Is CeraVe Cruelty Free?

This is a question you may have asked yourself over the years.

Because there have been contradicting stories, we decided to do our own research to find out for sure!

The short answer is no, CeraVe is not a cruelty-free brand.

Below, we will explain why CeraVe is not cruelty-free and provide you with all of the facts you need to make an informed decision about whether it is good for you.

CeraVe makes the following statement on their website’s FAQ section:

“CeraVe products have not been tested on animals.”

CeraVe, on the other hand, is not considered completely cruelty-free.

This is due to the fact that CeraVe sells their products in nations where animal testing is mandated by law.

As a result, they are allowing their products to be tested on animals despite the fact that they are not doing it themselves.

What does cruelty-free mean in cosmetics?

One common misconception in the United States is that all cosmetics and beauty items must be tested on animals.

The FDA “does not specifically require the use of animals in cosmetics safety testing.”

More importantly, the term “cruelty-free” does not have a legal definition in every country.

This means that any firm can claim this status even if their products have been tested on animals in some way.

Look for products that have been verified cruelty-free by a third party label.

About CeraVe

Cerave is a skincare line created by specialists.

The journey began in 2005, when a group of experienced dermatologists noticed that various skin issues, such as acne, dry skin, psoriasis, or eczema, have one thing in common – a compromised skin barrier.

Their products’ objective is to restore and maintain a healthy skin barrier.

The fragrance-free products contain ceramides (ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II), fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid to restore skin barrier function and provide long-term moisturization.

Ceramide is an active ingredient that helps to nourish the skin barrier, which is a major cause of many skin disorders.

They also aid in the retention of moisture in your skin.

Cerave products cure your skin from the inside out by regenerating the skin barrier.

Is CeraVe PETA Cruelty-Free Approved?

CeraVe has not been approved by PETA. CeraVe, a famous skincare brand, does test on animals and therefore is not PETA certified.

You now know the answer to the question, “Is CeraVe cruelty-free?”

Since its start in 2005, the brand has never been cruelty-free.

The brand did not become cruelty-free after being acquired by L’Oreal in 2017.

We’ve got you covered if you’ve been wanting to try CeraVe’s products but don’t want to buy something that was tested on animals.

Here are some alternative brands that are cruelty-free.

Top 5 CeraVe’s Products Alternatives

1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

alternative: Ceramedx Ultra-Moisturizing Cream

Cerave’s remarkable success is due to its ceramide-based moisturizer.

Unfortunately, this ‘cream in a tub’ is neither cruelty-free nor vegan.

Ceramedx Ultra-Moisturizing Cream is by far the best alternative.

Yes, this is the best Cerave cream alternative I’ve discovered.

Cerave makes use of petroleum jelly, which is completely harmless to your skin in the long run.

Ceramedx contains natural apricot kernel, almond, and nut oils.

It cures and protects the skin’s natural barrier from harsh weather, reduces pore clogging, and calms skin.

2. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

alternative: Derma E Sensitive Skin Cleanser

A face cleanser designed for dry and dehydrated skin.

Derma E Sensitive Skin Cleanser is both effective and hydrating in my opinion.

Derma E products are free of animal cruelty and common allergens.

Check out our sensitive skin cleanser for a healthy radiance that is free of irritation.

3. CeraVe Skin Renewing Cream Serum

alternative: Andalou Naturals Cell Revitalize Serum

People assume that anti-aging creams, such as this Cerave one, must contain animal byproducts such as retinols.

But Andalou Naturals Cell Revitalize Serum is here to prove everyone incorrect!

Andalou’s revolutionary fruit stem cell actives extracted from apple and grape are used in this face serum.

It improves uneven skin tone, UV damage, and early appearance of wrinkles.

Cheers for this friendly vegan repairing serum.

4. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

alternative: Pacifica Youth Day & Night Face Cream

Every Cerave lotion lover seems to like this niacinamide and hyaluronic acid based moisturizer for its hydrating properties. 

Unfortunately, this lotion cannot protect innocent animals in the same way that it protects your skin.

Furthermore, this one is not vegan.

Instead, I recommend Pacifica Youth Day & Night Face Cream.

This amino acid and antioxidant-rich lotion feels feathery light on the skin, is good for your budget. 

With this soft moisturizing cream, you gain an additional SPF of 18. Are you interested?

5. CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion

alternative: Alba Botanica’s Facial Sunscreen SPF 30

Mineral sunscreen is essential if you are using chemical exfoliants and a strong anti-aging skin care regimen.

If CeraVe’s Hydrating Sunscreen entices you, Alba Botanica’s Facial Sunscreen SPF 30 is the best cure.

Unlike Cerave, this mineral-based face sunscreen contains no animal cruelty.

Alba Botanica sunscreen is both vegan and reef-safe.

It will also protect you against greasy casts and sun spots!

Our Thoughts

CeraVe is a superb skincare brand, but they are not cruelty-free.

They are also not vegan.

Their products, on the other hand, are incredibly effective and suitable for all skin types.

If you’ve decided that you only want to buy from cruelty-free products, check out our list of our top cruelty-free skincare brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is CeraVe not cruelty free?

This is because CeraVe sells their products in countries where animal testing is required by law.

Therefore, they are allowing their products to be tested on animals even though they are not doing it themselves.

Are there parabens in CeraVe?

Despite all of these beneficial ingredients found in the CeraVe lotions, we think it’s important to point out that most CeraVe skincare products include parabens in their formulations.

Parabens are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of a product by preventing microbial contamination.

Is CeraVe good for aging skin?

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum is a gentle, yet effective, daily retinol serum that provides you with a variety of anti-aging benefits.

Ideal for all skin types, the non-comedogenic formula reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as it improves your skin’s texture and radiance

Who owns CeraVe?

L’Oréal

L’Oréal announced plans to purchase skincare brands CeraVe, AcneFree, and Ambi in 2017. These three brands were purchased for $1.3. Founded in 2005, CeraVe makes cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, and other related products.

Is CeraVe going vegan?

CeraVe Confirms Its Beloved Drugstore Skin-Care Products Will Soon Be 90% Vegan. Animal-loving beauty fans will be thrilled by the brand’s plan to be mostly vegan by 2021.

Why do dermatologists like CeraVe?

What pros say: The fact that it is so gentle, and doesn’t have active ingredients, is exactly why dermatologists love this stuff.

“It’s a basic gentle cleanser, so it’s not necessarily going to clear acne or target signs of aging, but dermatologists often recommend it for this exact reason,” Shah says.