Is CeraVe Cruelty Free? - Glamour 'n Glow (2024)

CeraVe is one of the most popular skincare brands for a reason, especially if you have dry skin. For one, they’re a dermatologist-recommend brand. And when I say a dermatologist-recommended brand, I mean two dermatologists have recommended I use CeraVe for my eczema.

Their products are made with three essential ceramides to improve moisture and restore your skin’s protective barrier. Not only that, but you can find CeraVe at just about any drugstore and their products aren’t expensive at all.

Is CeraVe Cruelty free?

Well, the answer is more complex than you think, but after looking at all the evidence, I can tell you that CeraVe is not 100% cruelty-free. Although they claim they do not test on animals, they are owned by L’Oreal, which is not a cruelty-free brand (although they do claim they don’t test on animals either).

If you are looking for a more ethical brand, that still delivers amazing skincare, I’ve given you some amazing alternatives below.

What Is CeraVe?

Have you never heard of CeraVe? It’s helpful to understand more information about this brand.

CeraVe is a brand formed in 2005 by dermatologists. They realized that most skincare conditions have one main issue in common: the skin has a weak protective barrier. They created CeraVe made with three ceramides, which are fatty acids that make up 50% of the skin’s surface. CeraVe aims to improve a variety of skin conditions and protect the skin against future damage.

In addition, you can usually afford CeraVe products on a budget. For example, a 19 oz jar of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream only costs $12 on Amazon. And trust me, that stuff lasts. You only need a little bit of product. In addition to finding CeraVe online, you can find this brand at just about every drugstore as well as other stores, such as Target and Walmart.

What Are CeraVe’s Most Popular Products?

According to the CeraVe website, here are CeraVe’s most popular products:

• Moisturizing cream
• Hydrating facial cleanser
• Daily moisturizing lotion
• Foaming facial cleanser
• AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen
• PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Keep in mind, this isn’t the entire CeraVe catalog. They offer a variety of skincare products that range from acne products and even products that treat conditions such as psoriasis. Here’s the entire CeraVe catalog.

Where Is CeraVe Made?

CeraVe products are all made in the US. From here, they ship their products globally. Even though they sell their products in China, none of their products are manufactured in the country.

Does CeraVe Test on Animals?

Fortunately, no — CeraVe doesn’t do any animal test. This is information you can get on their website. Go to the FAQ page, scroll down to the question about animal testing, and you’ll see their answer.

The only issue with this answer is they, as with other brands, do test on animals when required by law. China was famously a country that requires an animal test for all beauty products, but they changed this law this year. But CeraVe sells its products in multiple countries, and that could mean a region they sell in will require animal testing.

Why Do Some Brands Still Test on Animals, Even When They Say They Don’t?

This is a common problem among many beauty brands, including CeraVe. They say they don’t test on animals, only for there to be more information in the fine print.

This actually has more to do with the parent company than anything. A parent company is an entity that holds some form of control over another brand. This gives the parent company control over some of its operations, which may also include animal testing.

Let’s say Brand A owns Brand B. Brand B is a company against animal testing. While Brand A is also against animal testing, they will do so if necessary. However, Brand A can’t tell Brand B they need to test on animals. Instead, they will work with them to avoid animal testing, usually by avoiding sales in that particular country or region.

This is the problem that brands like CeraVe face. CeraVe is owned by L’Oreal.

While L’Oreal is also against animal testing, they mention on their website that some health authorities will conduct the animal testing themselves. However, this often isn’t enough for those who live a cruelty-free lifestyle, since they don’t want their money supporting a brand that may potentially allow animal testing, even if it’s under serious restrictive circ*mstances.

Is CeraVe Vegan?

This depends. Some CeraVe products are vegan, but some of the products offered from this cruelty-free brand contain animal ingredients. If this doesn’t bother you, then focus on the vegan products in their line.

While CeraVe doesn’t specifically state which products are vegan, it’s best to check the ingredients to ensure you’re not using animal by-products. Examples of animal-based ingredients that could be found in CeraVe products include glycerin and beeswax.

Keep in mind, CeraVe does plan on going vegan. CeraVe UK is already completely vegan.

Is CeraVe Eco-Friendly?

CeraVe uses plastic packaging, so they’re not the most eco-friendly choice. I’m trying to look around the internet to see if they use a recyclable form of plastic, but I can’t find any information on the type of plastic they use.

However, CeraVe does offer more environmentally-friendly products. For example, you can use a cleansing bar instead of a liquid. They offer bars for both the face and body.

If you’re trying to be more environmentally conscious, I recommend choosing a different brand.

Is CeraVe Organic?

No, CeraVe isn’t organic. Their products also don’t contain natural ingredients.

Are CeraVe’s Products Safe?

Yes! CeraVe’s products are completely safe and non-toxic. CeraVe is a good brand for those with sensitive skin. They have an ingredient list that’s honest and easy to read.While an allergic reaction to their skincare product is rare, it could happen.

Should You Use CeraVe?

Looking around on many cruelty-free websites, many immediately dismiss this brand. However, it’s more difficult to dismiss a brand like CeraVe.

For one, many dermatologists recommend this brand. As I mentioned, I had two dermatologists recommend this brand for my eczema. If you have serious skin problems, don’t have a prescription, and want a product in an affordable price range, I highly suggest using CeraVe if the animal testing aspect doesn’t bother you.

What if your dermatologist suggests CeraVe and you live a vegan/cruelty-free lifestyle? Mention this to your dermatologist. There are loads of effective brands, as we will state in the next section, that are vegan and cruelty-free.

If you do your own research and find a cruelty-free/vegan brand you want to try, always ask your dermatologist for advice. While living a cruelty-free lifestyle is essential, you’ll also want to use products that are safe and effective. Never underestimate your dermatologist’s recommendation, especially if you have problematic skin.

It’s also important to note that there are changes. China no longer requires animal testing and CeraVe does aim to become vegan. If you’re not comfortable using CeraVe now, you may want to consider keeping up with this brand when they change their future policies.

Cruelty-Free Alternatives to CeraVe

First Aid Beauty

I absolutely love this skincare brand! Their line is very extensive and shows serious results. While I’m not crazy about their cleansers, their moisturizers are amazing and have saved my skin during dry skin breakouts. While they’re more expensive than CeraVe, their Ultra Repair Cream is the best dupe to CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream.

Plus, FAB is 100% cruelty-free and is even PETA-certified. They also don’t sell their products in regions that conduct animal testing and no third-party tests their products and ingredients on animals. You can find more information about their philosophy on their website.

The Ordinary

The Ordinary is a brand I’ve been wanting to try for years, but their products are always sold out on the Sephora website!

The Ordinary is a brand that uses ingredients made from a team specializing in chemistry and biochemistry. This brand is all about honesty and integrity, which is why their products are so effective. Their products are also extremely effective plus affordable, so they quickly rose up in the ranks in the skincare scene.

Plus, it’s great to know this brand is cruelty-free and has some vegan products! While I’ve been reading that The Ordinary is not cruelty-free due to their parent company, Estee Lauder, I see they’re a DECIEM brand and they have strict cruelty-free practices. You can read more about this on the DECIEM website.

Youth to the People

I’ve used this brand before and they have good products! You’ll also be happy to know that they don’t test any products on animals. They even go as far as to ensure that their suppliers don’t test their products or ingredients on animals. Plus, this brand is 100% vegan.

Pacifica

Pacifica is a brand that prides themselves on their vegan and cruelty-free practices.

If your dermatologist recommended ceramides for your skin, you’ll be happy to know that Pacifica offers a whole line made with vegan ceramides. In addition to skincare, this brand also sells makeup, fragrance, hair, and body products. This line is around the same price range as CeraVe, so you’re not spending significantly more money on cruelty-free beauty.

Tatcha

Tatcha is one of the most luxurious skincare brands. Made using the secrets of Japanese beauty, they work with scientists based both in Japan and the US to craft some of the most effective yet gentle skincare products. While Tatcha is one of the most expensive brands, you get what you pay for. Their stuff seriously works!

You’ll also be happy to know that Tatcha confirms they don’t do any animal testing, on their ingredients and finished products. Their suppliers also conduct no animal testing.

Paula’s Choice

Paula’s Choice is a science-backed brand. To the point where every product goes through hundreds of independent scientific studies to ensure the products are safe and are beneficial to the skin. Paula’s Choice also never tests on animals, during the product development and final testing. They’re also Leaping-Bunny certified.

Skyn Iceland

I’ve never heard of this brand, but now I’m especially curious about their products. They specialize in using potent ingredients derived from Iceland, such as various antioxidants and something they call the “Iceland Complex.” They specialize in de-stressing the skin to achieve optimum skin health. Plus, this brand is vegan and cruelty-free.

Acure

Acure uses various nutrients and other clinical ingredients in its skincare, haircare, and body care products. They source only the highest quality ingredients so you see results. That and their products are USDA Organic. This brand is also cruelty-free, 100% vegan, and all packages are recyclable.

100% Pure

This award-winning brand is committed to selling natural and cruelty-free skincare and cosmetics. They make effective products from ingredients that are healthy for the skin. This brand has strict purity standards and its products never contain harsh or toxic ingredients.

FAQs

So, Is CeraVe Cruelty Free?

CeraVe is a skincare brand that’s formulated for several skin types. Their products are effective, made with a unique ceramide complex to protect the skin’s barrier. They’re dermatologist-recommended and are available at affordable price points. You can find their products at just about every major drugstore, pharmacy, and other common stores, including online.

If you live a cruelty-free lifestyle, CeraVe’s animal testing policies are pretty unclear so it’s best to avoid buying this brand. It does look like things are changing since China stopped requiring animal testing and CeraVe aims to go vegan. Continue keeping up with this brand and purchase from them when they’re cruelty-free.

Recommended Reads:

• How to Take Care of Your Skin

• CeraVe vs Cetaphil Compared

• CeraVe vs Eucerin: It’s Not Even Close (Especially Cleansers)