Kiehl’s is not cruelty free because their products may be tested on animals in mainland China.
Additionally, Kiehl’s is not 100% vegan as a brand because some of their products contain animal-derived ingredients or animal by-products.
To learn more about this brand and find out why they’re not cruelty free, keep on reading!
If you’re looking for new cruelty free products, make sure to check out the last section of this post where you’ll find some of the best Kiehl’s cruelty free alternatives.
Let’s dive right in!
Is Kiehl’s cruelty free? Are Kiehl’s products tested on animals?
Kiehl’s is NOT cruelty free.
In order to be cruelty free, brands:
- Must not test their finished products or ingredients on animals
- Must make sure that their suppliers don’t test on animals
- Must not commission third parties to test their products on animals
- Must not sell their products in stores in mainland China, or other countries where animal testing is still required by law
Let’s take a look at Kiehl’s official animal testing policy:
At L’Oréal, we care for animal welfare and do not test on animals. We are for a world without animal testing. The L’Oréal Group, which includes Kiehl’s, has always made our consumers’ health and safety an absolute priority. Since 1989, we have not tested the safety of our products on animals, 14 years before regulations required us to do so.
Source: Kiehl’s
There are effective non-animal ways to ensure the safety of cosmetic products. For example, over 40 years ago we led the development of human reconstructed skin that is more accurate for analyzing how cosmetic ingredients and products will behave on human skin. We continue to pioneer new non-animal methods and technologies.
For more information, please visit: https://inside-our-products.loreal.com/question-animal-testing-and-alternative-methods
However, that doesn’t answer all of the questions above, but the link they’ve included for more information, actually does:
Certain health authorities may nevertheless decide to conduct animal tests themselves for certain cosmetic products, as it is still the case in China.
Source: L’Oreal
Selling in China is in contradiction with one of the requirements for cruelty free brands.
Since Kiehl’s does sell their products in mainland China, their products may be subjected to animal testing there.
Kiehl’s is also on PETA’s list of companies that do test on animals.
Therefore, Kiehl’s is not cruelty free.
Keep on reading for more information!
Is Kiehl’s sold in China?
Kiehl’s is sold in mainland China where animal testing is still required by law.
Why can’t cruelty free brands sell in mainland China?
Animal testing is still happening for products sold in physical stores in mainland China.
Pre-market animal testing is required for all special-use imported products, and non-routine post-market testing on animals may also be done in cases of customer complaints.
However, please keep in mind that this doesn’t apply to products sold in stores at the airports, or in Hong Kong.
Also, products can be sold online and shipped to mainland China without being tested on animals.
Is Kiehl’s owned by a parent brand? If yes, is it cruelty free?
Kiehl’s is owned by L’Oréal, a company that isn’t cruelty free.
I have an entire post dedicated to L’Oréal’s cruelty free status and animal testing policy, so if you want to learn more, check it out.
Is Kiehl’s vegan?
Kiehl’s is not 100% vegan. Some of their products contain animal-derived ingredients or animal by-products.
Also, please keep in mind that since Kiehl’s products may be tested on animals in mainland China, I definitely wouldn’t consider them as a vegan-friendly brand.
Cruelty free and vegan alternatives to Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s is a brand that sells skincare, body and hair care products, and other personal care products.
There are so many beauty brands that are cruelty free!
That’s why, in my opinion, there’s really no excuse for supporting brands that test on animals.
Some of the best cruelty free alternatives to Kiehl’s are:
Pacifica
Le Labo
The Ordinary
Paula’s Choice
Krave Beauty
Youth to the People
Amika
Pureology
OUAI
It’s A 10
Shea Moisture
Ouidad
Oribe
If you want to discover more cruelty free skincare brands, check out my post on The 7 Best Cruelty Free Skin Care Brands in 2021 That Are Also 100% Vegan and Sustainable.
Now it’s your turn!
What are your favorite cruelty free brands?
Let me know in the comments below!