Lavera Naturkosmeics was founded in 1987 by Thomas Haase, owner of one of the first organic grocery shops in Germany. According to his own statements, Haase suffered from a skin disorder called neurodermatitis, which caused his love for an alternative, natural medicine, and skincare products. In 1975, Haase patented his first lip balm for sensitive skin, and almost a decade later, he started his company.
Lavera has grown to become one of the biggest natural skincare products manufacturers in Germany. Its name was derived from the Latin word meaning ‘the truth.’ The brand has won over 350 various awards and recommendations from the critical German magazine, called OEKO-TEST. Most of these awards were for the brand’s innovative and natural approach towards skincare.
Today, Lavera products are sold in over 40 countries all around the world. In 2015, it was ranked 33rd of around 2000 German brands.
Is Lavera Cruelty-Free?
| Not sold in China? | Yes |
| PETA Certified | No(*) |
| Leaping Bunny Certified | No(*) |
| Has vegan products | Yes |
| Not owned by a Parent Company that does Animal Testing? | Yes |
Yes, Lavera is cruelty-free.
Lavera states that it doesn’t test any finished products or ingredients and formulations on animals. At the same time, it doesn’t pay anyone to test on their behalf. It ensures that its suppliers are also cruelty-free.
In 2012, however, a short controversy occurred when the brand changed its cruelty-free statement to say that it cannot ensure its raw material suppliers were cruelty-free. At the same time, its representatives stated that, as some customers started having allergic reactions to its products, they must consider changing their testing methods. This caused an outrage, as many people thought this means the brand will start animal testing. However, as of 2020, the brand has proven to be cruelty-free several times, and the controversial statement disappeared.
Lavera isn’t certified by PETA nor the Leaping Bunny, but this doesn’t mean much. Becoming a part of these two programs is entirely optional and on a voluntary basis(*).
Best Selling Lavera Products
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Are Lavera products sold in China?
No, Lavera products aren’t being sold in mainland China. The brand stopped selling in China in 2013 and refuses to go back to that market until the animal testing laws are changed.
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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.
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Is Lavera Vegan?
Not all Lavera products are vegan, as some contain animal-derived ingredients or animal by-products, such as carmine, which can be found in some cosmetics. However, approximately 95% of Lavera’s products are vegan and contain all-natural ingredients, mostly plant essences and extracts.
At the same time, Lavera’s products are organic, and they don’t contain parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrochemicals, or parraffinium.
What products does Lavera sell?
Lavera started as a skincare brand, selling mostly lip balms, cleansing gels, and various creams. Its products were made with sensitive skin in mind. They have revitalizing and anti-aging creams that are suitable for most people.
In the latest years, Lavera started producing makeup and other cosmetic products and expanding the brand. However, it is still mostly known as a natural skincare company.
Best Selling Lavera Products
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
