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Cetaphil is not cruelty-free as it sells products in China. And as it uses tallow in some products it could neither be classed as vegan or vegetarian.
Is Cetaphil Cruelty-Free?
No Cetaphil isn’t cruelty-free. Whilst it claims that ‘our products are not tested in animals’ in their FAQ section, they sell in mainland China.
Any brand that sells in mainland China loses control over whether their products are tested on animals or not. And as such can’t be classified as cruelty-free.
You can find out more about this on our animal testing laws page.
Cetaphil’s Ethical Overview
- Cetaphil is not cruelty-free
- Its products are sold in China
- It utilises tallow in some products and as such is neither vegan or vegetarian
- It is owned by Galderna
Is Cetaphil sold in China?
Yes Cetaphil products are sold in China. And if your products are sold in-store in China, they are, at the very least, at risk of being tested on animals.
This can happen in either pre or post-production. What this means is brands can essentially say ‘we don’t test our products or ingredients on animals and neither do our suppliers…’ without technically lying.
Because ultimately the Chinese authorities can test a brand’s products after they’ve gone to market.
UPDATE: Whilst we cannot now claim that countries involved in selling products in China can be cruelty-free, China’s animal testing policy is no longer as black and white is it seemed.
What is Cetaphil’s Official Stance on Animal Testing
“No Cetaphil does not test any of its products on animals”
Who owns Cetaphil?
Cetaphil is owned by Galderma, a Swiss pharmaceutical company who specialise in dermatological treatments and skin care products. They also own Proactiv+.
Is Galderma Cruelty-Free?
As Galderma is a pharmaceutical company – and pharmaceutical companies are required by law to test products on animals – it isn’t a cruelty-free company.
Cruelty-Free Alternatives to Cetaphil
FAQs
No Cetaphil is not certified cruelty-free by any animal welfare organisations. Accredited or otherwise.
No Cetaphil isn’t Leaping Bunny certified as the brand isn’t cruelty-free.
No Cetaphil is not palm oil free.
No Cetaphil is vegetarian as some products contain tallow.
No Cetaphil isn’t organic – even though lots of its marketing would have you think otherwise.
No Cetaphil isn’t entirely vegan.
The majority of its products are vegan, but you couldn’t consider them a vegan brand as the Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar contains sodium tallowate – a hard fatty substance that comes from rendered animal fat.
