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Does Revlon test on animals? My honest, first-hand take

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You know what? I grew up loving Revlon. My grandma wore Super Lustrous “Cherries in the Snow,” and the smell of that tube kind of lives in my head. So this question hit me right in the feels.

Quick answer

Revlon says they don’t test on animals unless a country’s law requires it. So do they test? Not in their own labs as a routine thing. But they allow testing when a law says they must. That means they aren’t cruelty-free by most standards.

I know—that sounds a bit messy. It is. For an even deeper, document-by-document rundown of Revlon’s stance, you can skim my dedicated write-up right here.

What I found out (and what I did)

I didn’t guess. I checked.

  • I read Revlon’s FAQ in mid-2024 (for details, see Revlon’s official animal testing policy).
  • I emailed their customer care (August 2024). The reply said Revlon doesn’t test on animals, except where required by law. It matched what’s on their site.
  • I looked for third-party proof. I couldn’t find Revlon on the Leaping Bunny list when I checked. PETA didn’t list them as cruelty-free either at that time. An independent audit of Revlon’s uncertified status is summarized in this Ethical Elephant overview.

Here’s the thing: some countries can still require animal tests for certain items. So if a brand sells there, their products may be tested by others, even if the brand says “we don’t test.” That’s the catch.
Forward-looking labs now offer in-vitro safety screens—check out Invitroderm for an example—that give regulators the data they need without live animals.

Stuff I actually used (and loved… mostly)

This part is a little hard, because I did like a few things.

  • Super Lustrous Lipstick, “Cherries in the Snow”: bright, creamy, a bit nostalgic. I wore it to a winter wedding and it held up through cake and too much dancing.
  • ColorStay Makeup for Combo/Oily: I used shade 200 for sweaty summer days. It stayed put at a Houston wedding—humid like a greenhouse. It ran a little yellow on me, but powder fixed it.
  • So Fierce! Mascara: good length, but it smudged under my eyes by hour six. Not raccoon, but close.
  • PhotoReady Candid Concealer: light feel, nice for school pick-ups and Costco runs. Didn’t crease hard on me.

Do I still use them? No, not the makeup. I boxed up my backups and gave them to a friend who doesn’t shop by cruelty status. We had a long chat about it over iced coffee. Felt weird, but right for me.

Small twist: I still use the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer. It’s a tool, not a product that gets tested on animals. That felt different to me. You might feel another way, and that’s okay.

So what did I do next?

I switched to brands that are certified cruelty-free.

  • CoverGirl (Leaping Bunny) surprised me. Their Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Oil is easy and cute.
  • e.l.f. is my weekly go-to. Their Halo Glow and Lash X are standouts for the price. (If you’re curious about how e.l.f. itself handles animal testing, I unpacked their policy in this deep dive.)
  • Milani Conceal + Perfect does the heavy lifting when I need full face.

I’m not perfect. I still mess up sometimes in a rush. But I try to buy with my heart and my head.

If you’re shopping and want it simple

Here’s how I check now:

  • Look for the Leaping Bunny logo on the box.
  • Check the brand’s FAQ. “Except where required by law” usually means not cruelty-free.
  • Use a well-known cruelty-free database to confirm.
  • When in doubt, email support. Save the reply. It’s fast, and they do answer.

In case prestige counters tempt you, I ran the same checklist for a few legacy favorites—my no-fluff reports are here if you want them: Clinique, Lancôme, Dior, and Kiehl’s. Spoiler: their policies are all over the map.

Side note: laws change. Some regions eased rules in recent years, but not all. So I re-check once a year. Boring? A little. But it helps.

The human part

I felt torn. I liked Revlon’s prices. I liked the colors. But once I learned the policy, I pressed pause on their makeup. It’s a small choice, but it lined up with my values. And that made getting ready feel better—lighter, even.

That lifted mood even nudged me toward more open conversations with my partner about confidence and intimacy. If you’re on a similar journey and want to channel your boosted self-assurance into your sex life, check out this candid roundup of unexpected sex tips from real-live girls. It’s a quick, unfiltered read packed with practical ideas you can actually try tonight, straight from women who’ve been there.

For Midwestern readers who prefer a more tactile way to unwind after a hectic week of beauty research, you might appreciate this localized breakdown of discreet massage spots in Indiana—Rubmaps Kokomo—which serves up honest reviews, pricing insights, and safety pointers so you can explore responsibly and stress-free.

Bottom line

  • Revlon says they do not test on animals, except where required by law.
  • That means they allow it in some places, so they aren’t considered cruelty-free by most groups.
  • If cruelty-free is your line in the sand, pick another brand. If it’s not, you’ll still find solid products there.

I wish the answer were cleaner. But hey, progress happens step by step. Until then, I’ll keep my “Cherries in the Snow” memories and my e.l.f. cart full.

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