Is Dr. Jart a Cruelty-Free Company?
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Dr. Jart is a skincare company focused on creating innovative formulas for the effective treatment of a variety of skin care issues. Dr. Jart launched online in Korea in 2005, and was founded by dermatologist Sung Jae Jung and architect Chin Wook Lee. Dr. Jart incorporates Korea’s most advanced skin care technology, using “safe” ingredients to create breakthrough formulas.
When it comes to cosmetic products, the term “cruelty-free” refers to any cosmetic product that has not been tested on animals. However, the term “cruelty-free” is not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration and is not a formal, legally-defined term.
While the Dr. Jart website is silent on whether the company conducts animal testing, Dr. Jart was acquired by Estee Lauder in November 2019. The Estee Lauder official statement on animal testing states that while the company is opposed to animal testing, “we acknowledge our brands are sold in countries where animal testing on cosmetics or cosmetic ingredients is required by law.”
Dr. Jart in China
In addition, Dr. Jart sells its products in China, where animal testing is required by law for all cosmetic products sold in China but manufactured outside of China. Chinese law includes skincare as a cosmetic product, and Dr. Jart sells its skincare products in China, both in stores and online.
The Verdict: Dr. Jart is NOT cruelty-free.