Last Updated on April 9, 2021 by Eco Elsie
Aveeno is an American skincare company that has been benefitting from the use of natural products such as oat since 1945. The company was founded by two brothers who believed that nature held the secret to human health, and strived to use oat ingredients to nourish and soothe the skin.
Since then, the company has gone on to publish 70 years of clinical evidence to support the claim that not only oat, but a whole variety of natural ingredients are beneficial to the skin and to the body.
Today, Aveeno are seen as experts when it comes to caring for the skin, and has grown into a worldwide known holistic beauty and skin care brand, providing natural products for the body, hair, skin, face and for babies.
But, is Aveeno cruelty free?
Is Aveeno Cruelty Free?
Despite their message that natural is best, and nature can heal the body and skin, Aveeno is not actually cruelty free. The company tests their products on animals, and is owned by Johnson and Johnson, a cosmetics conglomerate that is well known for continuing to test on animals, even by modern standards.
The official animal testing policy found on the Aveeno website states that Aveeno:
‘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.’
Although it seems that Aveeno are hoping for an alternative to animal testing, they are not against it entirely, as they will pay third parties to test the products to ensure that they are fit for sale in many countries.
That being said, the statement shows that Aveeno themselves do not conduct any animal testing, but there may be animal testing done on their products post production, in order for them to be sold in countries that require it. This makes Aveeno an inherently non cruelty free company.
Is Aveeno Vegan?
Currently, Aveeno does claim that a few of their products are vegan friendly, which means that they have been made with vegan ingredients, and no animal products or animal by products.
That being said, Aveeno itself is not a vegan brand, as the majority of their products are made with animal derived ingredients and products, which would make them non vegan.
These ingredients can include lanolin, honey and beeswax, along with some animal derived ingredients from fish and insects, which unfortunately means that they are not 100% vegan friendly as a brand.
In addition, as Aveeno partake in animal testing where it is required by law in some countries, this would most likely go against any vegans’s beliefs, as animal testing harms and exploits animals.
Therefore, we cannot say that Aveeno is vegan, at all.
Is Aveeno An Ethical Company?
Whilst Aveeno itself strives to use natural products, and create safe skincare for many consumers, it is not a vegan brand, nor is it cruelty free.
In addition, its parent company Johnson and Johnson has been criticised heavily in the past for its involvement in tax dodging, animal testing, irresponsible palm oil sourcing, lawsuits against the dangers of talc, and even fraud.
The cosmetic comgolerate has often come under scrutiny for the way it has dealt with animal testing, sustainability and environmental damage, and it is for this reason, that we cannot argue that it is an ethical company.
Does Aveeno Test On Animals?
As previously mentioned, Aveeno is not cruelty free, because the products are tested on animals.
Aveeno is one of the many, many brands that are owned by Johnson and Johnson, which is an American cosmetic conglomerate. This parent company is also not cruelty free, and does include many forms of animal testing and cruelty in their processes.
As a result, Aveeno is a part of Johnson and Johnson’s various policies regarding animal welfare and cosmetic testing.
Also, Johnson and Johnson states that as a large, worldwide company, it strives to supply products to consumer all across the globe, including in those countries that require animal testing before they are allowed to be sold there. Aveeno therefore also agrees to test their products on animals, after the production process.
For instance, Aveeno is sold in China, which indicates that the brand pays and agrees for animal testing where required by law in some countries, including China.
Other brands can make the informed decision not to sell in those countries, in order to avoid testing on animals or partaking in any animal cruelty and exploitation. Johnson and Johnson, and Aveeno, however do not.
The companies argue that this animal testing is essential to ensuring that their products are safe for use, and effective in caring for the body and skin. However, this does make them non cruelty free.
Are Aveeno Products Toxic?
The whole process behind Aveeno products is that they are natural, and made with organic, natural ingredients.
Therefore, the company claims that their products are only made with natural and organic ingredients, using only sustainably and responsibly sourced ingredients, and eco friendly practices.
In addition, Aveeno products are made without pesticides, or parabens, as these can be harmful for the body and skin.
Also, many of the products made by Aveeno are hypoallergenic, which means that they do not irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions, however, you should always check the label and ingredients before purchasing to see whether these products are suitable for you.
