A PETA investigation into the treatment of badgers on farms in China has led several major beauty retailers to remove badger hair brushes from their product ranges. The findings have brought new attention to animal-derived materials used in cosmetic and grooming accessories. Synthetic fibers are increasingly being discussed as an alternative to natural badger hair.
Investigation raises concerns over badger hair
In June 2026, an eyewitness visited eight badger farms in China, the world’s leading exporter of badger fur. Footage released by PETA showed animals with missing fur, open wounds and dried blood in tight wire cages.
The investigation documented severe animal abuse. The farms shown were not directly linked to specific beauty retailers, but PETA argues that sales of badger hair brushes financially support an “industry built on violence.”
Following the investigation, several major retailers removed badger hair products from their ranges. PETA is calling on other companies selling makeup and shaving brushes made with badger hair to introduce no-fur policies.
Industry questions the portrayal of badger hair
A grooming company responding to the investigation said badgers in China are mainly farmed for fat or oil, rather than fur. According to the company, badger hair is a byproduct and gains value through labor-intensive processing.
The company described the footage as “very worrying,” but said the farms shown were not connected to its own sources of badger hair.
PETA disputes this position. The organization describes badger hair as a “primary co-product” that financially supports the industry and says cosmetic and shaving brushes account for a large percentage of global demand for the material.
Synthetic fibers gain attention
Synthetic fibers are becoming more common in shaving brushes. Industry comments suggest customers often select these brushes for their performance rather than animal welfare considerations.
More companies are adopting synthetic fibers, pointing to growing demand for cruelty-free alternatives to natural hair brushes.
Beauty industry moves away from animal-derived materials
PETA Asia first investigated badger farms in 2018. Following footage of animal abuse, more than 100 brands stopped selling badger hair brushes.
The latest retailer decisions come as the beauty industry continues to move away from animal-derived materials. Innova Market Insights data shows average annual growth of 7% in beauty product launches with ethical claims between June 2020 and July 2025.
The market researcher also reports that 30% of consumers worldwide actively choose cruelty-free personal care products.
