Product questions

Do you test on animals?

No. Paula's Choice has never tested on animals at any stage of product development and never will. We also do not contract any third parties to conduct animal testing on our behalf.
Paula has written for 30 years about the beauty industry and, during that time, she has consistently spoken out against cosmetics testing on animals.
We are committed to the global adoption of alternative safety testing methods and the elimination of animal testing on cosmetics worldwide. In April 2013, Paula's Choice became an officially certified member of the Leaping Bunny Program.
The requirements for the Leaping Bunny Certification include a commitment to eliminate animal testing not only from the company, but also from our ingredient suppliers. The result is a product guaranteed to be 100% free of new animal testing. The Program is administered by a coalition of animal rights organisations, including the Humane Society of the United States and the National Anti-Vivisection Society. For more information on Leaping Bunny, consult www.leapingbunny.org

Are Paula's Choice products vegan, or do any of them contain animal by-products?

The majority of Paula's Choice products are vegan because they do not contain animal or animal-derived ingredients. We always try to formulate without these ingredients wherever possible and you'll be glad to know that exciting new vegan skincare ingredients are being developed all the time. However, some of our products do contain animal or animal-derived ingredients, either due to formula necessity or because an equivalent vegan ingredient was not available to use.

The following ingredients that may be animal-derived include: Lactoperoxidase, Glyceryl Stearate, Cholesterol, Ceramides, PEG-100 Stearate Carmine, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Tallow and Beeswax. Full ingredient lists for all Paula's Choice products are located on the product page of each formula.

However, you can also find more details in the list below. This list applies to the products available on the Paula’s Choice EU website.

Paula’s Choice products that contain lanolin or cholesterol (derived from sheep's wool):

Paula's Choice products that contain cholesterol (derived from sheep’s wool):

Paula's Choice products that contain lactoperoxidase (cow's milk-derived enzyme):

Paula's Choice products that contain polyglyceryl-3 beeswax (an ester of beeswax fatty acids):

Paula's Choice products that contain cera alba beeswax (a natural by-product from worker bees):

Paula's Choice products that contain acetyl glucosamine (from shellfish):

Paula's Choice products that contain sea whip extract (from marine invertebrate):

Why aren't all Paula's Choice products available in the EU?

This is because there are differences between the regulations of cosmetic products in the United States (US) and the European Union (EU). The use of certain ingredients or substances in cosmetics are sometimes regulated differently. Also, certain products considered to be cosmetics in the US are considered to be (over the counter) drugs in the EU.

Why don't you sell the entire Paula's Choice make-up line?

The demand for Paula's Choice make-up products in the EU was so low that we decided to stop carrying them in 2009. Today, the Paula's Choice Europe range includes a few make-up products, which complement the products on the general make-up market.

A new product I want is available in the US, when will I be able to buy it in the EU?

Most new products are available in the EU approximately 4 weeks after the US launch. If you want to know about our latest launches first, as well as our special offers and promotions, then sign up for our free newsletter.

Why has my favourite skincare or make-up product been discontinued?

We're sorry if your favourite Paula's Choice product has been discontinued! We know how frustrating it is to be without an essential part of your skincare or make-up routine.
The decision to discontinue a product or shade is never done impulsively and many different factors are taken into account, including consumer preferences and purchasing patterns. Even some of Paula's own favourites have been discontinued! In our efforts to continually improve the line and respond to customer feedback, you will see that new colours and formulas, some of which may be variations on your favourites, are introduced on an ongoing basis.
If you need advice about a substitute for a discontinued product, please get in touch with us. We're happy to help!

How can I try out your products before I buy them?

If you want to find out if our products work for you before you commit to buying the full size, we offer travel sizes of almost all our products. Alternatively, you can always take advantage of our 60 day money-back guarantee, which we offer whether the product has been opened or not.