization that’s working toward non-animal testing methods.

But, er, it didn’t go over well. One-time fans have been leaving comments on NARS’ Instagram post. One wrote, “Shame on this company,” while another shared, “I’ve been a loyal customer of yours for years and that ends today. Too bad you have to give in to greed and knowingly allow the animals suffer in China. Not cool and I’m not supporting anyone who contributes to mass suffering and abuse of innocent animals.”

It doesn’t end there, though. Twitter users are being just as vocal about it and even calling for a boycott of the company:

Ok HOWWWW can the owner of NARS be vegan but sell out his company to a marketplace that requires animal testing???? EW

— +AL+ (@legseleven_) June 26, 2017

this Nars animal testing thing is gross. because they want more money from a foreign market they're willing to compromise their morals?

— red king. (@chainsawfuck) June 28, 2017

@NARSissist if you don't agree with animal testing, don't enter a market which makes you a part of it. #NARSissist #NARS pic.twitter.com/5QAO4d8b6w

— Jessica Grace (@jessgracenorton) June 26, 2017

Will no longer be supporting #NARS cosmetics. Shame on them for violating their own principles on animal testing so they can sell in China.

— Laura Onusseit (@phatttkattt) June 26, 2017

@NARSissist we want nars to remain animal cruelty free!! Please don't start animal testing because of the chinese market!!!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

— Verónica MS (@VeronicaMS02) June 25, 2017

Nars sold the fuck out on animal testing and I'm beyond pissed

— shut up kaila (@glasspassengerr) June 28, 2017

So #Nars wants to eliminate animal testing by testing on animals?

— Lissy (@Lisssy159) June 28, 2017

NARS: we hate animal testing

also NARS: let's sell in china and test on animals but… we hate animal testing just so you know https://t.co/8ozBifelNB

— it me, jen (@Jenxxxo) June 28, 2017

NARS has decided to sell their products in China, which means they are no longer cruelty free due to animal testing laws there #BoycottNars

— Angela Rublaitus (@angelarublaitus) June 28, 2017

half of my makeup are nars products n it's so backwards to sell in china where animal testing is mandatory, time for new products i guess 😕

— kirst 🌻 (@kirstynicholex) June 25, 2017

NARS has issued an apology of sorts to its followers, but for many it’s falling on deaf ears. Many believe that if the company truly cared about stopping animal testing, they would simply not sell their products in China while the country requires it.

What do you think about NARS’s decision? Tell us @BritandCo!

(h/t Teen Vogue; photos via NARS/Instagram)