Last Updated on 08/30/2022
NYX is a certified cruelty feee brand. It doesn’t test on animals. Neither the ingredients nor finished products are tested. It has many vegan products, although not entirely vegan. On the other hand, it is owned by L’Oreal, which is not cruelty-free.
There’s no denying that cruelty-free brands are scarce in the drugstore range. People searching for affordable cruelty-free makeup often lands at NYX Cosmetics. This LA-based makeup brand really knows how to make weightless lip creams for everyday use.
Is Nyx Cruelty Free & Vegan?
Want to gain some insights on NYX and its cruelty testing policies? Hop on!
NYX – A Brief History
1999 – In 1999, a 25 years old makeup artist named Tony Ko brought NYX Professional Makeup to life. Her main aim was to provide good quality products to common makeup enthusiasts and professional makeup artists in an affordable price range.
She tried to bridge the gap between boutique brands and easily available pocket-friendly brands. Though most of us spell NYX as N.Y.X, this name came from the ancient Greek goddess of night, Nyx.
NYX’s first makeup product was their world-famous Jumbo Pencils. These eyeliner cum eyeshadow sticks were a huge hit in the US.
2008 – Later, in the 2008 recession period Ko created a strong fan base for Nyx using online beauty influencers.
2014 – In 2014, Ko sold her dreamchild NYX for 500 million USD. Yes, L’Oreal Acquisition happened in 2014.
Later, Nyx started a short-term workshop series called ‘masterclass’ to teach makeup lovers & professional artists the latest trends and techniques of makeup.
2022 – Currently, this brand sells in more or less 70 different countries.
What does the brand say about its Cruelty-Free Status?
Here is something NYX Cosmetics has to say about their animal testing status,
“NYX Professional Makeup is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand. We are committed to producing cruelty-free cosmetics. We do not test any of our products on animals.”
I love how clearly they answered all common queries regarding cruelty in just a few words. Right now, in 2022, they are 100% cruelty-free as they don’t do animal testing either actively by themselves or passively by third parties.
Who owns NYX?
L’Oreal owns NYX Cosmetics alongside other popular beauty brands such as Garnier, Urban Decay, CeraVe, Lancome, Vichy, etc. NYX is currently working as an underling of L’Oreal which is a non-cruelty-free brand.
Cruelty Free Timeline
2010 – From the beginning of the last decade, NYX has been actively supporting PETA for its cruelty-free campaign. From 2010 to 2014, their products carried the famous bunny tag given by PETA for participating in the Beauty Without Bunnies program.
When NYX got their big merger with L’Oreal, the owning brand decided to keep the cruelty-free status unchanged.
Is NYX Cruelty Free?
Yes, it is. NYX cosmetics does not test any of its product ingredients on animals. This brand does not even run cruelty testing on their finished product by themselves or by any other means of outsourcing.
As a cruelty-conscious person already knows, some countries like China, list animal testing as mandatory disclosure. This PETA-certified brand does not sell its products in such regions.
However, I would like to point out something regarding NYX’s ownership. NYX is acquired by World’s No. 1 makeup brand L’Oreal and I’m guessing everyone knows how shady L’Oreal’s cruelty testing policies are.
Some people consider non-cruelty-free brand-owned cruelty-free brands as passive exploiters of cruel practices. As a result of which they also ban the latter for good. I leave this decision to you.
Is NYX vegan?
No, you can’t categorize NYX as a true vegan brand. While some of NYX’s products are 100% vegan, others still contain animal-derived ingredients.
On NYX’s official website you will find a separate area for vegan products. Starting from base makeup to eye shadows, loose pigments to setting products! There are enough products to build your complete makeup kit with only vegan products.
NYX Butter Gloss, Lip Lingerie, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, Born to Glow… all these famous ranges are completely vegan!
Do I recommend NYX?
Is NYX makeup worth investing in? NYX makes some of the best drugstore vegan makeup products and you get them in a never-before kind of price range.
The quality vs. quantity ratio makes many boutique brands run for the money as well! The brand itself gained its cruelty-free status after an extensive process by PETA.
But, the only glitch here is NYX’s parent brand L’Oreal. L’Oreal still runs cruelty testing on a huge scale whenever needed. Thus, it majorly depends on your choice if you go for NYX or not. If you ask me, I do recommend it.
Makeup Brands to Avoid
These brands are not cruelty-free. They do participate in animal testing.
5 Highly Recommended Products
- NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation
One of the best new-age drugstore foundations that will give a flawless base. This long-lasting formula is available in 45 shades. If you want to escape from layers of makeup, this is your best shot for every day as well as party look.
- Lip Lingerie
NYX’s Lip Lingerie comes in 24 shades. And the best part? They are all nudes! The formula is light and lasts through the day. Do try the reddish-brown Exotic and peach nude Seduction.
- Makeup Setting Spray
Face getting oily and cakey after makeup? You need a setting spray like NYX Makeup Setting Spray. It makes makeup last through the day. This is available in two finishes, matte and dewy. If you are looking for a cruelty-free dupe for mac setting spray go for the matte one.
- NYX Born to Glow Illuminator
Want to fake a healthy glow? Go for NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator. Available in four tones this bestselling strobe cream gives you an instant ‘lit-from-within’ finish.
- Micro Brow Pencil
The ultra-fine tip creates an illusion of a micro-brow effect while the creamy formula hides the sparse spaces in your brow. It has 8 shades to choose from.
Buy at ULTA ∥ Buy at NYX Website
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Wait, eyeliner CUM eyeshadow sticks?? Lmao…does that mean what it sounds like…? I know it’s not really made of that lmao, it just sounds weird lol…either way I’m glad Nyx is cruelty free! It’s a great brand too!
Thank you so much for these articles. I am so disgusted at the loopholes and lies these companies tell us and get away with. My hope USB that more people are like me and do a lot of research before they buy a product. I want to know that the products I use are cruelty free and vegan!
Much appreciated
Kelly
Hi Kelly! Thank you so much for taking out time and leaving this sweet comment. Comments like these really motivate and realize that we’re ACTUALLY making a difference with our small initiative. 🙂 I also hope more consumers, animal lovers, and pet owners become aware of this ugly side of the business.