Bulldog Skincare is about to become the first-ever international skincare brand to maintain its Leaping Bunny approved status while on sale in mainland China.

The Leaping Bunny, awarded by Cruelty Free International, is the globally recognizable gold standard for cruelty free products.

The collaborative project was launched by Cruelty Free International in cooperation with Knudsen&CRC, Shanghai Fengpu Industrial Park, and Oriental Beauty Valley – and it means that Bulldog's products will not face animal testing in China at any point during their lifecycle.

Brands participating in the program will be supervised on to market through a unique agreement. Bulldog says is confident that its products will not face animal testing when on sale in China, and can ensure this by working directly with Fengxian District and Oriental Beauty Valley.

To date, Leaping Bunny brands have not been able to retain Leaping Bunny status and sell in mainland China because of the continued requirement for animal tests.

How will it work? Bulldog will manufacture its formula in the UK, fill the product in the Fengxian manufacturing zone, and sell via stores in the municipality of Shanghai. Bulldog's products will be available in Watsons' Shanghai stores from late 2019.

Simon Duffy, founder of Bulldog Skincare, said: "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. It is fantastic that this scheme has allowed us to enter mainland China while maintaining our cruelty-free status. We hope the success of this scheme will pave the way for more international cruelty free brands to sell there."

Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty Free International, said, "Huge congratulations to Bulldog for showing commitment and leading the way. 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."

Mette Knudsen, CEO of Knudsen & CRC, said, "It has been a pleasure to work with Bulldog as part of the Leaping Bunny pilot and to use the knowledge and partnerships we have together. I know how much Chinese consumers want to be able to experience cruelty free cosmetics in the country, and I am convinced that this will also speed up regulatory change."