Saturday, July 6, 2013

Is MUA (Makeup Academy) Cruelty Free?


MUA or Makeup Academy is a cosmetics brand available in Superdrug stores.  From what I understand, MUA is on the low end of the quality spectrum, but I still wanted to check it out.  I was disappointed in the response I received and will not be pursuing any more clarifying information about the brand.

April 26, 2013
“I have some inquiries about MUA's animal testing policies. I understand the EU ban on animal testing recently went into effect, but I would appreciate if you would still answer these individual questions for all of MUA's products, not only those produced and/or sold in the EU. Does MUA test ingredients and/or finished products on animals or have a third party do so on its behalf? Does MUA direct sell to China or any other place which requires animal testing of products? Also, are any of MUA's products free of animal products and suitable for vegans? Thank you in advance for your help!”

April 26, 2013
“Thank you for your email.  We can confirm our products are not tested on animals and are 100% cruelty free. Our products are not Vegan or Vegetarian suited, as some of the ingredients are derived from sources not accepted by Vegans or Vegetarians. If you would like more info on the ingredients please see our ingredients page on the website.
http://www.muastore.co.uk/ingredients”

            I will be avoiding MUA because I can’t be sure about vegan products.  Although they provided a link to ingredients it isn’t actually that helpful since many ingredients can be either plant or animal based.  They also didn’t provide information about selling to China.  However, after poking around their official website I see that they ship directly to China.  I’m assuming this is a transaction the Chinese government would step in and test the products.

I will not be purchasing from MUA.

8 comments:

  1. Hi, I found your blog when googling to see if MUA test on animals (like you, I refuse to buy from a company that tests) and noticed you put that the Chinese government probably step in if a company ships to China. They don't, animal testing doesn't apply to shipping there :) Just thought I should let you know so you don't have to avoid products that don't test (although, as you mentioned above, you may still need to avoid them if they aren't vegan).
    From Libby x

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    Replies
    1. So all companies that ship to china could still be cruelty free? It's just is they actually sell there?

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    2. Now the domestic cosmetics brands can exempt to do animal test in China, but the import cosmetics brands cannot get the exemption. Here is the News:
      http://www.hsi.org/news/press_releases/2014/06/china-implements-rule-change-063014.html?referrer=https://www.google.com.hk/

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    3. Now the domestic cosmetics brands can exempt to do animal test in China, but the import cosmetics brands cannot get the exemption. Here is the News:
      http://www.hsi.org/news/press_releases/2014/06/china-implements-rule-change-063014.html?referrer=https://www.google.com.hk/

      Delete
  2. No, I have a friend who works in PETA and according to the law all products sold in China HAVE TO BE TESTED on animals. So it's the easiest way to tell if the company is cruelty-free by checking if it's allowed in China market.

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  3. I have heard such mixed reviews about MUA. I realise it's a year later, so things may have changed, but according to this blog, MUA don't sell to Chinese stores, just to individuals.
    http://love-lipstick.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/muas-animal-testing-policy.html

    Fashion| Lifestyle| Beauty - Rhi's Adult Life
    xx

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  4. Only products that are to be sold in physical stores in China fall under the Chinese animal testing requirements. MUA have no presence in Chinese shops, but they do fulfil individual orders to China. MUA are therefore acceptable to those looking for cruelty free brands. :-)

    ReplyDelete