This post may contain affiliate or referral codes, for which I receive a small compensation and you get a discount in exchange. These help support the blog, so I can keep creating content.

• 

• 

Credit: crueltyfreekitty

This month I’ve been taking a break from my blog mainly due to crazy work schedule and mental health, but I wanted to hop on quickly to give an update surrounding Wet n Wild. As news has been circulating the beauty community of their products being seen on in-store displays in Mainland China. I first saw this on Instagram from the user crueltyfreekitty. I wanted to make sure all the facts were straight before I posted anything in regards to the matter as there are cases where products are sold without brands’ permissions. And Wet n Wild has been very vocal about the fact that they are cruelty free for years and even the desire to go completely vegan with their products.

Wet n Wild’s Official Statement

On the evening of May 21, 2019, Wet N Wild made an official statement on the matter via their Instagram Stories:

“Wet n Wild does not test on animals. Wet n Wild is a global brand for beauty lovers, inclusive of all ages, ethnicities, skin colors, ideologies, and economic statuses. Cruelty-free has and will remain a key pillow of our brand. In 2018, Watsons began offering our products to beauty enthusiasts in China via a pilot program in 30 stores. Wet n Wild products are sold in China are domestically manufactured in China, and as such do not request animal testing.

Since 2014, China no longer requires animal testing for domestic non-special use cosmetics. Wet n Wild products were able to enter the Chinese market maintaining our commitment to providing customers cruelty-free, high-quality, on-trend products they can feel good about buying and wearing. As a trusted leader in cruelty-free beauty, we will continue to work closely with the Chinese government, and all governments, to adhere to our strict guidelines for cruelty-free beauty globally.

Stefan Curti

Global President”

The Truth About Their Cruelty Free Status

While that may sound like Wet n Wild is still cruelty free, they are not and I have removed them from my cruelty-free guide. In order to be considered a brand that is cruelty-free, animal testing cannot occur at any point or be performed by any party. This includes pre-market and post-market. There is a Cruelty-Free International pilot program that allows Leaping Bunny certified brands with Cruelty Free International to be sold in mainland China without the requirement of post-market animal testing. But Wet n Wild is not Leaping Bunny certified and as far as I’m aware there is not another program out there doing this.

Recently China has updated their policy on animal testing and I did a whole post dedicated to that. As well as gave a break down on the differences between pre- and post-market animal testing in there, so check out that post for the full details and understanding on their policy. But short overview, pre-market testing is done before the product is sold to consumers while post-market testing can be done at any point including after it’s been made available to customers. And brands do not have any control over this kind of testing, so knowing your products our on shelves in mainland China is basically approving that you’re ok with having this done. Meaning the brand is therefore not cruelty-free.

It sucks that they were dishonest to consumers even on the day the announcement was made. As they were telling customers up until that Instagram story was made that they were not sold in China. But the post clearly states they have been since 2018 at some point, so they lied. However, on the positive side there are many other brands out there that have amazing products and are cruelty-free. All this being said going forward on my blog, Wet n Wild will no longer be featured and I will be donating any products that I have to new homes including women’s shelters.

Love ya,

Mae Polzine

Join the Howl of the Pack today by subscribing! Or support this blog over on Patreon so I can continue to put out quality content for you! To stay updated on everything I’m doing, follow me on Twitter as that’s where I post quick updates. Also, if you like this post, let me know in the comment section, it really helps me figure out what content you guys appreciate. Don’t be shy I would love to hear from you!