Weleda is a multinational personal care company that was founded in 1921 in Switzerland. It is a product of merging Ita Wegman’s and Rudolf Steiner’s “Futurum AG” and “Der Kommende Tag AG.” As two of its founders were a philosopher and gynecologists, they decided to create a brand that would manufacture naturopathic medicines and natural beauty products.
The brand relies on anthroposophical principles, alternative medicine that has yet to prove its effectiveness but still has a lot of followers. Ever since its founding, Weleda uses green energy resources, as well as natural ingredients that are grown with the help of biodynamic methods.
Weleda is the biggest producer of Iscador, a white mistletoe extract, which is believed to have several health benefits.
Today, Weleda’s products are sold in several countries all around the globe.
Is Weleda 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, Weleda is cruelty-free.
None of Weleda’s finished products, ingredients, or formulations, are tested on animals. At the same time, Weleda doesn’t allow its suppliers to test on animals, and it doesn’t pay a third-party to conduct these tests on its behalf.
There has been some controversy when Weleda announced that some of its products would start to sell in China after 2014, but this was since cleared out. Weleda has proved time and time again to be indeed cruelty-free.
Weleda is not certified by PETA or the Leaping Bunny. However, it is a member of the Union for Ethical Biotrade, and the European organization, NATRUE, certifies its personal care products(**).
Best Selling Weleda Products
Amazon.com
Are Weleda products sold in China?
Some of Weleda’s products are sold in mainland China. However, the brand reassured everyone that it’s taking care of the type of products that are being shipped. The only Weleda’s products that can be found in China are toothpastes and soaps, which are exempt from China’s animal testing policies. At the same time, the company is taking care that none of its products are a subject of post-marketing testing(*).
Other Weleda’s products can be ordered online, and as such, don’t require animal testing. This enables Weleda to remain cruelty-free.
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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 Weleda Vegan?
Weleda is not 100% vegan. Some of its products contain animal-derived ingredients or animal by-products such as lanoline, beeswax, lactose as goat milk. Also, most of its elixirs contain honey. However, it does have a wide range of vegan products that are clearly listed on their website. If you are a vegan, make sure to look at the products’ ingredients or visit their website first.
What products does Weleda sell?
Weleda sells a variety of personal care and body care products. It became famous for its use of Iscador, as well as nature-friendly items. It sells face care products such as lip balms and moisturizers, as well as several lines of creams. Weleda also has creams and lotions for all skin types and most skin conditions, such as eczema. However, it’s widely known for its soaps, shampoos, and kids’ personal care products.
Best Selling Weleda Products
Amazon.com