The following list consists of companies that are not cruelty-free. Its main source is PETA, and we’ve supplemented it with our own research. These brands engage in animal testing OR fund animal testing in some capacity, the most common example being by testing on animals where the law requires it. Also note that some of the brands listed here misleadingly label themselves as “cruelty-free”, a term that is not regulated.
Big Corporations Who Test On Animals
Most of these brands are owned by a few giant corporations: L’Oreal, Estee Lauder, Procter & Gamble, Clorox, Johnson & Johnson, S.C. Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive, Reckitt Benckiser, Church & Dwight, Unilever, and Henkel.
These companies own the majority of the brands we commonly find in most retailer stores and drugstores, and they’re making no real efforts to change their unethical policies.
There are however two exceptions, the first one being Colgate-Palmolive, which have agreed to gradually change their policy. PETA currently lists Colgate-Palmolive as “working toward regulatory changes to reduce the number of animals used for testing”. This does NOT mean the company is or will be cruelty-free in the near future! It’s only a small step in the right direction, and the company still DOES test on animals at this point.
The second exception consists of a few select brands. While in most cases, brands that are owned by companies that test on animals are not cruelty-free, L’Oreal is one of the few companies to own brands that have kept their ethical stances and have remained cruelty-free under the ownership. The same goes for Too Faced and Becca (now owned by Estee Lauder but still cruelty-free) and Tom’s of Maine (Colgate-Palmolive). All the brands mentioned on this list, however, do test on animals.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive. This list only includes companies that claimed they test on animals at some point, or sell in China; there are many other companies who remained silent about their animal testing policy.
Looking for cruelty-free brands?
For a list of cruelty-free brands, visit our list of 350+ vetted cruelty-free brands.
In this day and age never imagined so many still did this. Can’t computers do this now?
I always feed my cats Iams. Not any more.
Nivea does NOT tests on animals simply because its cosmetic is made in Germany where as many of you might know animal testing is banned by the law
On their website, Nivea states:
“Beiersdorf, the organisation behind the NIVEA brand, does not test on animals. As a global company, all our affiliates including Australia and New Zealand, are aligned on this stance. We believe animal testing is not required to prove the safety and effectiveness of our products.
In China, however, animal testing is mandated by law for the official registration and certification of the safety of certain product categories. In this case, the tests are conducted by local institutions authorised by the state not by the companies selling the product. Our goal is to convince these authorities that animal testing for cosmetic products is unnecessary and to advocate for the international acceptance of alternative testing methods.”
So because they supply the mainland Chinese market, they can’t be considered cruelty free!
L’Oreal are owned by Unilever,animal testers,wouldn’t touch them….pretty sure they make Stella McCartney’s fragrance as well,another celebrity hypocrite….
L’Oreal and Unilever are 2 different companies though.
but the EU banned animal testing in any products and even ingredients coming into the EU… technicall french make up should be free of this. are you sure its updated?
I get where you’re coming from, but the ban only applies to cosmetics. A lot of these French companies work with pharmaceutical companies that still test on animals.
Majority of these, I would never use. The only ones that surprised me was BIC and Vaseline…Thanks really helpfl
You really have to do thorough research – what one regards as an animal-friendly company may indeed have a dark side – of a non-animal-friendly parent company. . . . . If you take a step into Estee Lauder’s website, you will find a huge list of companies under their umbrella . . . . . .Decleor unfortunately has Shiseido as it’s parent company, which is when I stopped using them . . . .Liz Earle has AVON as parent company, although they maintain that they are a ‘stand alone company’ still . . . . . it’s a minefield, tread carefully. . . . .
I totally get your point, Simone. I always make sure to point out whenever a brand is owned by a company that isn’t cruelty-free. I believe everyone has to choose for themselves where they draw the line, as this issue isn’t completely black and white. 🙂
That is my younger daughter’s response. I told her to envision whatever the product being dropped or sprayed directly in the poor, immobilized animals eyes or mouth each time she enjoys using the products. Let’s say,, like Clorox or Tilex… Something to think about.
Glad to have this list…will share it to spread the word.
I was really happy to see that I don’t use anything from any of these companies…It has been a hard slog to get there and living in France sometimes it is hard to source some products which are cruelty free…but If I can’t find them I do without. Well done for this..thank you very much
I’m happy to hear that! I imagine it’s not nearly as easy to find cruelty-free options in French pharmacies. 🙁
not true! the list id not up to date! it has Fresh as doing animal testing! the only creams I use on my face are from Fresh and I actually spent a lot of time reading the back of the label because i happen to be very allergic and sensitive to some chemicals!
Selling in China is not the same as assembling the product in US. That shipment has to comply with the Chinese governments rules from formula to package, every country has their own rules. just because its done in China, doesn’t mean its done in US as well.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Fresh unfortunately SELLS their products in mainland China, meaning they do have to comply with the animal testing rules.
sinfull was a surprice, and benefit too, sinfull I know benefit I wanted to try out
Unfortunately Benefit chose to sell in China, and they do test on animals there. But not otherwise. :/
that is sad
So I didn’t see “Gain” under Laundry. Does that mean they’re free and clear? I see that they’re owned by Proctor & Gambel so I assume they test. Also, thank you for making this super helpful list – I trust your research!
Hi Billie, and thanks! If they’re owned by P&G they definitely should be on this list. I’ll look into it.
Was an answer ever found for Gain detergent? I’m looking for an affordable cruelty free option if such a thing exists in the states. Thanks!
I love using Vaska! https://smile.amazon.com/vaska-Perfect-Laundry-Detergent-Lavender/dp/B00OHUYNSE/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505528652&sr=8-2&keywords=vaska
Hello,
Benefit does NOT test on animals. Could you tell me where you got that info from?
Unfortunately they do. 🙁 They sell their products in mainland China, where animal testing is required by law.
Hi, I´ve read in Benefit’s FAQ that they do not test in animals, but many articles (including PETA wich i know is not really reliable) say they DO.. can you tell me how are you so sure they don’t test in animals?
If they sell cosmetics in mainland China, they WILL be tested on animals, as that is the law there. Any company that sells in mainland China supports animal testing. They claim they don’t, but their exception is that they do when required by law. They sell in a county that requires it by law.
Yes, I also read that China have a post-animal testing policy? Meaning that companies can find as many loopholes as they like but the finished product may be removed from the shelves at any time and tested on animals.
I would not trust ANY company that sells in China, no matter what spin they put on it. They are not in control, the Chinese authorities are and we all know how bad their animal testing policies are
Good thing there are so many alternatives. Screw all the testing companies, you wom’t get a penny from me!
Dr. Jart has the cruelty free bunny pic on its products… If they do test on animals, is it legal for them to use the sign? Can we do something about them lying?
Is it one of the 3 logos I mention in this post? Anything other than those is not regulated, so there’s nothing that can be done unfortunately.
I’m confused about ahava, I thought they didn’t ? Did something change with them?
Sadly nope.
Peta claims Marc Jacobs Beauty is cruelty free, yet you have it in do test -list. Do they sell in China or what? Shame if they do, cause I love the Daisy Edt :/
Btw, this is a great blog, thank you! 🙂
from Marc Jacobs: The following statement is Neville-approved: Marc Jacobs Beauty is a cruelty-free cosmetics brand. We never test on animals or use ingredients tested on animals; nor do we ask vendors to test on our behalf. Marc Jacobs Beauty is not sold in China
Marc Jacobs Fragrance is not CF as it is name use only and I believe it’s Coty who produces it, but Marc Beauty is supposed to be and is not sold in China.
R u sure artistry Amway is not cruelty free? I have searched in free bunny and it doesn’t say so
Companies have to pay to be included in free bunny, since it’s technically a type of advertising. So they meet the standards but then have to pay to be given to a consumer. I would use the company questions or sights like these, not PETA given that they’re scum to animals.
NYX cosmetics dark circle eraser comes in like 3 or 4 colours from light to dark and it’s the perfect salmon coloured colour corrector.
They have a store in Shanghai!
I’m confused, I’m just wondering how pet food brands can justify what they’re selling without testing it on animals in order to see if it works? I’m just curious as to how this would work. I understand makeup, skincare, etc and how that’s just cruel and unusual punishment, but when it’s meant for animals how are they tested when not on animals? I’m just curious 🙂
Fair question! With regards to IAMS, you might want to give this a read: http://www.uncaged.co.uk/iamsexpress.htm
Rimmel london state on their website that they are cruelty free
Click and look at their full disclaimer! Not cruelty-free.
Thank you for taking the time to make these lists! I’m curious as to how Walgreens ended up on it, but not other drugstores like CVS, Rite Aid, or Target. I’m definitely going to stop buying Walgreens’ Studio 35 products, what’s the status on the others?
CVS confirmed that their makeup brand Nuance is cruelty-free, but I have yet to hear a confirmation about their generic brand. I’m going to do some research and come up with a full post about generic store brands. Stay tuned! 🙂
I have an app called Cruelty Cutter and I scanned the generic target brand while I was looking for a new body wash and it told me it wasn’t tested on animals, if that helps sway that brand’s case.
Also scanned the CVS generic brand while I was there tonight. Not sure if Vegan for either generic brand, but definitely says cruelty free. The last screen shot is the up&up body wash!
I think you mean “have not” made my list, right? Cetaphil is not cruelty-free. Their finished products aren’t tested on animals, but the products are made by a pharmaceutical company that tests on animals.
Hi Decleor shave foam gel is amazing and should be easy to get hold of.
I was so shocked to see here one of my main brands L’Occitane. I was even thinking in applying for working in one of their shops because I love the brand. I read on their website that they do NOT test on animals, although they do sell on China. They don’t do the testing directly AND they’ve been fighting against that testing. They got some products to be sold in China without testing and they keep working on that, so one day all their products will be cruelty free even in China. I’m in process to become an cruelty free customer, but I think I’ll keep buying from L’Occitane, because I think it’s important that the big companies try to change things in China. If we all avoid to support them, it won’t change much, because in China the problem will continue. I mean Chinese people need stuff too, so the change must come from outside China.
I definitely agree with you. And many smaller companies would glady join the Chinese market if they had the funds. I don’t blame the companies that are selling in China but rather the super-outdated law on animal testing there. That’s what has to change.
Sorry. What’s the thing about the selling on China?
Same I love L’Occitane and I thought they would be free from animal testing due to the fact they are made from natural sources I was really sad to see this on here especially since they said they didn’t test on animals
Just an excuse. By selling in China, they have made a decision that their profits are more important than animals lives and rights. If you buy from them, you support this too. If they really were ethical and wanted change, they would put their money were their mouth is and refuse to sell in China; contributing towards the torture of animals UNTIL China changes its policies. Instead, they want that Chinese money and they don’t care how many bunnies, puppies and mice get tortured in the process. They are depending on people to believe their rubbish that they are ‘working on it’ when they CLEARLY have an option B (it just won’t make them as much money.
If they sell in China they are not cruelty-free
If you buy from them, you are not cruelty-free either.
Well no the company should refuse to sell to China. And if enough companies do this China will not have avalibily of brands like Dior, Chanel, its those big brands that need to act. Because they will make the impact needed.
I wont buy a product that has sold its ethics for profit.
I dont care how strong their stance is against animal testing. A strong stance is not being a sell out.
So it may be a brand that promotes no animal testing. But so was body shop back in the day. And they got caught out and there was uproar on the tv. Now they are cruetly free.
Thank you for this – I’m going through all of my products at the moment and it’s very sad that a lot of them in there come under this list, and I had no idea! I’ll be getting rid of them and not buying anymore until they change their policy. Are there any affordable make-up alternatives you would recommend? – Tasha
Congrats on making the switch! 🙂 Are you looking for specific product recs? For affordable makeup, I would suggest brands like NYX, Wet’n’Wild, ELF, Hard Candy, Sonia Kashuk. Everything is a bit hit or miss though!
No that’s brilliant advice, thanks! 🙂
Smashbox and Gosh are cruelty free make up brands as well! But you probably already know that by now.. haha On another note, Sally Hansen doesn’t test their nail polish and other products on animals either!
Sally Hansen should test on something given some of their products can lead to cancer
Perhaps Sally Hansen should test on human criminals in jail since they deserve to be tortured instead of innocent bunnies. Humans should test their products on themselves, period!
Younique prides itself on being cruelty free & naturally based. Not to mention amazing! Feel free to look around at my website ♡
Not when it’s being sold in China. Sorry to inform you of this. Younique is still to new to be added to the list. Tobe continued. .. this product will be added to the list very soon. There are ingredients in the products that are tested on animals. Younique you are not currently free.
Wasn’t aware they sold in China (Hong Kong isn’t subject to animal testing on cosmetics).
I use SoBio here in France…the products are very good and I think my skin looks good with them. Their prices are really good and I can buy them in my local supermarket
So biological is made by nuxe and not cruelty free. Just bio. It’s a bit of a trap. I’m currently at monoprix trying to find something!
Actually. I’m not sure. I mixed it up with bio beauté. Sorry.☺️
in addition to stop using these products, we need to write the company – online and an actual letter – and explain exactly why we will not use or promote their product. Also, that we will actively let everyone know how they test on animals.
Also BH cosmetics is great
Elf, Essence and Milani are all cruelty free!
If you can order online, Personna and Preserve are fairly big brands. You might also find them (or other cruelty-free brands) at health stores.
Hi Suzi! I see that Wet N Wild are on the 2019 update. What is going on with them? I don’t care for most of their stuff, buy do use their mascara. Yikes!!
Can you explain what the bold text indicates? Also, when was this list compiled? I am trying to find as up-to-date information as possible. This list is great and I’m hoping it’s recent!! Thanks for all of your research.
Hi Jessica! This list is recent and I update it frequently by tweaking it, and it’s a constant work in progress. The bolded brands are simply the most popular ones.
All youhave to do is buy products with the leaping bunny.logo or that says it is vegan until you learm what ingredients to avoid.
mac does test on animals in china as required by law
A company with good standards will refuse to test on animals even if they cannot enter a market. So for MAC and other companies that sell in China as wellm they put profits before ethics.
Boo to all of these!!! Currently sourcing cleaning products cruelty free so this was really helpful thank you x
Astonish are cruelty free and do a fantastic range
Just use plan old vinegar, dish soap and baking soda. That’s all I use to clean my house, aside from window cleaner. Vinegar is magical and you don’t get all those toxic chemicals. My house felt a million times cleaner when i switched from expensive chemical products.
Amen! 🙂
That means you cannot buy Arm and Hammer baking soda.. wonder if off brand comes from them as well?
Dr. Bronner’s products are amazing, too. You can do just about anything with them and the company is transparent with incredible ethics.
https://shop.drbronner.com/
I love Dr. Bronner’s! Great recommendation! 🙂
Yes Astonish !! and they are cheap as chips from the 99p store and £1 shops. . . .and M&S for washing liquids, washing up liquids . . . . some people think that makes me loaded to buy such stuff at M&S . . . but when they have offers on, I stock up . . .washing up liquid is about 90p I think . . .
I bought m&S tissue’s today along with washing up liquid.Aldi also claim their own brand products are free from animal testing
Nutrimetics are cruelty free cleaning products and lasts a long time goes far. http://www.nutrimetics.com.au/tracybaker
and not only that the OLC can even clean your fruit and veg
Try honest company
I recommend Dr. Bronner’s magical soaps. The soap can be used for face, hair, body, hands, household cleaning, floors, and even laundry. They use natural, food grade oils that are fair trade, and sustainably sourced. They are leaping bunny certified, and on Suzi’s list. They are an ethical company that gives their employees 15% of their profits, 100% health care, they care and fight for animal care in farming practices, they are non-GMO,and come in a variety of scents that smell incredible. They make bar soaps, toothpaste, lip balm, body balm, lotions, shave cream, bar soap, household cleaner. All around wonderful brand.
I LOVE Dr. Bronner’s! Thank you! 🙂
For cleaning products in the UK try co op own brand, an ethical company with a leaping bunny on every package.