Consumers often want to know whether we test our cosmetic products on animals. We would therefore like to explain our approach and the general legal framework:
Our Commitment: No animal testing for our hair and body care products
We have a clear commitment: We do not test our hair and body care products on animals. This applies to both the products for home use available in the market and professional products used in hair salons.
We have not carried out any tests on animals for our cosmetic products since the late 1980s, around 15 years before a respective EU ban came into effect in 2004. What is more, since March 2013, the cosmetics regulation prohibits the testing of cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients on animals in the EU. Naturally, we respect, support, and comply with this obligation as a company.
Unfortunately, we cannot claim that animal testing no longer plays any role at all. This is because there are some countries where animal testing is still mandatory to obtain market and/or regulatory approval for cosmetic products such as China. We are working with national and international associations to convince the authorities in China to cease testing cosmetic products on animals.
We use recognized, alternative testing methods or existing data to demonstrate the safety of our cosmetic ingredients. For almost 40 years, we have been committed to the development and recognition of alternative methods in many different ways. We engage our own research expertise to develop alternative testing methods, for example within the context of Phenion, or in relevant research collaboration initiatives at national or international association level, such as Cosmetics Europe.
General information as well as questions and answers on animal testing and cosmetic products can be found on the website of CTPA, the UK cosmetics trade association at: https://www.thefactsabout.co.uk/animal-testing-facts
Frequently asked questions:
Does Consumer Brands test its hair and body care products on animals?
No. We do not test our hair and body care products on animals. This applies to both the products for home use available in the market and professional products used in hair salons. What is more, since March 2013, the cosmetics regulation prohibits the testing of cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients on animals in the EU. Furthermore, for almost 40 years, we have been committed to the development and recognition of alternative testing methods to guarantee the safety of our products.
What is the situation in countries outside the EU such as China?
Countries such as China still tests certain cosmetic products from our assortment on animals to obtain market registration. We are working with national and international associations to convince the authorities in China to cease testing cosmetic products on animals. We are fortunately starting to see signs of acceptance of alternative methods. For example, the Chinese authorities are allowing a simplified registration procedure without animal testing for locally manufactured cosmetic products, such as shampoos or shower gels. This change has already helped our locally produced products and we welcome it greatly, seeing it as confirmation of our efforts.
Does Consumer Brands sell cosmetic products produced in China in Germany or the EU?
No. We do not import cosmetic products to Germany or the EU that have been manufactured for the Chinese market in accordance with applicable local legislation.
Criteria for our vegan product formulations
Our vegan product formulations are completely free from animal-based ingredients, such as milk or honey. Nor do we use ingredients derived from animal raw materials such as crustacean shells (chitin), keratin, silk, or beef tallow in our vegan product formulations.
Our vegan cosmetic ingredients must therefore meet stringent requirements. Compliance with these criteria must be confirmed in writing by our suppliers.
Many of our hair and body care products already have a vegan product formulation, which is indicated on the product or packaging. Please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Service at https://www.henkel.com/contact-us