Is CeraVe Cruelty Free? Why CeraVe Falls Short

When it comes to skincare, CeraVe has become a household name. With its dermatologist-developed formulations and affordable prices, it’s no wonder many people love these products. But if you care about animal welfare, you might wonder about the CeraVe cruelty-free status. This question, often phrased as “is CeraVe cruelty-free?”, matters to many shoppers who want their skincare choices to match their values.

In this article, we’ll uncover the truth about CeraVe’s animal testing policies, explain why there’s confusion around their claims, and provide cruelty-free alternatives if you’re looking to make a switch.

Is CeraVe Cruelty Free?

No, CeraVe is not cruelty-free. As many conscientious consumers have concluded, CeraVe is not cruelty-free.

Despite what you might read on their website, CeraVe cannot be considered cruelty-free in the truest sense. While the company states they don’t test their products on animals, there’s more to the story that isn’t immediately obvious for those seeking fully cruelty-free options.

The reality is that CeraVe sells its products in markets where animal testing is required by law, including mainland China, a country where it’s known that animal testing is still sometimes a mandatory step for certain cosmetic products. 

This means that while CeraVe itself may not conduct animal tests, their products can still be tested on animals by third parties to meet local regulations, especially as this practice is still the case in China for some items.

This contradiction between what CeraVe claims and what actually happens creates confusion for consumers who care about using products that haven’t harmed animals.

Does CeraVe Test on Animals?

If you check CeraVe’s website, you’ll find a simple statement in their FAQ section: “No, CeraVe products are not tested on animals.”

This statement is technically accurate but potentially misleading, especially if one is trying to determine whether CeraVe engages in animal testing through third parties. CeraVe itself doesn’t directly perform animal testing on their products, so their items are, in a limited sense, longer tested on animals by the brand directly. 

However, they allow their products to be sold in regions where animal testing for cosmetics is required by law.

When companies make statements about not testing on animals, it’s important to look at the full picture:

1. Finished product testing: Testing the final product on animals
2. Ingredient testing: Testing individual ingredients on animals
3. Third-party testing: Having other organizations test their products on animals
4. Testing by law: Allowing products to be tested when required by local regulations, where authorities might decide to conduct animal tests on specific items.

CeraVe’s statement only addresses the first point. They don’t address the other forms of testing, particularly testing required by law in certain markets where they choose to sell their products, and where local health authorities may nevertheless decide to perform such tests. Some authorities, nevertheless, decide to conduct animal tests themselves.

The China Market & Mandatory Animal Testing

The biggest issue with CeraVe’s cruelty-free status involves the Chinese market. Until recently, China required animal testing on all imported cosmetics before they could be sold in the country, meaning brands couldn’t sell cosmetics in China without animal testing.

Recent Changes to Chinese Regulations

China’s animal testing laws have evolved over time:

• Pre-2014: All cosmetics sold in China required animal testing
• 2014-2021: Domestically manufactured general cosmetics (like makeup and skincare) were exempt from pre-market animal testing
• May 2021: Some imported general cosmetics became eligible for exemption from animal testing, but only under specific conditions, making it possible to sell some items in China without animal testing processes being applied.

Despite these changes, many products still require animal testing in China, including:

• Special-use cosmetics (sunscreens, hair dyes)
• Products marketed to children or nursing mothers
• Products containing new cosmetic ingredients for which authorities may nevertheless decide to conduct further assessments.

CeraVe sells its products in mainland China, which indicates that some of their products may still be subject to animal testing requirements, as authorities might determine that these tests themselves for certain cosmetic products are necessary.

L’Oréal Ownership: The Parent Company Factor

In 2017, L’Oréal acquired CeraVe for $1.3 billion. Source

This ownership matters when considering cruelty-free status because CeraVe is owned by L’Oréal, which has a complicated history with animal testing. Some consumers will not support brands if their parent companies are not cruelty-free.

L’Oréal states that it “no longer tests its ingredients on animals and no longer tolerates any exception to this rule.” They also mention they have invested for 10 years to have alternative testing methods developed and validated. 

Indeed, L’Oréal has spent many years to have alternative testing methods recognized by authorities. However, L’Oréal sells many of its brands in China and other markets where animal testing may be required by law, which can impact the perception of a brand when CeraVe is owned by such a company.

This parent company policy affects CeraVe’s overall cruelty-free status. When a brand is owned by a parent company that permits animal testing in certain markets, many ethical consumers don’t consider the subsidiary brands truly cruelty-free.

Cruelty-Free Certification Status

For consumers who want certainty about a brand’s animal testing policies, third-party certifications provide valuable guidance. Many people ask, “Is CeraVe certified cruelty-free?” The two most recognized cruelty-free certifications are:

1. Leaping Bunny: Considered the gold standard for cruelty-free certification
2. PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies: Another widely recognized certification program

CeraVe has not received certification from either of these organizations. While it’s true that companies can be fully cruelty-free without being certified, these certifications offer an extra layer of assurance for consumers.

These certification programs have strict policies against animal testing and require brands to meet several criteria:

• No animal testing on finished products
• No animal testing on ingredients
• No third-party animal testing
• No animal testing required by law in markets where products are sold

CeraVe fails to meet these requirements mainly because they sell their products in China, where animal testing may still be required, preventing them from being considered genuinely cruelty-free by these standards.

For those specifically looking for cruelty-free brands, certification is a key indicator.

Is CeraVe Vegan?

Being cruelty-free and being vegan are two different things when assessing if a brand is cruelty-free or vegan:

• Cruelty-free means no animal testing
• Vegan means no animal-derived ingredients

CeraVe is not a vegan brand; in fact, CeraVe is not vegan. Many of their cosmetic products contain animal-derived ingredients, meaning their products are vegan status is negative.

• Cholesterol: Often derived from animal sources like sheep’s wool
• Glycerin: Can be derived from animal fats
• Lanolin: Derived from sheep’s wool
• Beeswax: Produced by bees

According to Treehugger, “CeraVe can’t be considered a vegan brand because many of its products contain animal derivatives, including glycerin and cholesterol”. 

Therefore, consumers cannot consider any CeraVe products vegan. It’s important to check labels if you are seeking vegan products, or even better, look for dedicated vegan beauty brands. Because CeraVe’s products may contain animal-derived ingredients, they do not meet vegan standards.

Is CeraVe a Clean Brand?

When it comes to “clean” beauty standards, CeraVe falls somewhere in the middle. Their products are:

• Fragrance-free, which reduces the risk of irritation
• Non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores
• Developed with dermatologists

However, CeraVe products may contain some ingredients that clean beauty advocates might avoid, such as:

• Parabens (in some products)
• Petrolatum (derived from petroleum)
• Dimethicone (a silicone-based polymer)

Whether a brand is “clean” depends on your personal definition of the term, as there’s no standard regulatory definition.

Is CeraVe Toxic?

CeraVe products are not considered toxic in the traditional sense of the word. They’re formulated to be safe for their intended use and meet safety regulations in the markets where they’re sold.

The ingredients used in CeraVe products have been tested for safety, and the brand is widely recommended by dermatologists. While some consumers may prefer to avoid certain ingredients, this doesn’t make the products “toxic.”

Global Animal Testing Regulations

Animal testing regulations vary significantly worldwide, especially in countries where animal testing is still permitted:

These differences make it challenging for global brands to maintain a cruelty-free status in every market. 

However, many companies choose to prioritize ethics over market access, refusing to sell in regions that require animal testing, aiming for the definite elimination of animal testing from their supply chains, even when alternative testing methods recognized by all authorities are still evolving.

Cruelty-Free Alternatives to CeraVe

If you’re looking to switch to cruelty-free products, here are some options that match CeraVe’s most popular products:

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Alternatives

1. Ceramedx Ultra Moisturizing Cream ($15.95)
   
   • Cruelty-free and vegan
   • Contains plant-derived ceramides
   • No fragrances, including masking fragrances
2. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA ($14.00)
   
   • PETA and Leaping Bunny certified
   • Contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides
   • Affordable price point

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Alternatives

1. Paula’s Choice CALM Ultra-Gentle Cleanser ($22.00)
   
   • PETA and Leaping Bunny certified
   • Good for sensitive skin
   • Contains no niacinamide (which can be animal-derived)
2. Acure Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream ($9.99)
   
   • 100% vegan and cruelty-free
   • Contains organic ingredients
   • Suitable for sensitive skin

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizer Alternatives

1. Cocokind Texture Smoothing Cream ($20.00)
   
   • Plant-based and cruelty-free
   • Lightweight and nutrient-rich
   • Contains ceramides
2. Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream ($48.00)
   
   • Cruelty-free and vegan
   • Contains antioxidants and vitamins
   • Lightweight formula, unlike some heavier creams like CeraVe.

According to dermatologists, these alternatives can be just as effective as CeraVe products. 

Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist, notes: “Look for products with similar active ingredients, such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, to match the effectiveness of CeraVe while staying cruelty-free.”

Conclusion

Despite CeraVe’s statement that they don’t test on animals, the brand cannot be considered truly cruelty-free due to their decision to sell in markets where animal testing may be required by law; this is especially true since CeraVe engages in animal testing via third parties in these markets. 

Additionally, many CeraVe products contain animal-derived ingredients, meaning they’re not vegan products even if some were cruelty-free.

If using cruelty-free skincare products is important to you, numerous alternatives offer similar benefits without the ethical concerns. By choosing brands certified by organizations like Leaping Bunny or PETA, you can feel confident that your skincare routine aligns with your values. The list of ethical brands includes CeraVe alternatives that are both effective and kind to animals.

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