Is Cetaphil Cruelty-Free?

Cetaphil is renowned for its gentle formula suitable for all skin types. For over 70 years, Cetaphil has proved its effectiveness and reliability as a staple skincare brand. However, the main question is — Is Cetaphil Cruelty-Free?

As users and consumers, it is our right to know if these products are sustainable, environment-friendly, and, most importantly, do not test on animals. 

If you’re wondering if Cetaphil is cruelty-free or not, this article shows a brief analysis of the famous brand, Cetaphil, for various skincare products such as cleansers, lotions, moisturizers, and soaps.

Is Cetaphil Cruelty-Free? Does Cetaphil Test on Animals?

Sadly, Cetaphil is not cruelty-free. Cetaphil’s products test on animals. 

What does Cetaphil stand on this issue? Based on their Frequently Asked Questions page, Cetaphil prioritizes animal welfare as a company. Thus, Galderma (Cetaphil’s parent company) does not test Cetaphil’s products on animals at any stage of their process. It includes manufacturing, product development, and innovation. 

Although Cetaphil explicitly said that they do not test on animals, they did not mention if their suppliers test on animals and if the Cetaphil products sold in China are cruelty-free. It is also the same case with another famous skincare brand, CeraVe.

Where Is Cetaphil Manufactured?

According to their website, Cetaphil products are prepared and manufactured in Canada. Cetaphil also has manufacturing plants in the United States, France, Brazil, and Sweden. None of its products are manufactured in China. Their products are manufactured and made in the abovementioned plants before they move on to the packaging process. 

Is Cetaphil Sold in China?

Yes, Cetaphil is sold in China. With that, China’s law requires animal testing on products sold in physical stores as well as imported beauty products like Cetaphil. Therefore in any way, Cetaphil is not cruelty-free. 

Cetaphil also confirms it through their FAQs, saying:

Nevertheless, some health authorities may conduct animal testing for certain cosmetic products prior to approval for sale on the market, as is still the case in China.

Did China End Mandatory Animal Testing?

On May 1, 2021, China announced that there would be new regulations regarding its animal testing laws. This new update exempts general cosmetics from animal testing.

General cosmetics do not make product claims such as whitening, anti-aging, anti-hair loss, and the likes. It includes make-up, skincare, haircare, nail polish, and perfumes. 

However, not all Cetaphil products do not fall under China’s general cosmetics category. That’s why there are still several Cetaphil products subjected to animal testing.

Nevertheless, animal testing is still legal and required in China.

How Can You Say Cetaphil Is Not Cruelty-Free?

Going back to Cetaphil and Galderma’s statement, they do not test their products on animals. There’s no sufficient evidence, too, if their suppliers and ingredients are cruelty-free. 

But one thing’s for sure, Cetaphil allows animal testing when required by law, just like in China. With its products sold in China, it also shows that Cetaphil agrees to post-market animal testing.

To summarize, it does not pass the standards of being a cruelty-free skincare product or brand. Therefore, Cetaphil is not cruelty-free. 

Does Cetaphil take any actions?

Fret not, Galderma has done necessary actions in achieving a cruelty-free brand. Cetaphil’s parent company partnered with Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) to stop animal testing. IIVS is a non-profit research and testing laboratory that aims to promote alternatives to animal testing for cosmetic and beauty products worldwide. 

Thus, it has an active program in China by collaborating with various Chinese regulatory and industry bodies to encourage accepting other approaches to eliminate animal testing completely.

Is Cetaphil Vegan?

Cetaphil is not 100% vegan. The brand claims that most of Cetaphil’s products are vegan, but not all. As to the specificities, they do not disclose which is vegan and not on their website. Per checking, Cetaphil Canada said that:

The majority of ingredients used in our Cetaphil products are from non-animal sources, with the exception of a few (example: sodium tallowate).

To determine if a particular Cetaphil product is vegan, we shall stick to the traditional way of checking it— check the product’s ingredients list. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cetaphil Paraben Free?

Not all Cetaphil products are paraben-free. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, paraben acts as preservatives to cosmetics to prevent bacteria and mold growth in the product, which may harm the user. For the complete list of Cetaphil’s paraben-free products, check out the list below:

  • Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub
  • Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser
  • Gentle Makeup Removing Wipes
  • Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Remover
  • Redness Prone Skin Foaming Foam Wash
  • Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Bar
  • Gentle Cleansing Bar
  • Cetaphil Pro Soothing Wash – Dry Skin
  • Cetaphil Pro Eczema Soothing Moisturizer
  • Cetaphil Pro Oil Control Removing Foam Wash
  • Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen – SPF 30
  • Moisturizing Lotion
  • Daily Advance Lotion
  • Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15
  • Rich Hydrating Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid
  • Daily Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid
  • Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream with Hyaluronic Acid
  • Cetaphil Ultra Healing Lotion
  • Cetaphil Pro Soothing Wash Dry Skin
  • Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash – Fragrance-Free
  • Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash – Refreshing Scent
  • Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash- Skin Soothing 

Is Cetaphil Gluten-Free?

Unfortunately, almost all Cetaphil products are not gluten-free. Cetaphil doesn’t claim that its ingredients are gluten-free as its suppliers may change from time to time. So, it’s best to check with your doctor or dermatologist if it’s okay to use Cetaphil. 

Is Cetaphil Hypoallergenic?

Some Cetaphil products are hypoallergenic. Cetaphil did not disclose the complete list of hypoallergenic products. Also, the brand does not guarantee that its products are produced in a 100% allergen-free environment. It is highly encouraged to check the product’s description to know whether it is hypoallergenic or not. 

Is Cetaphil Non-comedogenic?


Per Cetaphil’s claims, their products are suitable for all skin types, whether sensitive, dry, or combination skin. Additionally, it is dermatologically proven and tested. However, they do not claim that Cetaphil, indeed, is non-comedogenic.

Cruelty-Free Alternatives to Cetaphil

After debunking all the frequently asked questions related to Cetaphil, it shows that it is not cruelty-free and vegan. Should you are looking for some alternative products to Cetaphil, here’s a list of products that do not test on animals and are 100% vegan:

1. Acure

Acure is a skin, body, and hair care brand that is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. They ensure that they do not test on animals and their ingredients are purely plant-based and food-based.No products found. is a must-try gentle cleanser and is applicable for all skin types.

No products found.

2. Pacifica

Pacifica has been in the industry for over 25 years, where its products are all-natural, vegan, and cruelty-free. Its products have natural and non-toxic ingredients that are safe and beneficial to the skin. 

So if you’re looking for a cruelty-free and vegan face cream, go check outNo products found.. It’s both for men and women of all skin types. Plus, this day and night cream is also paraben-free and gluten-free!

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Pacifica also has a unisexNo products found.. It is suitable for all skin types and has powerhouse antioxidants to help you cleanse your face by removing make-up and dirt. What’s unique about this face wash is its coconut water and sea algae complex, giving you that complete sea foam feeling!

No products found.

3. Derma E

This eco-ethical skincare brand aims to achieve clean beauty. Its products are cruelty-free, vegan, GMO-free, paraben-free, and do not include sulfates, petrolatum, mineral oils, phthalates, and sodium lauryl sulfates.

One of its best-sellers is theNo products found.. It is the best cruelty-free and vegan serum alternative that aims to smoothen fine lines and wrinkles and defy the signs of aging. It also contains ingredients that boost collagen production.

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Another must-try from this eco-ethical skincare brand isNo products found. wherein it tightens and smooths one’s skin. It aims to tighten the skin on the eye area, and this eye treatment is perfect for smoothing one’s laughter lines. 

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4. Dermalogica

Been in the skincare industry since 1986, Dermalogica aims to provide essential skincare products achieving the best skin condition possible. It also aims to prevent aging skin and inflammation through its Age Smart and Ultracalming skincare lines. Moreover, Dermalogica is 100% cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, gluten-free, and has no artificial fragrances and color.

No products found. is a crowd’s favorite. This foaming gel removes all impurities without stripping the skin or making it feel dry after use. It is mild, gentle, and suitable for all genders and skin types.

No products found.

If you’re looking for a moisturizer for dry skin,No products found. got you covered! Powered by BioReplenish Complex, it strengthens one’s skin’s lipid barriers to help the skin restore its natural moisture and balance. This face moisturizer also has hyaluronic acid, which helps make one’s skin moisturized and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

No products found.

5. Earth Science

Dedicated to providing clean and cruelty-free skincare, body care, and hair care products, Earth Science has a wide range of products for all your needs. You can mix and match their products depending on your current skin condition. 

Go check outNo products found.. This alcohol-free toner removes all dirt and impurities, including make-up, while protecting the skin’s moisture and average pH level. It has vitamin C, panthenol, and natural ingredients such as witch hazel, lavender oil, and chamomile, which help cool and revitalize one’s skin.

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Final Thoughts

Despite Cetaphil’s parent company, Galderma, claiming that they do not allow animal testing, Cetaphil products are sold in China. It proves that Cetaphil is not cruelty-free. Moreover, they contain parabens, glutens, are not vegan, and only some of their products are hypoallergenic. 

However, there are clean and cruelty-free based skincare products that you might want to try, such asNo products found. andNo products found.. They both do wonders the same way Cetaphil products do to one’s skin of all skin types.

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