Let’s look into the Bioderma brand’s current animal testing policy and cruelty-free status in 2021.
Is Bioderma Cruelty-Free?
Is Bioderma cruelty-free? NO!
A brand is considered cruelty free when it is not involved directly or indirectly in any form of animal abuse. The testing of cosmetics on animals is banned in many countries, however there are still those who continue such inhumane practices and when a brand or a company is a part of such acts, it cannot be considered cruelty-free.
One of the main reasons that Bioderma is not cruelty-free is because its products are available in mainland China, a country where animal testing is required by law.
Is Bioderma Sold In China?
Is Bioderma sold in China? YES!
Bioderma is available in physical stores in mainland China. The law of the country states that cosmetic products which are manufactured internationally have to be tested on animals before they can be permitted for sale in mainland China. All kinds of make-up, skin care, hair care products except oral care and soap fall under the cosmetic category.
Over the years China has relaxed its stringent laws and although since 2014 domestic brands are not required to undergo these mandated animal testing, international brands still do. And even though these tests are conducted in Chinese labs, more often than not they are financed by the brand to ensure they get the permit for sale.
Also apart from these pre-market tests, products are also taken off shelves and tested upon especially in cases of consumer complaints. And the government is not liable to inform the brand before conducting such unwarranted tests. And the biggest reason why if a brand chooses to sell in China it can certainly not be considered cruelty-free.
Is Bioderma Vegan?
Is Bioderma a vegan brand? NO!
For a brand to be considered Vegan, it has to pass two main criterias;
1) The brand is not involved, directly or indirectly in any form of animal cruelty
2) The products have to be completely free of ingredients (active as well as inactive ingredients) that are derived from animals
Bioderma is indirectly involved in animal cruelty as it is sold in China where animal testing is mandatory and also its products contain ingredients that are animal derivatives. Most of their products contain stearyl and cetyl alcohol and its by-products. These are fatty alcohols obtained from animal tallow. Apart from these, they may also contain milk, honey, beeswax etc.
As Bioderma fails both the above criterias, it cannot be considered vegan.
What Is Bioderma’s Animal Testing Policy?
In this day and age, where brands are trying to be vocal and conscious about ethics and the environment, it is rare to find a brand that has no mention whatsoever about its animal testing policy. Some brands have an entire page dedicated to it on their website, some address it as a FAQ.
Bioderma does not have an official statement or mentions any information pertaining to animal testing.
But because we are aware that the Bioderma is available in mainland China, irrespective of what the brand says (in this case does not say) it is clear that Bioderma is not cruelty-free.
Is Bioderma Owned By A Parent Company?
YES! Bioderma is a French brand, privately owned by NAOS. Alongwith Bioderma, NAOS has two other brands, Institut Esthederm and Etat Pur which also cater to skin and healthcare.
What Does Bioderma Sell?
Bioderma is a derma-cosmetic skin care brand that specializes in products that target skin conditions as well as sun protection. They also have a product range for babies.
What Is Bioderma’s Current Cruelty-Free Position?
Bioderma’s current position in 2021 is that it is NOT a cruelty-free brand.
I Use Bioderma Products. What Can I Do To Help?
Write to the brand. Bioderma is a well-known and much loved brand, however its nonchalance towards animal cruelty is a concern for many of its consumers. There may also be an audience who would benefit from their products but have to choose alternatives because of their belief to end cruelty towards animals. It is imperative that brands come together in support of this cause to end animal cruelty. Eventually, Governments would be forced to amend laws and that is the hope for humankind and its real progress and development.
