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"Not tested on animals": How consumers react to cruelty-free cosmetics proposed by manufacturers and retailers?

Author

Listed:
  • Cindy G Grappe

    (UQAM - Université du Québec à Montréal = University of Québec in Montréal)

  • Cindy Lombart

    (Audencia Recherche - Audencia Business School)

  • Didier Louis

    (IUT Saint-Nazaire - Institut Universitaire de Technologie Saint-Nazaire - UN - Université de Nantes)

  • Fabien Durif

    (UQAM - Université du Québec à Montréal = University of Québec in Montréal)

Abstract

Purpose-Animal welfare is increasingly favoured by consumers in their choice of food and cosmetic products, proposed by manufacturers and retailers. This study aims to investigate the impact of the "not tested on animals" claim on consumers' attitude and behavioural intention towards a cosmetic product through an enriched version of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behaviour. Design/methodology/approach-A between-subjects design has been used. 450 participants were recruited through the social network of a cosmetics and personal hygiene brand in Quebec, Canada, and answered a questionnaire. They were randomly assigned to either a manipulation group (n=226) or a control group (n=224). Data were analysed with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. Findings-This study shows that external (credibility and attitude towards marketing claims) and internal psychological variables (subjective norms and altruistic concerns with animal welfare) influence attitude towards and purchase intention of "not tested on animals" personal care products. More egotistic concerns, such as personal appearance, also explain the formation of attitude towards cruelty-free cosmetics. Research limitations/implications-This research supplements Ajzen's original model with internal psychological (individuals' concerns with animal welfare and personal appearance) and external (general credibility of cosmetic products claims, credibility of the "not tested on animals" claim and attitude towards this claim) variables. These variables, as suggested by previous research on cosmetics and their claims, improve the understanding of consumer attitude and purchase behaviour patterns. Practical implications-The study's findings point out the role of companies to increase consumers' knowledge on the significance and transparency of their messages, notably the "not tested on animals" claim. They also stress that policymakers in regions where regulation is unclear should at least punish untruthful communication pertaining to animal testing in cosmetic and personal care products. Originality/value-Prior studies on cosmetic products did not investigate the difference of consumer attitude formation towards cruelty-free products compared to conventional cosmetic products. Consequently, this research shows that the construction of attitude towards crueltyfree products highly differs from conventional personal care.

Suggested Citation

  • Cindy G Grappe & Cindy Lombart & Didier Louis & Fabien Durif, 2021. ""Not tested on animals": How consumers react to cruelty-free cosmetics proposed by manufacturers and retailers?," Post-Print hal-03379593, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03379593
    DOI: 10.1108/IJRDM-12-2020-0489
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://audencia.hal.science/hal-03379593
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Grappe, Cindy G. & Lombart, Cindy & Louis, Didier & Durif, Fabien, 2022. "Clean labeling: Is it about the presence of benefits or the absence of detriments? Consumer response to personal care claims," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    2. José Magano & Manuel Au-Yong-Oliveira & Bruna Ferreira & Ângela Leite, 2022. "A Cross-Sectional Study on Ethical Buyer Behavior towards Cruelty-Free Cosmetics: What Consequences for Female Leadership Practices?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-15, June.
    3. Cindy Grappe & Cindy Lombart & Didier Louis & Fabien Durif, 2022. "Clean labeling: Is it about the presence of benefits or the absence of detriments? Consumer response to personal care claims," Post-Print hal-04293232, HAL.

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