Is Aveeno Cruelty-Free: What are the Alternatives?

Aveeno is a Canadian skincare and haircare brand that was originally created in 1945, by two brothers named Sidney and Aveeno Musher. Their products were originally made by a division of S. C. Johnson & Sons, Rydelle Laboratories, which decided to stop using Rydelle name a few decades later, in 1989.

The brand quickly became famous for its use of specific ingredients that were made from oat extracts called avenanthramides. In fact, even the name of the brand is derived from the scientific name of one of the most common oats, Avena sativa. Their gentle creams and other skincare products quickly allowed them to earn worldwide fame. In recent years, their famous spokespersons – most notably, Jennifer Aniston and Daniella van Graas – helped further expand the brand’s popularity.

Is Aveeno Cruelty-Free?

Not sold in China? No
PETA Certified No
Leaping Bunny Certified No
Has vegan products No
Not owned by a Parent Company that does Animal Testing? No

grade 1

Aveeno is not cruelty-free. This means that they either conduct animal testing or support it in some way.

This brand has a policy that states that Aveeno on its own doesn’t test its final products or the ingredients on animals – except on rare occasions when required by law. In other words, their products are being tested on animals by suppliers that import products to some countries.

Any brand that doesn’t fully condemn animal testing cannot be considered cruelty-free. Aveeno also claims that they are constantly seeking alternatives for animal testing, but at the same time, they have no problem with third-parties testing in their name.

Alternative Cruelty-Free Facial Care Products

Alternative Cruelty-Free Baby Care Products

Are Aveeno products sold in China?

Yes, Aveeno products are sold in mainland China. This means that their products are being animal tested, despite their cruelty-free policy.

[epcl_box type=”information”]

What is the Deal with China?

Even though animal testing is proven to be an unnecessary and unethical practice, some countries still require it by law. This is the case with the second-biggest market in the world, China.

China requires any beauty product to be tested on animals before allowing importation and being sold in Chinese stores. Any company or brand that makes the decision to sell in China has also decided to test on animals – either by themselves or, usually, by paying a third-party company to test on their behalf. This is the main reason why a lot of brands can’t achieve a true cruelty-free status. After growing public outrage, China did lift some regulations in 2014, which allowed certain beauty products, such as shampoos and other skincare items, to be imported without testing, but this is still a small percentage.

A lot of brands that claim to be cruelty-free are being misleading thanks to these laws. Even if a brand doesn’t conduct animal testing on its own, by deciding to take the opportunity and sell in countries such as China, it is allowing a third-party to test the final product on animals. This is why PETA and the Leaping Bunny Program have forbidden brands that they certify to expand their market in this direction – and rightfully so.

A lot of companies are working with the Chinese government on lifting these regulations, and legislation was proposed in 2019 that should stop mandatory animal testing. However until today, no substantial progress has been made in this regard, we continue to wait patiently.

[/epcl_box]

Is Aveeno Vegan?

Aveeno as a brand is not vegan. Animal by-products, such as honey, lanolin, and other animal-derived ingredients from insects and fish, are found in most of their products. However, they do have a few vegan products in their catalog, but this is most likely just a coincidence and not the primary intent of the manufacturer, as they don’t have a vegan line.

Who owns Aveeno and does the parent company test on animals?

Aveeno is owned by a skincare brand, Johnson and Johnson, which bought this company in 1999. Johnson and Johnson is a brand that is not cruelty-free, although they allow their brands to make their own decisions about their work ethics and policies.

What products does Aveeno sell?

Aveeno is well-known for its skincare products that help treat various skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, chickenpox, hives, and sunburn. They also offer a variety of hair care products, to help improve the health of damaged hair.

In 2001, Aveeno expanded into the body wash and baby care categories with their new product lines, and since 2004 they also produce facial care items. A few years later, they introduced their acne care and anti-aging products, as well. Their brand has achieved worldwide recognition and praise for the quality of their items.

Alternative Cruelty-Free Facial Care Products

Alternative Cruelty-Free Baby Care Products

Leave a Comment