CeraVe is everywhere—on drugstore shelves, in dermatologists’ recommendations, and all over social media. People love it for its gentle, science-backed formulas and affordable price. But as more of us become conscious consumers, an important question arises: Is CeraVe cruelty-free? And if you care about sustainability and vegan ingredients, where does CeraVe stand?
This isn’t just about skincare—it’s about ethics. Many of us want to know that the products we put on our skin align with our values. Animal testing, ethical sourcing, and environmental impact matter just as much as hydration and barrier repair.
In this guide, we take a deep dive into what really goes on behind the scenes at CeraVe. We’ll uncover whether the brand tests on animals, whether its products are vegan, and what it’s doing (or not doing) for sustainability. If you’re trying to make informed choices about the products you buy, this breakdown will give you everything you need to know—based on real research, expert insights, and hard facts.
Is CeraVe Cruelty-Free?
CeraVe is not a cruelty-free brand. While the company states that it does not test on animals, the reality is more complex. CeraVe sells its products in regions like mainland China and Brazil, where animal testing was a legal requirement for imported cosmetics until 2021. Although regulations have begun to shift, brands dedicated to cruelty-free practices avoid these markets altogether to ensure no animal testing occurs at any stage.
The Hidden Loopholes
Many skincare brands use carefully crafted language to appear more ethical than they truly are. Statements like “We do not test on animals, except where required by law” can be misleading, as they imply compliance with animal testing regulations in certain countries rather than an outright rejection of the practice.
In addition, CeraVe lacks certification from recognized cruelty-free organizations like PETA or Leaping Bunny. Not only does the company allow animal testing where required by law, but it also does not actively monitor its ingredient suppliers or third-party manufacturers for testing practices. This raises concerns about whether its products contribute to animal testing indirectly.
CeraVe is not alone in this dilemma—many global beauty brands navigate similar legal frameworks, often prioritizing market access over ethical considerations. For consumers who want to support genuinely cruelty-free brands, it’s essential to choose companies that refuse to sell in regions with any risk of mandatory animal testing. By making informed choices, ethical shoppers send a clear message that animal testing should no longer be an industry standard.
Expert Insight
Heather Widdows, a philosopher specializing in beauty ethics, explains:
“A truly cruelty-free brand ensures that their products, suppliers, and third parties do not engage in any form of animal testing—regardless of market requirements. If a company allows their products to be tested on animals, they cannot be considered cruelty-free.”
For consumers who care about ethical skincare, this is an important distinction. CeraVe may not test on animals in their own labs, but by selling in China, they still participate in a system that harms animals.
So, if cruelty-free skincare is a priority for you, CeraVe may not be the right choice. If you want to push for change, consider supporting brands that refuse to sell in markets where animal testing is mandated.
Learn More: Is Maybelline Cruelty-Free?
Is CeraVe Vegan?
A product being cruelty-free and vegan are two separate things. Just because a brand doesn’t test on animals (which CeraVe actually does through third parties), it doesn’t mean it’s free from animal-derived ingredients. CeraVe is not a fully vegan brand because some of its products contain ingredients like cholesterol, lanolin, and beeswax, which come from animals.
What’s Inside?
- Cholesterol – Used in moisturizers to improve skin barrier function, but it’s typically sourced from animal fats.
- Lanolin – A waxy substance secreted by sheep to keep their wool soft. It’s great for hydration, but it’s not plant-based.
- Beeswax – Commonly found in skincare to help with texture and moisture retention, but it’s collected from beehives.
Some consumers may not realize that these ingredients are animal-derived. Ethical labeling is crucial in helping consumers make informed choices. More transparency in ingredient sourcing could help brands build trust with ethically conscious buyers.
What This Means for Ethical Consumers
CeraVe does have some vegan-friendly products, but because the brand as a whole isn’t cruelty-free, many ethical vegans choose to avoid it altogether. Veganism isn’t just about what’s inside a product—it’s about avoiding harm to animals in any form. So, while you might find a CeraVe product without animal ingredients, it doesn’t change the fact that the company allows animal testing in certain regions.
Ethical consumerism extends beyond veganism and cruelty-free claims. It includes fair trade sourcing, environmental responsibility, and corporate transparency. The beauty industry needs to evolve beyond profit-driven decision-making and genuinely commit to ethical standards.
Sustainability Concerns
Beyond animal testing and veganism, sustainability is another critical factor in ethical skincare.
The Plastic Packaging Problem
Walk down any drugstore aisle, and you’ll see CeraVe products neatly lined up in sturdy plastic bottles and tubs. But what happens to all that plastic once you’ve used up your moisturizer or cleanser? The sad reality is that most of it ends up in landfills or oceans because CeraVe does not currently offer a take-back, refill, or recycling program for its packaging.
In a world where plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental threats, more skincare brands are moving toward refillable containers or using biodegradable packaging. CeraVe, however, lags behind in this area. Without an official sustainability plan for reducing plastic waste, their environmental impact remains high.
The beauty industry as a whole must take responsibility for its plastic footprint. Consumers can drive change by supporting brands that prioritize sustainable packaging solutions.
Palm Oil: A Hidden Environmental Cost
Many consumers don’t realize that palm oil is a common ingredient in skincare, including some CeraVe products. The issue? Palm oil production is one of the leading causes of deforestation, wildlife habitat destruction, and carbon emissions.
CeraVe’s parent company, L’Oréal, claims to use “sustainable” palm oil. However, investigative reports, such as a 2021 study by the Rainforest Action Network, have found that many “sustainable” palm oil suppliers are still involved in deforestation and unethical labor practices. This lack of true accountability makes it hard to trust these claims.
What Can Consumers Do?
If sustainability matters to you, consider brands that use ethical palm oil sourcing and offer sustainable packaging. Supporting companies that prioritize environmental responsibility can help drive the beauty industry toward a greener future.
Alternatives to CeraVe
If you’re looking for cruelty-free and vegan alternatives with sustainable practices, here are some options:
| Brand | Cruelty-Free | Vegan | Sustainability Initiatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Ordinary | Yes | Some | Minimal packaging, eco-conscious sourcing |
| Paula’s Choice | Yes | Some | Recyclable packaging, no animal testing |
| Krave Beauty | Yes | Yes | Carbon-neutral, minimal waste |
| Biossance | Yes | Yes | Uses renewable sugarcane, eco-friendly production |
Learn More: Cruelty-Free vs. No Animal Testing
Conclusion: Should You Use CeraVe?
If your priority is effectiveness and affordability, CeraVe remains a strong choice. However, if ethics and sustainability guide your purchasing decisions, you may want to explore other options. Many cruelty-free and vegan brands offer similar results without compromising values.
Actionable Steps
- Check for Leaping Bunny or PETA certification – These labels ensure a brand is truly cruelty-free.
- Read ingredient lists – Identify animal-derived components before purchasing.
- Support ethical brands – Choose companies that prioritize sustainability and transparency.
- Advocate for change – Sign petitions or contact brands to encourage cruelty-free policies.
By making informed decisions, consumers can push the industry toward a more ethical future. Your skincare routine shouldn’t come at the cost of animal welfare or the planet.
