NARS Cosmetics Cops Huge Customer Backlash Over China Expansion

Customers from all over the globe have threatened to boycott NARS after the cosmetics brand announced it will start testing its products on animals in order to break into the Chinese market.

NARS broke the news to customers via an Instagram post this week, in which it said that while it backs the global elimination of animal testing for products, and “firmly” believes that product and ingredient safety can be proven by non-animal methods, it must comply with China’s laws.

“We have decided to make NARS available in China because we feel it is important to bring our vision of beauty and artistry to fans in the region,” the post said.

“NARS does not test on animals or ask others to do so on our behalf, except where required by law. NARS is committed and actively working to advance alternative testing methods.”

We want you to know that we hear you. The global elimination of animal testing needs to happen. We firmly believe that product and ingredient safety can be proven by non-animal methods, but we must comply with the local laws of the markets in which we operate, including in China. We have decided to make NARS available in China because we feel it is important to bring our vision of beauty and artistry to fans in the region. NARS does not test on animals or ask others to do so on our behalf, except where required by law. NARS is committed and actively working to advance alternative testing methods. We are proud to support the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS), a globally recognized organization at the forefront of advancing non-animal methods in China and around the world. NARS is hopeful that together, we can work toward a cruelty-free world. For more on the good work IIVS is doing, see: http://bit.ly/2rVjnwV
A post shared by @narsissist on Jun 27, 2017 at 8:18am PDT

Customers were quick to slam the cosmetics company over its decision, with many threatening to never buy its products again.

“Profit over compassion… money over morals. Never buying your products,” one Instagrammer commented.

“If you were really behind an organization that is trying to end animal testing around the world, you wouldn’t sell your product in China. I’ll be spending my money elsewhere,” another wrote.

Here’s a selection of other customer comments:

“You’re disgusting greedy company! #boycottnars.”

“This is beyond disappointing. I’m never supporting your brand and chucking out all the products I already have by you. This is beyond shameful. Profits over peace, right? F*$k you NARS.”

“Best of luck in the Chinese market [sic] I’m sure you will make $$$$ but you have lost the respect from so many around the world. Sell outs! #greed #stopanimalcruelty #boycottnars,” wrote another.”

“Disappointed. I will NOT purchase now. There are other brands.”

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