London-based Bulldog has become the first-ever international skincare brand to maintain its Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny-approved status and be able to sell in Mainland China.

Until now,  animal testing of cosmetics remains compulsory in China, however Bulldog has been excluded from this, thanks to a Cruelty Free Pilot Project, launched by animal protection and advocacy group Cruelty Free International in cooperation with certification and regulatory compliance company Knudsen&CRC, Shanghai Fengpu Industrial Park and Oriental Beauty Valley.

The ground-breaking collaboration allows Bulldog to manufacture in the UK, fill in the Fenxian manufacturing zone and sell in the Chinese market, free from the risk of animal testing.

“At Bulldog, we have always challenged ourselves to make ethical choices when it comes to animal welfare. Even with the temptation of the huge Chinese market, we decided that we would never compromise our stance on animal testing,” says Bulldog founder Simon Duffy.

“Chinese consumers are increasingly demanding cosmetics without animal testing and this unique, ground-breaking project will enable those consumers to buy great cruelty-free products.”

Bulldog products will go on sale at Watsons stores in Shanghai later this year.

“We know there is great demand from consumers in China for cruelty-free cosmetics. This is an amazing opportunity not only for Bulldog, but for consumers in China and for the future of the whole beauty industry,” says Cruelty Free International CEO Michelle Thew.