Note: This is a creative first-person review told in first person. Brand policies can change. Always check the brand for the latest info.
The quick answer
Short version: Dior says it doesn’t test on animals. But there’s a catch. If a country’s law asks for animal tests, Dior allows it for those sales. Because Dior sells in mainland China, it’s not seen as “cruelty-free” by groups like PETA or Leaping Bunny.
(For anyone wanting primary sources, Dior’s own FAQ explicitly notes that it “does not test on animals, except where required by law,” and watchdog site Cruelty Free Kitty details how this policy keeps the brand off cruelty-free lists.)
If you’d like the blow-by-blow details that didn’t fit here, I laid out every step (emails, screenshots, the works) in my expanded breakdown on Dior’s policy.
I wish that was simpler. It isn’t.
What I asked Dior (and what they told me)
I wanted a straight yes or no. So I did two small things:
- I emailed Dior customer care and asked, “Do you test on animals?”
- I also chatted with a Dior counter rep when I picked up a lipstick.
Both gave me the same core line: “We do not test on animals, except where required by law.” The wording was neat. Careful. It felt like a door that’s half open.
Honestly, that answer helped and didn’t help at the same time.
My real use: three Dior items, three notes
I used Dior for years. Not gonna lie, the stuff looks and feels nice.
- Lip: Dior Addict Lip Glow in 001 Pink. I wore it on school pickup days. It’s soft, sheer, and kind of magic on dry lips.
- Face: Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation (2N). It blends fast. Holds up in heat. Game day sweat? It hung on.
- Scent: Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet. I wore it to my cousin’s spring wedding. Light, floral, happy.
But when I looked at the boxes, I didn’t see a Leaping Bunny logo. That’s when I got curious, then uneasy. I kept loving the wear. I kept questioning the policy.
Two truths living side by side. Funny how that happens.
The China piece (why this matters)
Here’s the thing. China used to require animal tests for many imported cosmetics before sale. The rules have eased for some “general” items (like common makeup), if brands meet certain safety steps. But it’s still not a clean, zero-risk area. There can be checks. And some products, like sunscreens or other “special” types, can face stricter rules.
So if a brand sells in mainland China stores, many shoppers won’t call it cruelty-free. Dior sells there.
How groups list Dior
- PETA: Dior is not on the cruelty-free list.
- Leaping Bunny: Dior isn’t certified.
These groups want brands to refuse animal tests everywhere, full stop. Dior doesn’t meet that bar.
The part that stung a little
One night, I put on Lip Glow while reading about animal testing bans in the EU and beyond. My lips felt cushy. My heart felt heavy. I like pretty things. I also like clear lines. This wasn’t clear.
So I set a small rule for myself: if a brand allows animal tests where laws ask for it, I’ll finish what I own, then I’ll pause buying more.
Small steps still count. You know what? They do.
What I buy now instead (still great, still pretty)
I wanted easy swaps that don’t make me miss Dior.
- e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter for that soft glow.
- Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush for color that lasts.
- The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser for gentle cleanup.
- Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer for hold that doesn’t feel sticky.
These brands state they’re cruelty-free. They don’t sell in ways that allow animal tests. And they work. I wear them to work, to games, to brunch—no drama. I also nerded out on some science-backed ingredient explainers over at InVitroDerm, which made sticking to cruelty-free picks feel even smarter.
If you’re curious how another big French skincare line handles animal testing, I shared my first-hand look at it in this La Roche-Posay deep dive.
Pros and cons of Dior, from my own use
Pros:
- Luxe textures and shades
- Long wear, especially the foundation
- Fragrance that feels special
Cons:
- Not considered cruelty-free
- No Leaping Bunny or PETA certification
- Policy language that leaves wiggle room
Final take
So, does Dior test on animals? Dior says no—unless a country requires it. Because Dior sells in places that may require those tests, it isn’t cruelty-free by strict standards.
If that’s okay for you, their makeup and scent will treat you well. If you want zero animal testing across the board, pick another brand. I chose to move on, one empty bottle at a time. It’s not perfect. But it feels right.
And hey, I still think about that Lip Glow. Then I reach for my new blush and smile. Small trade. Big peace.
If you’re in the mood for revamping more than just your beauty shelf—maybe even your dating life—check out this in-depth UberHorny review to get a candid look at the platform’s pros, cons, and real-user screenshots before you decide to sign up.
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