Is CeraVe Cruelty-Free and Vegan? (It Depends On Your View)

With so many different products on the market, it can be hard to find the right ones for your skin that also fit with your ethics. world by storm.

One of the more popular brands that are popular right now is CeraVe.

CeraVe is a dermatologist recommended line of skincare products including lotions, cleansers, creams and moisturizers that target specific skin types and skin problems. 

Whilst CeraVe is well known for its wonder products, you may be wanting to try this brand out for yourself, but wondering whether it could be right for you and your ethical lifestyle choices.

So, is CeraVe Cruelty Free?

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Is CeraVe Cruelty Free?

Just like L’Oreal their parent company, CeraVe is unfortunately not cruelty free.

This is largely due to the fact that CeraVe is sold by L’Oreal around the world, including in countries where animal testing is required in order for cosmetic products to be sold there.

This would mean that the brand or company would either conduct such testing themselves, or pay for their products to be tested on animals within a lab.

This would make CeraVe inherently not cruelty free.

Does CeraVe Test On Animals?

After consulting their policy on testing, L’Oreal’s CeraVe claim that they ‘no longer test ingredients on animals and no longer tolerate any exception to this rule.

Certain health authorities may nevertheless decide to conduct animal tests themselves for certain cosmetic products, as is still the case in China.’ 

Whilst this statement may seem like the company shares cruelty free policies, this basically means that they do not include ingredients tested on animals, but they do pay for testing in other countries where this is mandatory for them to enter the market. 

Is CeraVe Sold In China?

Yes, CeraVe is sold in China, which is what makes this brand not cruelty free.

For items to be sold in Mainland China, they have to be vigorously tested upon animals, and so CeraVe would pay for animal testing of their products. 

In China, all cosmetic brands sold in stores have to be tested post-production, upon animals if they are to be legally sold in China.

CeraVe has made the decision to sell their products in China, which also means that they pay for their products to be tested on animals. 

Which CeraVe Products Are Vegan? 

Whilst CeraVe is not cruelty free as a company, they do make some vegan products.

That being said, many of the products in the range are not 100% vegan, so you would have to check the ingredients list of specific products as some use honey, lanolin and other animal derived ingredients when making them. 

Bear in mind that the company is not cruelty free, so cannot be completely 100% vegan, however this will depend on your morals or beliefs around a vegan lifestyle.

That being said, CeraVe have pledged to change all of their products in North America to make them 100% vegan by 2021.

Are CeraVe Leaping Bunny or PETA certified?

No, Cerave are not Leaping Bunny or PETA certified. 

Cruelty Free Alternatives to CeraVe

As we said, some of CeraVe’s products are hailed as the holy grail when it comes to skincare, so it’s a real shame that the brand is not cruelty free.

Luckily, we have some alternatives for you that you can use instead of CeraVe’s best selling products.

If you are a fan of the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, you will want to try the Ceramedx Ultra Moisturizing Ceramide Cream. 

OUR TOP PICK

CERAMEDX - Ultra Moisturizing Natural Ceramide Cream Unscented for Dry, Sensitive Skin (6 oz.)


This stuff is basically the same, except it has a more buttery texture, and is cruelty free. 

Another popular product from CeraVe is the Hydrating Skin Cleanser, as it is gentle, perfect for sensitive skin, and does not dry out or strip away any of your skin's natural moisture.

Unfortunately, this product is also not cruelty free, so we have found the perfect dupe for you. 

EDITORS CHOICE

Burt's Bees Face Cleanser, Facial Wash for Sensitive Skin, Natural Skin Care, 6 Ounce (Packaging May Vary)

This product has all natural ingredients, is naturally hydrating and is even cheaper than the CeraVe range! 

One of the most important steps in your skincare routine is the night time lotions.

So many people remember to cleanse and moisturize in the morning, but seem to skip caring for their skin at night.

For this, you will need a specific lotion for your night time routine.

A popular night facial lotion from CeraVe is the PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. 

This product has lots of ceramides, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, and not so much extra added ingredients, so it builds the perfect barrier for your skin and regenerates old skin cells.

This product works wonders, but it is not completely 100% cruelty free, so you will want an alternative.

BEST VALUE

No products found.

This product has lots of collagen, natural ingredients and is made to repair and strengthen the skin overnight!  

Summary

CeraVe is a skincare brand that is owned by cosmetic giant L’Oreal.

It is a well known fact that L’Oreal are not against animal testing, and their products are not completely cruelty free. 

Whilst CeraVe does not use ingredients tested on animals in their formulas during manufacturing, they do sell their products in countries where animal testing post-production is mandatory, and so the company is not cruelty free.

Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API