Is CeraVe cruelty-free? And the simple answer is: no. Unfortunately, CeraVe is not a cruelty-free brand.
Today, more than ever, consumers care about buying cruelty-free products from socially conscious and responsible companies.
But we’re not through with them just yet – the longer answer is that CeraVe, the branch of the cosmetics giant Loreal, does not directly test its ingredients or products on animals for products sold within the United States and other countries, but they do also sell them in other areas with unethical animal testing laws.
This means that they may claim to be cruelty-free because they don’t directly test their products on animals in this market, but they continue to sell them in countries like China that do test their products on animals; all of the profit, but none of the blame.
Yes, you read that right: health laws in China require that animal testing is performed for certain products, so anything CeraVe sells in China may be tested on animals. Their website makes claims that they’re working on driving toward an entirely cruelty-free product line, even for what’s sold in countries with mandatory animal testing, but we’ll wait to see the proof for now.
In the meantime, we’ll give you some happy, healthy, alternative companies that are truly cruelty-free that you can choose to purchase from. But first, let’s do a quick recap of what it really means to be cruelty-free:
In order to really be cruelty-free, a company can’t test ingredients or finished products on animals. We know what you’re thinking: that one’s pretty obvious. But here are some other requirements that aren’t as obvious, at least not right away:
- The suppliers, in addition to the brand, can’t test ingredients or finished products on animals, either
- A third-party company can’t test ingredients or finished products on animals for the brand (this is how many companies will try to trick consumers into thinking they’re cruelty-free when they’re not)
- There can’t even be any animal testing in places where it’s required by law, which means that the brand’s products can’t be sold by retailers in mainland China
Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Here are some of the most popular cruelty-free brand alternatives if you want to stop shopping CeraVe products until they make some positive changes:
- Tata Harper
- Covergirl
- Everyday Minerals
- Jeffree Star
- Becca Cosmetics
- Urban Decay
- Kat Von D
- Cover FX
- IT Cosmetics
- Too Faced
- Tarte
- ELF
- Vapour Organic Beauty
- Physicians Formula
These brands range from super affordable drugstore brands like ELF to mid-level beauty brands like Urban Decay to high-end cosmetics companies like Tata Harper or Vapour. So, no matter what your budget or your product needs are, there’s something on the list for everyone!
It gets better: in addition to the ones listed above, there are now hundreds of companies that have either already made the switch, or they’re in the process of doing so, and the list is growing every day. Individual Earth warriors and socially conscious businesses like Tata Harper are fighting for change in some pretty major ways, and we’re all about it.
They understand that we hunt for the words “cruelty-free”, or the small depiction of an adorable bunny that shows us that a product isn’t tested on animals. Millennials and other up-and-coming generations, in particular, are driving change. We’re eco-warriors and Earth lovers, promoting the health of our planet, ourselves, and our animals.
Personally, we’re beyond inspired by all of the companies that are paying attention to what consumers care about. In addition to the peace of mind we get from choosing products that aren’t tested on lab rats, rabbits, cats, or dogs, there is a wide range of other benefits that make the decision even easier to make.
Cruelty-free products are typically also much healthier than their non-cruelty-free alternatives. This means that you’ll be investing in products that you can feel good about, that are also better for your body and skin. With fewer chemicals and synthetic dyes, these cleaner options are made with ingredients that are less likely to cause allergic reactions, breakouts, or other skin irritations, so it’s a win-win.
As if that isn’t enough, most cruelty-free companies are also creating products that are budget-friendly. Despite what many people think, many of these products are incredibly affordable. After all, these companies want you to make the switch, so offering extra incentives makes perfect sense.
But wait, there’s more: in addition to saving the animals, choosing products that are better for you and your skin, and buying on a budget, your cruelty-free choices have a few other benefits. When your narrow down your product stash to only what is cruelty-free, it helps you make mindful choices, and clear the clutter out of your bathroom or bedroom. But the biggest benefit is the peace of mind you’ll achieve.
Animal testing is just not necessary anymore, and consumers now have the power to create change.
When you choose cruelty-free products, you’re choosing to protect creatures in the world that don’t have the voice or the means to protect themselves. You’re choosing to take a stand and encourage big companies to change their old, outdated practices. You’re choosing products that are better for you, affordable, mindful, healthy, and powerful. And what could possibly be better than that?
