At the top, you'll find the most affordable brands, followed by mid-range and then luxury brands. I made sure to pick brands that are well-known and can easily be found, either in stores or online.
Are you on a budget? Drugstores are unfortunately FULL of skincare brands that test on animals. This means Aveeno, Garnier, Olay, Neutrogena, and so many more. Be sure to ditch those and read my list of budget brands below! I guarantee you'll find all the skincare products you need for your skin type and skin concerns no matter your budget.
If you're a mid-range or high-end girl, I've got you covered too. Stores like Sephora carry an array of cruelty-free skincare brands, not to mention the many possibilities if you're shopping online.
To kick it off, here are just some of the popular skincare brands that test on animals:
- Aveeno
- Avene
- Avon
- Bioderma
- Biotherm
- Caudalie
- Chanel
- Clarins
- Clarisonic
- Clean & Clear
- Clearasil
- Coppertone
- DDF
- DHC
- Dior
- Dr. Brandt
- Dr. Jart
- Eucerin
- Fresh
- Gatineau
- Glamglow
- Good Skin Labs
- Jurlique
- Kiehl’s
- L’Occitane
- La Mer
- La Roche Posay
- Lab Series for Men
- Lubriderm
- Mederma
- Neutrogena
- Nivea
- Noxzema
- Nuxe
- Ojon
- Olay
- Origins
- Oriflame
- Peter Thomas Roth
- Ponds
- ROC
- Rembrandt
- Simple
- SK-II
- Vaseline
- Vichy
- Walgreens
- Yves Rocher
Note: Some of the brands above don't test on animals themselves, but they sell their products in mainland China, where animal testing is mandatory by law. This means that their products are tested on animals in China.
Cruelty-Free Skincare Brands
Now for the cruelty-free brands. I've listed them all below by category, and you can click each brand to jump to that section.
Again, these brands are the best and most popular ones. They can be found in some stores like Sephora or Ulta, or you can shop online.
My favorite online spots for cruelty-free shopping are Amazon and iHerb, so I've listed these options if they're available.
- Budget + Drugstore
- alba botanica
- pacifica
- kiss my face
- acure organics
- yes to
- desert essence
- avalon organics
- andalou naturals
- nip + fab
- nourish organic
- derma e
- aubrey organics
- queen helene
- elf
- garnier
Budget and Drugstore
1. Alba Botanica
A great budget-friendly that's available in many drugstores. You get a good bang for your buck, and they offer a skincare line targeting acne-prone skin.
2. Pacifica (100% Vegan)
Everything made by Pacifica is not only cruelty-free, but also 100% vegan! They offer skincare, but also makeup, body care, fragrance, and more at affordable prices.
Where To Buy: Amazon - iHerb - Ulta - Walmart.
3. Desert Essence
Desert Essence formulates their products with many certified organic ingredients, and they're a great option if you're looking for natural skincare. They also make pure Jojoba and Tea Tree oil!
4. Yes To
A super popular and widely available brand in drugstores all over the world. They have facial skincare products in their carrot, blueberry, tomato, cucumber, aaaand grapefruit ranges, which takes care of every skin type!
Where To Buy: Amazon - Ulta - Walmart.
5. Kiss My Face
Another budget-friendly option available at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Target, and more, as well as online. Check out their facial sunscreens (up to SPF 50) if you're looking for a budget option.
6. Avalon Organics (100% vegan)
This brand is great for anti-aging skincare and a lot of their skincare contains Vitamin C or CoQ10. They're 100% vegan and Leaping Bunny certified.
Where To Buy: Amazon.
7. Acure Organics
This is perhaps the most affordable skincare line formulated with certified organic ingredients. They're built on sustainable principles, and most of their products are vegan. Leaping Bunny certified.
Where To Buy: Amazon.
8. Andalou Naturals
Andalou Naturals uses fruit and plant stem cells to treat skin problems for every skin type. They're on the higher end of drugstore prices, but they have active ingredients and they offer many vegan products. Leaping Bunny certified.
Where To Buy: Amazon - Walmart.
9. Nip + Fab
Nip + Fab shares the same founder as the luxury skincare brand Rodial, and offers a more affordable range that tackles skin problems and offers solutions that work. They're available in drugstores worldwide.
Where To Buy: Amazon - Walmart.
10. Nourish Organic
Maybe on the sliiiightly upper range of drugstore prices, but this brand is still affordable and provides natural and organic skincare. They have a face line and a body line as well, and they're available in drugstores.
Where To Buy: Amazon.
11. Derma E
Derma E has a higher price point than other drugstore brands featured here, but they're cruelty-free and widely available. You can find them in drugstores across North America, but also at Ulta.
Where To Buy: Amazon - Ulta - Walmart.
12. Aubrey Organics
Aubrey Organics also provides some natural and organic skincare at decent prices, and they're Leaping Bunny certified. They have options for several skin types.
Where To Buy: Amazon - Walmart.
13. Queen Helene
Famous for their Mint Julep Masque, Queen Helene also makes many other face masks as well as lotions and scrubs. All products are very affordable and Leaping Bunny certified.
Where To Buy: Amazon - iHerb - Walmart.
Mid-Range
14. First Aid Beauty
Update: First Aid Beauty no longer falls under our cruelty-free criteria.
First Aid Beauty targets sensitive skin that's prone to irritation, so if you struggle with issues like acne and redness, this might be a great cruelty-free brand for you.
Where To Buy: Sephora.
15. Paula's Choice
Paula's Choice is one of my favorite skincare lines, with effective skincare for a huge range of skin types and concerns. They have something for everyone, so check them out!
Where To Buy: Paula's Choice.
16. Ole Henriksen
Ole Henriksen is owned by Kendo Brands (which is LVMH's cruelty-free branch that doesn't sell in China or test on animals).
Where To Buy: Sephora.
17. Glossier
Glossier is all about easy, simple skincare that keeps your skin hydrated for that glowy, dewy look. They're gradually expanding their line, and they also offer makeup.
Where To Buy: Glossier (free shipping over $40).
18. Pai
Pai is perfect for those with sensitive skin that's prone to redness and irritation, but also conditions like psoriasis and eczema. They're all-natural and Leaping Bunny certified.
Where To Buy: Amazon - The Detox Market.
19. Mad Hippie
I've raved about Mad Hippie before because they're a skincare gem! Their products are packed with active ingredients and very affordable for how effective they are.
20. Juice Beauty
Juice Beauty focuses on products that are more natural and organic than other skincare brands. They've been gaining popularity and they can even be found at Sephora right now! They also make makeup, and Gwyneth Paltrow is the Creative Director in that department.
Where To Buy: Sephora - Ulta -- JuiceBeauty.com.
21. Korres
Korres stands by cruelty-free principles and even pulled out of China due to animal testing. They're a Greek brand and they can be found worldwide, including at Sephora.
Where To Buy: Amazon.
22. Dr. Hauschka
This skincare brand is for those who want soothing products that won't irritate your skin, and they're also certified natural.
Where To Buy: Amazon.
23. S. W. Basics
S.W. Basics is all about using as few ingredients as possible, usually 5 or less per products. This means that their formulations have no fillers and every drop matters! They're also eco-friendly and Leaping Bunny certified.
Where To Buy: Target.
24. Supergoop
Supergoop is a sunscreen expert! They exclusively make sun care, meaning they make very good sun care in all formats and for every inch of your skin.
Where To Buy: Amazon.
25. Blissoma
Blissoma is an organic skincare brand that's also eco-friendly and Leaping Bunny and vegan certified. This means that all their products are vegan as well as cruelty-free.
Where To Buy: Amazon.
26. Indie Lee
Indie Lee offers eco-friendly solutions for every skin type from acne-prone to super dry. They use Squalane as well as oils which are formulated to be great for all skin types.
Where To Buy: Amazon - The Detox Market.
27. Renee Rouleau
Renee Rouleau is a "celebrity esthetician" and her line targets all skin types, steering clear from "one size fits all" products. Their focus is effectively correcting every skin type's concerns. Leaping Bunny certified.
Where To Buy: ReneeRouleau.com.
28. COOLA
COOLA specializes in sunscreen. Not only that, but they're one of the few sunscreen options that's also organic. They offer a lot of mineral-based sunscreens as well, and a makeup setting spray with SPF.
29. One Love Organics
This is another brand I'm a fan of! They offer natural and eco-friendly skincare, but also body care. Some products are a little on the pricey side for mid-range, but they're worth it.
Where To Buy: The Detox Market.
30. Meow Meow Tweet
Meow Meow Tweet is 100% vegan and Leaping Bunny certified. The owners are vegan and their products are formulated with natural ingredients. They're simple, eco-friendly, and the packaging is super fun!
Where To Buy: Amazon.
31. Sibu
At the core of Sibu skincare, there's Sea Buckthron Oil from the Himalayan Sea Berry, which has numerous benefits. Sibu also adheres to sustainable and Fair Trade principles.
Where To Buy: Amazon.
32. Oz Naturals
Natural and organic skincare that's also cruelty-free, vegan, and made in the USA. Their goal is to provide products that are both safe and effective. Leaping Bunny certified.
Where To Buy: Amazon.
33. Suntegrity
Suntegrity offers sun care and nothing but sun care, and it's all-natural and mineral-based. The other fun thing is that they offer many tinted products such as tinted moisturizer and colorful lip products with SPF.
Where To Buy: The Detox Market.
34. Farmacy
The brand name Farmacy is actually a pun combining Pharmacy and Farm! There's an emphasis on farming because of the herbs and botanicals used in everything product, and they combine this with their science-based formulas.
Where To Buy: Sephora.
35. REN
Important note: REN is a cruelty-free brand, but it was recently acquired by Unilever, who test on animals. REN still isn't sold in China.
Where To Buy: Sephora.
36. Murad
Important note: Murad is a cruelty-free brand, but it recently acquired by Unilever, who test on animals. Murad still isn't sold in China.
Where To Buy: Sephora.
37. Dermalogica
Important note: Dermalogica is a cruelty-free brand, but it's owned by Unilever, who test on animals. Dermalogica doesn't sell any products in China.
Where To Buy: Nordstrom - Ulta.
High-End And Luxury
38. Sunday Riley
A "staple among makeup artists, celebrities, and supermodels", Sunday Riley makes effective botanical skincare with innovative formulas. They also have a small makeup line.
Where To Buy: Sephora - Nordstrom.
39. Tatcha
All of Tatcha's products are formulated in Japan and are based on the rituals of the Japanese geisha. They're not sold in mainland China and don't test on animals.
Where To Buy: Sephora.
40. Tata Harper
Tata Harper offers skincare that's 100% natural and non-toxic, meaning it doesn't contain any synthetic ingredients whatsoever. Their products are also hand-crafted.
Where To Buy: Sephora.
41. Eve Lom
Update: Eve Lom is no longer cruelty-free after entering the Chinese market.
Eve Lom is a luxury skincare brand from the UK, and it's available in North America as well. They're all about healthy-looking, hydrated skin.
Where To Buy: Sephora - Nordstrom.
42. Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant uses safe and natural ingredients that are also super effective and work to restore your problematic skin. They use Marula Oil in their products, which has numerous benefits for the skin.
Where To Buy: Sephora.
43. Dr. Alkaitis
Dr. Alkaitis has been around since 1996, and was one of the first brands to offer luxury skincare that's 100% certified organic and ethical.
Where To Buy: The Detox Market.
44. Rodial
Rodial products provide a skincare alternative to surgeries and procedures. It's a luxury line that uses concentrated ingredients for maximum results. They're famous for products like "Bee Venom" and "Dragon's Blood" rages.
Where To Buy: Nordstrom.
45. Kahina Giving Beauty
I love Kahina Giving Beauty for their ethical appraoch. They're not only cruelty-free, but also Fair Trade and sustainable. They use organic Argan Oil as the base of their product, and work with Moroccan women for the harvest. Leaping Bunny certified.
Where To Buy: The Detox Market.
46. Mukti Organics (100% Vegan)
Mukti is an Australian brand offering a big range of products for every skin type. The beauty is that everything is organic and ethically-sourced, and their products are really worth it!
Where To Buy: Mukti.com.
47. GOOP
GOOP is Gwyneth Paltrow's luxury skincare line in collaboration with Juice Beauty. Every product is made from organic ingredients, and they're even safe to eat. Gwyneth Paltrow herself actually ate some of the moisturizer as part of a promo!
Where To Buy: GOOP.com.
48. Osea (100% vegan)
OSEA stands for Ocean, Sun, Earth, and Atmosphere. Their priority is respect of the environment by not polluting and offering sustainable skincare. Leaping Bunny certified.
Where To Buy: OseaMalibu.com.
49. Radical Skincare
Radical Skincare is a super high-end skincare brand (over $100 per individual product) that wants to provide solutions that are as effective as possible for all skin types.
Where To Buy: Amazon.
50. dermadoctor
Dr. Audrey Kunin is the doctor behind Dermadoctor, and she wants to provide effective solutions to skincare problems without the need of a prescription.
Where To Buy: Sephora.
51. Kate Somerville
Importnat note: I added Kate Somerville to this list as a cruelty-free option, but they've recently been acquired by Unilever, who still test on animals.
Where To Buy: Sephora.
52. ELF
ELF, the popular budget makeup brand, now offers a wide range of affordable skin care! You can buy their Complete Skin Care Set, which features 6 full-size products, for only $51.
Where To Buy: ELF.com.
53. Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Botanicals aims to bring safe and effective skin care. They use non-toxic ingredients without compromising on the effectiveness of their products. They're also available at Sephora!
Where To Buy: Sephora.
54. Dr. Dennis Gross
Dr. Dennis Gross is a luxury brand that offers solutions for a multitude of skin concerns, from rosacea to enlarged pores.
Where To Buy: Sephora.
Thank you for reading! Suggest your favorite cruelty-free skincare brands in the comments!
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We should spread awareness about this thema. It is very sad that a enormous amount of people don’t seem to care. I thank you very much for the effort and for the information on staging.crueltyfreekitty.com.
Thank you for this list! So many new products I would live to try, especially Paula’s choice. I have exclusively used Eminence Organics, Naturopathica, and Caudalie for many years (all of which I believe fit in to the list as well.)
Thank you so much for the information. Loved reading it. And thanks for caring!
I looked up Skinceuticals which is not on your Cruelty list. They test on animals and sell to China.
Gold Bond has never tested on animals and does not sell to China according to their website. It is not vegan.
Hi
Thank you for your list
I’m wondering why you didn’t mention The Body Shop? ????
Thank you for this guide!!
Wonderful tips I got from your blog post. I really appreciate your article and keep sharing such valuable content.
hi! just a doubt, this page says garnier isnt cruelty free, and then another says it is, could you please confirm
Garnier is cruelty-free as of 2021. This is an old post and I fixed it now.
I am so grateful to you for taking the work out of this important decision process for me. Bless
Have you thought about making a grey area list?
I’ve read in multiple places that Garnier is now cruelty free and leaping bunny certified (or they’re international certified, I can’t remember). But given I think their parent company still is, they’d fall under a “grey area.” More importantly, they’re budget friendly.
See the thing is, TON of “true” cruelty free products are beyond expensive. Especially in these times, not a lot of people can afford something like a $40 moisturizer. It’s even worse for people with super dry and sensitive skin, because a lot of the cheaper cruelty free brands (and I mean a LOT), put essential oils into their products (too many can cause sensitive folks to react to the product badly), put too many of the “skincare friendly” alcohols, (making it worse for super dry folks), or they put citrus extracts (like orange peel oil). And that’s not good either. Just because things like orange peel oil is all of the way down at the bottom of the list doesn’t always mean there’s barely a drop of it in there.
Because of that, people on a budget that want to go cruelty free and also have skin that reacts poorly to a lot of products have a hard time finding something. I speak from personal experience. (ie: Medex skincare, touted as the cerave and cetaphil alternative, has three different types of alcohol used in skincare in a lot of their products. For someone that claims to be friendly to dry and sensitive skin, that’s a confusing red flag for me). So people may need to find a compromise. The company itself being cruelty free but being owned by a parent company that does sell in china, while the cruelty free company refuses to have their products being sold in china, could be the compromise they can use.
On the opposite end of the pricing range, I keep finding that PCA skincare is cruelty free….yet they sell in china as they’re owned by Colgate. What’s going on with that?
Hi I am currently using PanOxyl acne foaming wash, and I cannot find anywhere if the brand or parent company tests on animals. Would you happen to know anything about this brand and it’s standards?
i’m wondering the same thing !!!
Hi there. I am 51 and I am looking for a firming cream for face and neck. I cannot say money is no object, but l would rather spend a bit more to find a product that works. Can you recommend some brands please. Sarah.
The brand Shea Moisture is also Cruelty Free!!
Why have you not Dr.Hauschka on your list? and Weleda? What about Lavera?
Love your skin, Suzi. I’m so jealous of your skin. 🙁 Gonna try all the brands that you’ve mentioned above. Thank you very much pretty!
Hi
I use facetheory, they are vegan and cruelty free.
Love them x
You’re forgetting Monat! Leaping Bunny Certified, 100% Vegan, Cruelty Free, and Gluten Free
I just came across Dr Barbara Sturm skincare – being cruelty-free, and I believe independently owned. Made in Germany.
I was just going to add that I am a big fan of Shea Moisture, Renpure, and Shea Terra, and believe these companies are all against animal testing.
The Ordinary is cruelty-free. Estee Lauder has a minority stake in the company, but the products themselves are cruelty-free, and I love them to bits. Their retinol in squalane and the Buffet are magical.
Hi! Could you check out Cocokind to verify that they’re cruelty free? A lot of sources i’ve seen seem to say so, but I want to be 100% sure before I purchase anything from them.
Hi, I was wondering if Mario Badescu is cruelty free? and what about Tokyo milk?
Which of this cruelty free brands sells in china ?
These brands have body cream or are only for the face?
Tropic Skincare, Lush, The Body Shop, Superdrug and Liz Earle are all wonderful cruelty free brands in the UK. What about the Ordinary?
does lyvl test on animals?
Do you know if naturally serious skin care is cruelty free
And thanks for all the hard work you do for animals
First Aid Beauty is owned by Procter and Gamble
Omigosh this was incredibly helpful. I’ve been wanting to try some new face products. Now I know which ones to research. Thank you!
I am surprised to see oriflame products under animal testing companies