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Olay is not cruelty-free, vegan or vegetarian as it sells products in markets where animal testing can still be mandated and the brand uses animal byproducts.
Is Olay Cruelty-Free?
No Olay isn’t cruelty-free because they sell in multiple countries where animal testing is required by law.
Olay Ethical Overview
- Olay is not cruelty-free
- It does sell products in mainland China
- It is not a vegan brand
- Or vegetarian
- And is not palm oil free
- Olay is also owned by P&G
Does Olay Sell Products in China?
Yes Olay sells its products in mainland China where animal testing is required by law – in either pre or post production.
Chinese laws dictate that certain imported beauty products must be submitted for animal testing before they can be approved for sale.
And Olay actually sell in multiple countries that require animal testing on cosmetic products.
UPDATE: Whilst we cannot now claim that countries involved in selling products in China can be cruelty-free, China’s policy on animal testing is no longer as black and white is it seemed.
What is Olay’s Official Stance on Animal Testing?
Olay claim to be against animal testing. But ultimately it sells products in multiple countries where animal testing can be mandated by law in both pre or post market.
Is Olay Vegan?
Whilst it seems like the vast majority of it’s products are vegan we are unclear as to whether the brand is vegan.
They do use multiple ingredients that could be animal-derived:
- Glycerin: although they state it’s plant-based
- Retinol: Which is a source of vitamin A that’s usually animal-derived. Olay use it in most of their products and don’t seem to dispute that it’s from derived from animal sources anywhere.
And because they they are complicit in animal testing, we could never recommend their vegan products.
Who Owns Olay?
Olay is owned by Procter & Gamble (P&G), an American multinational consumer goods corporation who own a plethora of consumer focused brands including Gilette, Ariel and Head & Shoulders.
What is P&G’s Stance on Animal Testing?
P&G claim to be against animal testing, but willingly allow its brands to sell in multiple markets where animal testing is required by law.
Cruelty-Free Alternatives to Olay
FAQs
No Olay isn’t certified cruelty-free by any organisation because it sells it’s products in multiple territories where animal testing is required by law, including mainland China.
They are on PETA’s ‘do test on animals’ list.
No Olay isn’t Leaping Bunny certified.
No Olay isn’t a vegetarian brand, as it uses retinol in almost all of it’s products.
An animal-derived source of vitamin A.
We are unsure whether Olay use palm oil in it’s products. It isn’t specified anywhere on it’s site or supporting documentation.
No Olay products aren’t paraben-free.
Olay isn’t organic – and doesn’t claim to be.
