Is Aveeno Cruelty-Free and a Vegan Brand?

Fact checked by Mark Johnson
Last Updated: May 2, 2022

Aveeno is a skincare and haircare brand that’s dedicated to using naturally sourced ingredients like oatmeal, soy, and feverfew to create products that are not just effective but also completely safe for use.

The brand was founded in 1945 by two brothers, Albert Musher and Sidney Musher, with the goal of creating an eczema treatment that was made from colloidal oatmeal instead of steroids.

Their first product was a cream that used the naturally soothing properties of oatmeal to relieve dry skin, rashes, and eczema. The product became so popular that it eventually led the company to expand its line into other skincare products, including shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and lotions.

Now, almost 75 years later, Aveeno is still using colloidal oatmeal in their products as an emollient (a substance that helps moisturize the skin), as well as other active ingredients like feverfew, a flowering herb that helps with inflammation, soy extracts for nourishment, and salicylic acid for exfoliation.

Is Aveeno Cruelty-Free?

When a brand is cruelty-free, it means that they don’t test its products on animals. But it can also mean that the brand doesn’t sell its products in countries where animal testing is mandated by law or that the brand’s suppliers, manufacturers, and other third parties also don’t engage in animal testing.

So Is Aveeno Cruelty-free?

Aveeno is not cruelty-free. Aveeno does not test its products on animals, but they allow third parties to test its ingredients and finished products on animals when required by law. Aveeno also sells its products in mainland China, where animal testing is required by law.

So if you are also wondering: does Aveeno test on animals? The simple answer is no.

Is Aveeno Owned by a Parent Company That Tests on Animals?

Aveeno is owned by Johnson & Johnson.

As its parent company, Johnson & Johnson, states in its Humane Care and Use of Animals Policy, “Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health does not conduct animal testing in the research or development of our cosmetic products. We believe our cosmetic products can be validated as safe and effective without compromising animal welfare, but some countries still require animal testing data to meet their own regulatory requirements.”

This means that Aveeno products are not tested on animals except when it is mandated by law. Johnson & Johnson also allows its suppliers to test on animals when necessary, and some of its products are sold in mainland China, where all imported cosmetics must be tested on animals. This means that Aveeno products are tested on animals by suppliers or the Chinese government.

However, Johnson & Johnson has also stated in their policy that they are continuously working to advance non-animal testing methods and that they also advocate for the elimination of the use of animals in the testing of cosmetic products worldwide.

What Is Aveeno’s Animal Testing Policy?

Aveeno does not conduct any animal testing on its products. According to its website, “Aveeno does not conduct animal testing of our cosmetic products anywhere in the world, except in the rare situation where governments or laws require it.”

Therefore, it shouldn’t be surprising that Aveeno is against animal testing, given that its products are made of mostly natural or naturally-derived ingredients.

Even so, it’s nice to know that Aveeno does not conduct animal testing on its products or ingredients and does not ask others to do so on their behalf. This has been their company policy for decades.

Furthermore, Johnson & Johnson (Aveeno’s parent company) has a longstanding global policy against animal testing in personal care products. They also require suppliers to follow the policy.

Aveeno also ensures its finished product safety by using quality control processes that meet all industry standards set by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration).

Is Aveeno Vegan?

No, Aveeno is not a vegan brand. While many of its products do not contain animal ingredients or animal-derived ingredients, some of them do contain lanolin, honey, beeswax, and carmine.

While Aveeno does indeed offer a range of cruelty-free and vegan products, not all their products are vegan-friendly. So if you’re planning to purchase an Aveeno product, then it’s best to check the label for any animal ingredients or derivatives before you make a purchase.

Are There Vegan Alternatives to Aveeno?

There are plenty of vegan alternatives to Aveeno if you’re concerned about their animal testing. Check the labels and look out for ingredients like beeswax and vitamins derived from animal sources to find these products. Another common ingredient that is not vegan is honey. So if you want to make sure a product is vegan or a product doesn’t contain any animal by-products, it’s always best to check the label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aveeno Good for Your Body?

The answer is yes. Users have found that it provides the necessary moisture without being too heavy or greasy. It also absorbs quickly into the skin, which makes it perfect for those with dry skin.

Can You Use Aveeno Eczema Cream Every Day?

You can use Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream every day to soothe itchy, dry skin. It’s clinically shown to help relieve the five symptoms of eczema: itching, dryness, roughness, redness, and irritation, and it keeps the skin well-moisturized throughout the day. It’s also gentle enough for babies’ sensitive skin.

Is Neutrogena the Same As Aveeno?

No, it is not. However, these two brands are both owned by the same company, Johnson & Johnson.

Neutrogena has a wide range of products available for the face, hair, and body, including cleansers, moisturizers, makeup removers, acne treatments, hand creams, bath gels and oils, and shampoos and conditioners. They also have some more specialized products for conditions like eczema and hair loss.

Aveeno is a brand focused on skincare. There are some similar products to those in the Neutrogena line: cleansers, moisturizers for both dry skin and sensitive skin options (like eczema), sunscreens, and lip balms. However, there are also some product categories that are unique to the Aveeno line, such as baby care (baby wash/shampoo, diaper cream).

Which Is Better Neutrogena or Aveeno?

While you may have your own preference, the answer to this question really depends on the type of skin you have, as well as what kinds of products you’re looking for. For example, Aveeno is a better choice for those with sensitive skin because its products are less likely to irritate the skin. They also tend to be more natural than Neutrogena’s products and are often less expensive. On the other hand, if you have oily or non-sensitive dry skin, Neutrogena may be a better choice for you as its formulas tend to work quite well for these skin types.

Wrapping Up

At the moment, Aveeno is not classified as a cruelty-free brand, and it’s also not a vegan brand. However, the good news is that the company does not test its finished products, ingredients, or individual components on animals. This means that you can purchase from this company without worrying about supporting animal testing.

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Jason Hughes
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