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.
Hi We’ve cleaned our house out of all the products that we know are tested on animals….Vinagar lemon and baking soda are three products to use together but also alone…Great results….
I am so dissapointed in yves rocher bc they used to be cruelty free but started to sell in china and changed policy
there is something i don’t understand. Kiehl’s website clearly states they do not conduct test on animals and are totally against it so why are they on this list ? otherwise, this is a very helpful list and i thank you for all the time and researches you do
xx, Sunny || http://www.sunnyrose.me
Hey I have a question, my boyfriend uses a fragrance from True Religion Apparel inc. and i can’t find anywhere if they test or not on animals. I was wondering if you knew?
Thank you,
Cameron 🙂
A few days ago I was having a discussion with a couple of Nuskin distributers about the NuSkin animal testing statement they have on their website. Claiming they don’t test on animals, except when mandated by law and regulatory agencies, which in my option is very misleading. They sell to China, which in itself means they test on animals and I’m also led to believe some of the ingredients used in their products are also tested on animals. What was really sad, the distributors who where clearly brain-washed, claimed every product of Nuskin was natural, chemical free and not tested on animals. They more interested in their own vanity over animal welfare. They had no interest in understanding the truth and did not accept that Nuskin was listed on PETA’s website as a company who TEST on animals. In fact they claim PETA’s list is a lie!!!
Hi Cruelty-Free Kitty,
Thanks for the article. I was wondering which of the brands you have listed actively test on animals. For example NARS didn’t used to sell to China and didn’t test on animals, therefore was cruelty free. So if it wasn’t for China and their laws, if NARS sold there it would still be cruelty free. I’m not excusing them, I just wanted to know if any of them test on animals in the US, not in China.
I am a bit confused. In their website, Kiehl’s say they are certified by PETA as cruelty free, and they have the leaping bunny. But they are still in this list of companies that test on animals. So what is really the case? Legally they can’t claim they are leaping bunny certified if that is not true.
Are you sure you have the right brand? Kiehl’s is on PETA’s list of brands that DO test on animals, and they’re not Leaping Bunny certified.
Fresh and Dr. Jart do not perform animal testing please update your website please go directly to their website and see for yourself
Shouldn’t Pantene be moved to a list where they only test in China?
https://us.pg.com/citizenship-example/community/policies-practices/animal-welfare-alternatives
oh my god thank you! surprisingly someone who thinks we should test on animals showed me this, but now I can use this so I dont support these brands!
oh my god thank you I didnt know about any of these! Surprisingly someone who thinks we should test on animals rather than humans showed me this, but im happy he showed me because now I know what not to use!
Hello, I was wondering if Skinfood is cruelty free? I’ve checked their website and they say they are, but I haven’t found them in cruelty free brands lists so I’m not sure if they really are or not, or if they sell their products in China
I don’t think you’re being entirely fair to some of the companies listed. For example, look at what you have for some of the cosmetic companies, who clearly shouldn’t be on the list (according to Snopes: https://www.snopes.com/critters/cruelty/avontesting.asp). For someone searching for helpful and accurate cruelty-free information, your list is what seems to be cruel. Now I don’t now how much of your website I can really trust, although I was initially quite excited.
Hi Taylor. The website you linked to confirms that those companies still test on animals where required by law, hence why they’re not cruelty-free. This is the case for many companies on this list. If a company wants to sell cosmetics in China, they have to pay for animal testing being performed there, which means they’re not completely honest about “not testing on animals”.
Devastated, some of these brands I love but now can no longer use 🙁 Thankful to have spotted this list and am now gonna look for cruelty free products ?
I don’t see Alterna Haircare on either good or bad list. It is also sold at Sephora. I really like their Bamboo line, and their website says they are eco friendly and cruelty free. However, I wonder if they make the exception for the Chinese market. I don’t know if they even sell there. Do you have any additional info?
Consider Arbonne: 37 years of history being vegan and never tested on animals. PETA certified, sustainably sourced, green certified shipping. Ever evolving ingredient policy to European (Swiss) clean standards bars artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors, etc. Products for all demographics from baby care to anti aging, nutrition, sports support, cosmetics, spa products and essential oils. I’m posting my link here (if not okay please delete) because it makes me happy and relieved to not have to worry about this issue with the products I choose to use-takes the guesswork out- http://www.jilljacobek.arbonne.com
Looking at these make me sick. The fact that some of these companies are well know is even worse.
Do Studio London test on animals?
Thank you for good information. We need to keep up to date.
What about Perfectly Posh! They claim to be cruelty free.. I have joined this DS company because they state they are and also made in the USA any input would be great.
I notice you listed Kerastase as not cruelty free. They are under the Loreal brand and have not tested on animals since 1989.
Can you please let me know if Uriage is cruelty free? I can’t seem to find any information about it anywhere. I do not think they sell in China?
Please review your list – there are some companies that are listed incorrectly. For example, Nivea does not test on animals (since 2013) … https://www.nivea.com.au/about-us/beiersdorf/Frequently-Asked-Questions/environmental-responsibility
Hello!
I’m doing a university project on this matter as I’ve recently become aware of the lies and deceit behind pharmaceutical and cosmetic corporations regarding their animal testing standards/practices. Having found your site so helpful in the contribution to my research I was wondering if you would be able to help me out with sourcing some of this information. What are the important articles/ papers I should be aware of? I am from the UK and know our regulations differ from those in the US, but it is so insightful learning of these corrupt brands that can be found on every one of our supermarket shelves. Thanks for your hard work on this pressing matter, I really look forward to your reply.
Kind regards
Wait, is Mitchum not cruelty free/vegan? I looked it up and asked around and ppl said that they were. Since theyre on this list in kinda confused now.
HEY!!!! I was under the impression from previous research that Nivea products are not tested on animals unless sold in China where they are tested by a third party not niveas umbrella company – beiserdorfer-something ? Anyway would love to know what the deal is because I’ve been purchasing their products all the while thinking I was safe to do so. TIA❤️?
https://m.nivea.com.au/pages/FAQ
Yes, but this means they’re not cruelty-free.
Eucerin is apparently cruelty free says on their website. http://www.eucerin.co.uk/our-research/research-background/testing-of-efficacy-safety-and-tolerability I’m guessing they’re owned by a company who is not? Shame.
What do you know about the new fad brand Monat? I know someone who sells it and wants me to buy. When I mentioned I didn’t think it was cruelty free I,naturally, got a sassy earful about how cruelty free it was. I can’t find anything except their self proclaimed cruelty free status. Do you know anything additional?
Thanks in advance!
Hi!! Nobody knows if Skinfood is cruelty-free?
Hello
I’ve discovered piping rock on the web, they sell vitamins but also facial care products. I’m wondering if they test on animals or not ? Do you know something about this brand ?
Thanks