Urban Decay's decayed ethics
I’m picky about my makeup for a few reasons. Firstly and mainly, my chemical sensitivities and perioral dermatitis; neither condition likes being slathered with perfumes, powders or potions, and protests. Strenuously.
Secondly, just what is in those things? You need a Masters degree in Chemistry to work it out. Ick.
Thirdly, cosmetics aimed at the middle-aged? Boring, boring, boring, boring. I dream of the days I could get away with dark purple lipstick (my parents may have disagreed with that claim).
Lastly, I strongly object to cosmetics animal testing. And most mainstream companies such as Revlon, Proctor & Gamble [Max Factor etc], L'Oreal [The Body Shop, Maybelline etc], Shisedo and others still engage in it - or contract outside labs to test their products whom 'they have no control over' (yeah, right).
I've been very happy with Urban Decay cosmetics however - quality, interesting range, and a solid 'no animal testing' policy. Not a cheap brand, but I've always thought them worth the extra dosh.
So I was truly disappointed (read: pissed off) to discover Urban Decay are moving into the Chinese market - where by law all cosmetics must be tested on animals.
I understand the allure of such a huge potential market to what is, after all, a for-profit company. On the other hand, ditching the ethics your company is founded on, and one of the important reasons your customers buy from you, for the chance at a bigger profit margin, is however many words for 'completely disgusting' the Thesaurus can come up with.
The webchat page Urban Decay have set up to discuss the issue has somehow never worked, and their Facebook page isn't helping their case by inferring anyone who disagrees with their China initiative is an 'animal activist'. 'Animal Activist' being pretty-much synonymous (fairly or unfairly) with 'Domestic Terrorist' in the public consciousness nowadays.
I'd like to think Urban Decay will rethink their decision. Not just because I don't want to boycott their products (which I will), but because their ‘defection to the dark side’ is a punch in the face to anyone who previously bought their products. ‘Ha ha, that no animal testing policy that helped you choose us and that’s so important to you? Well, it was just a bit of cosmetic marketing for our cosmetics to us. Sucker!’
Yeah, not going down well with me.
So Urban Decay, if you do expand into China, you may be earning a new market, but you’ll also be earning the contempt of all your devoted - and now former - customers elsewhere.
Links:
Petition
Leaping Bunny - Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Shopping Guide
Secondly, just what is in those things? You need a Masters degree in Chemistry to work it out. Ick.
Thirdly, cosmetics aimed at the middle-aged? Boring, boring, boring, boring. I dream of the days I could get away with dark purple lipstick (my parents may have disagreed with that claim).
Lastly, I strongly object to cosmetics animal testing. And most mainstream companies such as Revlon, Proctor & Gamble [Max Factor etc], L'Oreal [The Body Shop, Maybelline etc], Shisedo and others still engage in it - or contract outside labs to test their products whom 'they have no control over' (yeah, right).
I've been very happy with Urban Decay cosmetics however - quality, interesting range, and a solid 'no animal testing' policy. Not a cheap brand, but I've always thought them worth the extra dosh.
So I was truly disappointed (read: pissed off) to discover Urban Decay are moving into the Chinese market - where by law all cosmetics must be tested on animals.
I understand the allure of such a huge potential market to what is, after all, a for-profit company. On the other hand, ditching the ethics your company is founded on, and one of the important reasons your customers buy from you, for the chance at a bigger profit margin, is however many words for 'completely disgusting' the Thesaurus can come up with.
The webchat page Urban Decay have set up to discuss the issue has somehow never worked, and their Facebook page isn't helping their case by inferring anyone who disagrees with their China initiative is an 'animal activist'. 'Animal Activist' being pretty-much synonymous (fairly or unfairly) with 'Domestic Terrorist' in the public consciousness nowadays.
I'd like to think Urban Decay will rethink their decision. Not just because I don't want to boycott their products (which I will), but because their ‘defection to the dark side’ is a punch in the face to anyone who previously bought their products. ‘Ha ha, that no animal testing policy that helped you choose us and that’s so important to you? Well, it was just a bit of cosmetic marketing for our cosmetics to us. Sucker!’
Yeah, not going down well with me.
So Urban Decay, if you do expand into China, you may be earning a new market, but you’ll also be earning the contempt of all your devoted - and now former - customers elsewhere.
Links:
Petition
Leaping Bunny - Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Shopping Guide