You know Aveeno for their ultra-gentle drugstore lotions and body care. If you didn’t know they have even branched out into skin, hair, and sun care categories. While they’re not the flashiest brand, they do work with dermatologists and scientists to create quality formulations. So, can we expect Aveeno to be cruelty-free?
Is Aveeno Cruelty-Free?
Unfortunately, Aveeno is not cruelty-free because they are sold in Mainland China. Brands sold there must submit to 3rd party animal testing. Aveeno is not vegan because lots of their products contain honey and lanolin. Aveeno’s redeeming factor is they do work hard to create quality formulations with effective ingredients. But if you’re cruelty-free you’ll want to stay away.
Here is the statement from their website:
“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.”
Notice where they say they don’t test on animals unless laws require it? Bingo, they are not cruelty-free and they use some deceptive wording. They also state that they don’t conduct animal testing but in China they must submit samples for animal testing. The wording on their part is deliberately deceptive. Any action in reference to animal testing means they’re active participators.
Is Aveeno Vegan?
No Aveeno is not vegan. This begs the question, can you be vegan if you test on animals? No. But, Aveeno does use honey and lanolin in their products which are not vegan. We know honey comes from bees and lanolin comes from sheep’s skin. These are popular hydrators in skin and body care.
Is Aveeno Organic?
No, Aveeno is not organic but they try to use natural products. Natural can be a loaded word in beauty because there isn’t a set definition or regulation for what the word entails.
“First, we carefully cultivate our natural ingredients in ideal conditions, then harvest them in an eco-friendly way.”
So, Aveeno does not use pesticides or chemicals on their natural ingredients. But, we sense some greenwashing on their part. Aveeno uses ingredients like aluminum and PEGs which are in no way natural and are actually linked to cancer. Plus dimethicone, fragrances and sulfates. The biggest kicker, some of their products contain parabens and phthalates. Hardly natural and any brand who is vegan and natural wouldn’t dare to use those ingredients.
Where is Aveeno Made?
Aveeno’s products are made in Korea and Canada. They do not manufacture in China. They are a US based brand, owned by Johnson & Johnson.
Is Aveeno Sold in China?
Yes, Aveeno is sold in Mainland China. This is why they are not cruelty-free. They submit to law abiding animal testing there and any brand sold in Mainland China is not cruelty-free.
China is the reason why many brands aren’t cruelty-free. But, there are many brands who deliberately choose to not sell in Mainland China physical stores to stay cruelty-free. Brands can still sell online in Mainland China without animal testing. It’s all about choices.
Is Aveeno Paraben-Free?
Aveeno is not 100% paraben-free. But, they do have a good amount of paraben-free products and all of those can be found here. Parabens are a chemical preservative and they mimic the body’s natural estrogen. They’re linked to cancer and even environmental problems. This is why they are so polarizing and harmful in cosmetics. If you can, avoid them.
Is Aveeno Gluten-Free?
Aveeno uses oats in many of the products but they state that gluten is not added to them. Here is part of their statement:
“However, although we do everything in our power to ensure the oats remain gluten-free, we cannot say with absolute certainty that cross-contamination did not occur during the manufacturing process.”
If you’re allergic to gluten you’ll want to air on the side of caution. While risk of cross-contamination is a consistent risk, you always want to check in with your doctor first.
Is Aveeno Phthalates-free
Not all of Aveeno’s products are phthalate-free. Here are the ones that are and they have a fairly decent amount. Phthalates are often found in fragrance, perfume and plastics as they improve texture. They are harmful because they act like hormones and have been found to cause cancer and developmental issues while pregnant. If you can avoid them, definitely do!
Super interesting that Aveeno claims to be ‘natural’ but still uses parabens and phthalates in their products!
Is Aveeno Non-comedogenic?
For reference, non-comedogenic means non-pore clogging. Not all of Aveeno’s products are non-comedogenic but a good selection of their face products are. Here is the list. This includes a good majority of their cleansers, moisturizers and eye creams.
To Aveeno’s defense, face products are typically what need to be non-comedogenic, not body products.
Is Aveeno PETA Cruelty-Free Approved?
No, Aveeno is not PETA approved because they aren’t cruelty-free. Unless they pull out of Mainland China, there is no PETA approval in their future. Their cruelty-free claims have no ground, even in the US because they still submit to animal testing.
The same goes for a Leaping Bunny certification.
Where to Buy Aveeno?
Aveeno is widely available at all drugstores and Target. As well as amazon.com. They are super affordable and easy to find which is why they are so popular.
Final Thoughts
Aveeno is not cruelty-free or vegan unfortunately. Upon discovery, their ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ claims seem a little loaded as well. Another lesson in greenwashing and there are lots of brands guilty of this. If you’re looking for some cruelty-free and vegan skincare brands similar to Aveeno, try Acure and Derma E. Both are fully vegan and cruelty-free with a vast line of skin and body care.