CeraVe’s Animal Testing Policy
When we ask Does CeraVe Test on Animals?, we must ensure that none of CeraVe’s ingredients or suppliers tests on animals. They don’t sell their products in countries or conditions where animal testing may be required by law.
When assessing whether a brand is cruelty-free, the first thing I look at is its official policy regarding animal testing on their website.
CeraVe’s website states that their products are not tested using animals. CeraVe and other brands are not cruelty-free to us based on the information provided.
Below is a screenshot showing what is currently on the CeraVe website.
Animal cosmetics testing is done at different stages, such as at the ingredient or product level. It’s often not carried out by the cosmetic company.
We constantly evaluate a company’s cruelty-free policy by using our Checklist. It ensures that no animal testing has been performed by the company, its suppliers, or third parties.
CeraVe was contacted to get more information on their policy regarding animal testing. I was more interested in finding out if CeraVe commissions or allows others to test their products and their ingredients on animals. This includes selling their products to countries requiring animal tests (like mainland China).
L’Oreal is committed to animal welfare. We do not test animals. We support a world free of animal testing. CeraVe and the L’Oreal Group have always prioritized our customers’ safety and health. The last time we tested our products for safety on animals was in 1989, 14 years before the regulations required it.
There are non-animal methods that can be used to guarantee the safety of cosmetics. We developed human reconstructed tissue over 40 years ago, which is more accurate in analyzing the behavior of cosmetic products and ingredients on human skin. We continue to develop new technologies and methods that do not involve animals.
According to their answer, L’Oreal is CeraVe’s owner. CeraVe also has the same policy on animal testing as L’Oreal. Both companies state that they do not test their products using animals but then cite China’s regulations for animal testing.
The link I was given led me to L’Oreal’s Corporate Animal Testing Policy, which included the following statement.
As in China, certain health authorities could still decide to test cosmetics on animals. L’Oreal has been working with Chinese scientists and sources for more than ten years to recognize alternative testing methods and allow cosmetic regulation to progress toward eliminating animal tests. Since 2014, some products sold and manufactured in China, such as shampoos, body washes, or makeup, are no longer tested using animals .”
Most policies stating China’s laws on animal testing imply that the company sells its products in mainland China. This is because cosmetics in mainland China must be tested on animals by law.
CeraVe is sold in China
I found that CeraVe products are sold in mainland China.
Here is a screenshot from the Chinese version of CeraVe’s website:
Why does China no longer test on animals?
After the recent changes in China’s animal testing laws, cosmetic companies can now export and sell their cosmetics without animal testing if they meet ALL the preconditions.
Only sell cosmetics that are ‘general’ in nature (like nail polish, makeup, skincare products, hair care, perfumes, etc.)
It would be best if you did not sell cosmetics that claim new efficacy, such as sunscreens, hair dyes, permings, or hair dyes.
You must NOT sell any products that are designed for infants and children.
You must NOT sell any products that contain “New Cosmetic Ingredient.”
If testing after-market is needed, the company should have a policy that allows it to RECALL products instead of allowing them to be tested on animals.
To avoid animal tests in China, the product must also meet at least ONE of the following requirements:
Is it manufactured in China, or the final assembly takes place in China
If the product is manufactured outside China and exported to China by a company, it must have all of the necessary documents and certificates.
CeraVe has yet to state anywhere that it has taken any action to meet these preconditions to avoid animal testing when selling in China.
The highlighted lines on the graph below will show why the law still requires that most cosmetics sold in China, like CeraVe or L’Oreal, be tested on animals in 2023.
CeraVe, because they have decided to sell their products in mainland China stores, must consent to and pay for the testing of their products on animals. Most cosmetics sold in mainland China in 2023 will not be cruelty-free because CeraVe has decided to trade in these stores.
CeraVe does not conduct these tests on animals, but they allow the Chinese authorities to do so for their products to be sold in China.
CeraVe is not cruelty-free to our standards.
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Animal Welfare Policies
Many cruelty-free brands choose not to sell their products under conditions that may require animal testing. CeraVe, unfortunately, refuses to comply with the same standards and cannot be considered as cruelty-free.
We at ethical elephant constantly evaluate a company’s cruelty-free policy using our Checklist. The brand, suppliers or any third party cannot test on animals.
Check out our full cruelty-free checklist below. CeraVe does not yet meet the last two criteria, so we cannot label the brand cruelty-free.
CeraVe tests on animals?
CeraVe does allow its products to undergo animal testing when required by law. For example, when they are sold in China. We would, therefore, NOT consider CeraVe a cruelty-free product.
CeraVe currently appears on our list of brands to avoid – animal tested.
Is CeraVe vegan?
CeraVe DOES NOT claim to be vegan. CeraVe doesn’t market itself as offering vegan-friendly products. CeraVe is involved in animal testing, so we don’t consider CeraVe products to be vegan.
To be considered Vegan, products and their components must not have been tested on animals in any part of the world. They must also not contain animal-derived products or ingredients.