Ethical Alternatives to NARS
NARS, owned by Shiseido, is a prestige cosmetics brand known for bold color and artistry. However, it lacks comprehensive ethical certifications, and its sale in mainland China may subject products to post-market animal testing, making it a mixed choice for conscious consumers.
Categories compared: Beauty & Personal Care
Why shoppers look for alternatives to NARS
- NARS sells in China, where post-market animal testing may be required, undermining its cruelty-free stance.
- The brand holds no major ethical certifications (e.g., Leaping Bunny, Vegan) for its products.
- Shiseido has a mixed sustainability record, with no public commitment to fully recyclable packaging or carbon neutrality.
- Consumers seeking fully transparent supply chains may find NARS’s reporting insufficient.
Top-scoring alternatives to NARS
A highly ethical, multi-use lotion crafted with organic oils and fair trade ingredients, setting the industry standard for supply chain transparency and regenerative agriculture.
The gold standard of ethical cleaning. A highly concentrated, multi-surface liquid soap made from organic oils and fair trade ingredients in 100% PCR packaging.
The gold standard of ethical soaps, featuring regenerative organic palm oil and a legacy of fair-trade advocacy and radical transparency.
A zero-waste, plastic-free solid shampoo bar that replaces three plastic bottles, featuring fair-trade ingredients and a focus on water conservation.
A mass-market accessible body wash that funds community empowerment projects in Togo, West Africa, using fair-trade unrefined shea butter.
A zero-waste, plastic-free body cleanser bar that replaces three bottles of liquid soap and uses regenerative fair-trade ingredients.
A zero-waste, plastic-free shampoo bar equivalent to three bottles of liquid shampoo, utilizing fair-trade cocoa butter and peppermint oil.
The ultimate multi-tasker for minimalist hosts; one bottle can wash hands, body, hair, and even dishes.
A zero-waste, plastic-free solution for hair and body, specifically curated for the minimalist traveler looking to bypass liquid restrictions.
A UK-based, women-owned B Corp offering the highest ethical standard in menstrual care. This bulk 'Sisterhood' bundle features GOTS organic cotton tampons and pads with RSPO-segregated inputs, ensuring zero deforestation.
A high-potency, carbon-extracted rosehip oil designed specifically for sensitive skin, backed by rigorous B Corp standards and organic agricultural sourcing.
A plastic-free, highly concentrated shampoo bar that replaces three plastic bottles, featuring fair-trade ingredients and carbon-neutral shipping.
What NARS is rated on
NARS is a premium cosmetics line under Shiseido, recognized for high-pigment formulas and professional artistry. However, our review finds no certified animal-testing waivers (e.g., Leaping Bunny or PETA Cruelty-Free), and the brand’s self-report states it does not test on animals except where required by law—a key loophole because its products are sold in mainland China, where post-market animal testing is permitted. Additionally, no vegan certification exists for the full line, and sustainability commitments are vague, lacking plastic-neutral or zero-waste targets.
How the alternatives were picked
We selected alternatives that meet at least three of these criteria: (1) certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny or PETA, (2) at least 50% of the product line is vegan, (3) uses sustainable or recycled packaging, (4) has a transparent supply chain, and (5) does not sell in markets requiring animal testing. We prioritized independent and B Corp brands that align with strict ethical sourcing.
What to check on the label
When evaluating any cosmetic as an alternative to NARS, look for these icons and claims: Leaping Bunny or PETA Cruelty-Free logos (verified via third-party), a Vegan stamp (not just ingredients but whole formula), and Recyclable or Plastic-Neutral packaging symbols. Avoid brands that include ‘may be tested where required by law’—this often signals sale in regulatory markets like China. Also verify if the brand has a ‘Climate Neutral’ or ‘B Corp’ certification for holistic ethical practices.
Frequently asked about NARS alternatives
Does NARS test on animals?+
NARS states it does not test on animals except where required by law. Because the brand sells in mainland China, its products may be subject to post-market animal testing, which contradicts typical cruelty-free definitions.
What certifications does NARS lack?+
NARS holds no public certifications from Leaping Bunny, PETA Cruelty-Free, Vegan, or B Corp. Its parent company Shiseido has a limited-commitment sustainability policy without third-party auditing.
Why is selling in China a problem?+
China’s cosmetics regulations require animal testing for some products sold domestically, including post-market testing. Even if NARS does not test in-house, its distribution in China means animal testing can occur on its behalf.
What makes an alternative more ethical than NARS?+
The best alternatives have verified cruelty-free certifications (Leaping Bunny), are 100% vegan, use recycled or biodegradable packaging, and publish comprehensive sustainability reports. Many also avoid selling in mandatory testing markets.