Let’s look into the Aveeno brand’s current animal testing policy and cruelty-free status in 2021.
Is Aveeno Cruelty-Free?
Is Aveeno a cruelty-free brand? NO! Aveeno products are imported and sold in physical stores in mainland China and by law all such products have to undergo animal testing before they are released in the Chinese market.
So even if as a brand Aveeno is against animal testing, because they sell to China and pay for the mandatory tests, they cannot be classified as cruelty-free.
Is Aveeno Sold in China?
YES! Aveeno products are available in mainland China. China is one of the few countries that require cosmetics to be tested on animals for safety checks before they are released into the market for consumer consumption.
In the recent years, the US, Canada, EU and most countries have banned the law which required animal testing and now resort to safer, alternative methods instead.
Is Aveeno Vegan?
Is Aveeno Vegan? NO! Aveeno cannot be considered a 100% Vegan brand.
Although its active ingredients are natural and plant-based like oats, soy, kiwi etc; some of the inactive ingredients that make up the rest of the formula are derived from animals and its by-products. One such example is Stearyl acid that is used in lotions and shampoos as a thickening agent but it is derived from animal fat.
Also as Aveeno is sold in China and plays a part in animal cruelty by financing the mandatory market tests, it cannot be considered a vegan brand.
What is Aveeno’s Animal Testing Policy?
The Animal testing policy on Aveeno’s official website states as follows;
We want you to feel good about how we make AVEENO® products. You can only do that if you have the facts. The fact is, AVEENO® doesn’t conduct animal testing of our cosmetic products anywhere in the world, except in the rare situation where governments or laws require it. At AVEENO®, we won’t ever compromise on the quality or safety of our products or stop seeking alternatives to animal testing.
So to breakdown their statement in simple words, it means that the Brand does not believe in animal testing however, if it is required by law they are not against it either.
Is Aveeno Owned By a Parent Company?
YES! Aveeno is owned by the parent company, Johnson & Johnson. And being a multinational corporation, Johnson & Johnson which deals with pharmaceuticals, medical devices and consumer packaged good is known to carry out animal testing as and when required.
Hence all brands owned by Johnson & Johnson are not certified by PETA.
What Does Aveeno Sell?
Aveeno is well-known for its range of natural products for skin and hair care for women and babies.
What is Aveeno’s Current Cruelty-Free Position?
Aveeno’s current position is NOT cruelty free because it breaks at least two of the below Cruelty-free 5 criteria:
- A company directly engages in animal testing
- A company’s supplier’s engage in animal testing
- A company permits a third party to test on their behalf
- A company tests on animals when required by law
- A company sells products in stores in mainland China despite being aware of the country’s mandatory animal testing policy
I Use Aveeno Products. What Can I Do to Help?
Write to the brand! Make them aware of your hesitance to use the products because of your ethical beliefs. It makes a difference when thousands push a brand to take action.
In 2016, after a mass campaign and protest by PETA, Johnson & Johnson stopped the use of animals for their sales training of medical devices. Push for change!
