The Ultimate Ethical Truth: Is Makeup By Mario Cruelty-Free In 2025? (Leaping Bunny & PETA Status Revealed)

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As of late 2025, the answer is a resounding yes: Makeup By Mario is a certified cruelty-free brand. This luxury beauty line, founded by world-renowned makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, has maintained a strong commitment to ethical beauty practices since its inception, ensuring that no animals are harmed during the production of its highly sought-after products. This dedication is not just a brand claim; it is officially verified by major third-party organizations, providing conscious consumers with the confidence to shop their favorite viral products. The brand's cruelty-free status is a critical piece of information for modern beauty enthusiasts who prioritize ethical sourcing and production. This deep dive will explore the certifications, the brand's policy on international markets like mainland China, and the important distinction between being cruelty-free and being 100% vegan, giving you the complete, up-to-date picture for your 2025 makeup purchases.

The Man Behind the Masterpieces: Mario Dedivanovic Biography

The ethical foundation of Makeup By Mario is directly tied to the vision of its founder, Mario Dedivanovic, a true pioneer and trusted leader in the beauty industry.
  • Full Name: Mario Dedivanovic
  • Born: October 1, 1983
  • Birthplace: New York City, New York
  • Background: A child of Albanian immigrants, Mario was born and raised in the Bronx.
  • Career Start: Dedivanovic discovered his passion for makeup while working in the fragrance section of a Sephora store. A customer asked for help selecting a lip color, which sparked his interest and set him on his path.
  • Professional Impact: Before launching his own line, Mario became one of the most influential celebrity makeup artists in the world, known for his signature "soft glam" aesthetic and pioneering techniques like "contouring."
  • Brand Launch: He launched MAKEUP BY MARIO in 2020, aiming to translate his professional artistry into accessible products for everyone.
Mario Dedivanovic's commitment to quality and ethical production has been a core pillar of the brand from day one, which is why the cruelty-free certification was a non-negotiable requirement for the line.

The Definitive Cruelty-Free Status: Certifications and Policy

For a brand to be truly considered cruelty-free, it must meet stringent criteria covering every stage of product development. Makeup By Mario goes above and beyond, securing multiple gold-standard certifications.

Official Cruelty-Free Certifications (2025)

The most reliable indicator of a brand's ethical commitment comes from independent, third-party organizations. Makeup By Mario has earned the trust of two of the most respected groups globally:

1. Leaping Bunny Certified: Makeup By Mario is officially certified by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program. This certification is the most rigorous standard, requiring a brand to:

  • Not test any finished product on animals.
  • Not test any ingredient on animals.
  • Require suppliers to sign a legally binding assurance that they do not test ingredients on animals.
  • Not sell in any market where animal testing is required by law.

2. PETA Certified: The brand is also certified by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) under their "Beauty Without Bunnies" program. This certification further confirms that the brand, its suppliers, and any third parties do not conduct, commission, or pay for any animal tests for ingredients, formulations, or finished products, anywhere in the world.

The Mainland China Question: Why It Matters

A common concern that can instantly disqualify a brand from being truly cruelty-free is its sales presence in mainland China. Until recently, foreign cosmetics sold in physical retail stores in mainland China were often subject to mandatory post-market animal testing.

Makeup By Mario’s Policy: The brand confirms that it does not sell its products in physical retail stores in mainland China. By avoiding this market channel, the company ensures its products are not subject to the country's animal testing laws, thereby maintaining its globally recognized cruelty-free status.

This commitment to avoiding markets with mandatory animal testing is a crucial step that separates truly ethical brands from those that prioritize market access over their cruelty-free principles.

Cruelty-Free vs. Vegan: Understanding the Difference

While the term "cruelty-free" is a huge win for ethical consumers, it is important to understand that it is not synonymous with "vegan." The distinction lies in the ingredients used in the product formulation.

Is Makeup By Mario a 100% Vegan Brand?

No, Makeup By Mario is not a 100% vegan brand. This means that while the brand does not test on animals, some of its products may contain animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax, carmine (a red pigment derived from insects), or lanolin.

However, this is not a deterrent for consumers seeking vegan options. The brand offers an extensive and growing range of products that are specifically formulated without any animal-derived components, making it a "cruelty-free brand with vegan options."

Key Vegan Products and Product Lines

For consumers committed to a fully vegan lifestyle, Makeup By Mario provides clear labeling and a wide selection of high-performing vegan makeup. Many of their most popular items are entirely vegan.

Popular Vegan Makeup By Mario Products and Lines:

  • Brushes: All MAKEUP BY MARIO brushes are cruelty-free and made with a custom blend of synthetic and vegan fibers. The handles are also 100% FSC certified Birch Wood.
  • Lip Products: The highly-rated Ultra Suede® Sculpting Lip Pencil line is a vegan formulation. The MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum is also available in several vegan shades.
  • Eye Products: Many of the Four-Play Everyday Eye Quads and the Glam Quad collections (like Glam Quad Party and Glam Quad Rosy) feature vegan formulas.
  • Face Products: Products like the SoftSculpt® Transforming Skin Enhancer and various Master Mattes palettes often include vegan options.

When shopping, always look for the "Vegan" label on the product description at authorized retailers like Sephora or Kohl's to ensure the specific shade or batch meets your criteria.

Topical Authority: Why Makeup By Mario is an Ethical Beauty Leader

Makeup By Mario's success in the ethical beauty space is a testament to the growing demand for transparency and responsibility in cosmetics. By securing both Leaping Bunny and PETA certifications, and by proactively avoiding non-compliant markets, the brand positions itself as a leader among celebrity-backed lines.

The brand's commitment extends beyond just animal testing. Its focus on high-quality, professional-grade formulas that are still accessible to the everyday consumer, combined with an ethical sourcing policy, makes it a powerful force in the industry. It proves that luxury, performance, and ethical responsibility can coexist.

In the evolving landscape of 2025, where consumer scrutiny is higher than ever, Makeup By Mario provides a clear, verifiable, and ethical choice. Whether you are a fan of the viral Master Mattes palette or the precision of the Master Blade Brow Pencil, you can shop with confidence knowing the brand upholds the highest standards of cruelty-free beauty. This makes Makeup By Mario a conscious choice for those who value both artistry and ethics.

The Ultimate Ethical Truth: Is Makeup By Mario Cruelty-Free in 2025? (Leaping Bunny & PETA Status Revealed)
is makeup by mario cruelty free
is makeup by mario cruelty free

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