Being vegan goes beyond eating food without animal ingredients. It’s a way of living that seeks to minimize animal exploitation and suffering, even in industries like cosmetics and fashion.
If you’re here, then you’re probably interested in knowing Kiehl’s stance on animal ingredients and testing. Kiehl’s was acquired by the L’Oreal group back in 2000, a multinational company known for using animal ingredients and a rather misleading animal testing policy.Â
L’Oreal states that they’re committed to ending animal testing and are investing in non-animal testing technologies. However, they still choose to sell cosmetics in China, a country where animal testing is required by law. Before products are made available for the Chinese public, the government conducts animal tests that are funded by the companies.
That said, brands don’t always follow the same policies and practices as their parent companies, but Kiehl’s is the same as L’Oreal in that regard.
Kiehl’s Is Also Not Certified Cruelty-Free
Kiehl’s does not have the Leaping Bunny certificate.
One way you can check this is by visiting PETA as they have a list with all the cruelty-free brands, or you can check websites like Leapingbunny.org or Crueltyfreeinternational.org, and usually, they have databases with all of their certified brands.
However, brands that are cruelty-free and take pride in being cruelty-free usually have a certificate on their website and respective product pages, as well as product labels.
Here’s an example of that on a website:
If you want a truly cruelty-free brand, they can’t simply state that they don’t test on animals, they need to be able to show proof. Having a certificate ensures that brands do the following:
- Don’t test finished products on animals at any point during production;
- Their suppliers also cannot test raw material, ingredients, or products on animals;
- Companies cannot ask for third-parties to do any animal testing;
- They don’t sell products in countries where animal testing is required by law.
Bottom line: Always look for brands with a leaping bunny certificate.
Is Kiehl’s Vegan?
Kiehl’s is not a vegan brand, but they also don’t promote themselves as such.
They do have some vegan-friendly products that don’t contain any raw ingredients extracted from animal sources, or that may be derived from animal exploitation.
Note that you may find certain ingredients such as glycerin and stearic acid. While those may come from animal sources, they can also be plant-based or vegan-friendly.
If you still wish to buy products from Kiehl’s you have to check the ingredients beforehand.
Here’s a list of some Kiehl’s products that don’t contain animal ingredients:
- Creme de Corps (Contains: Glycerin)
- Ultimate Strength Hand Salve (Contains: Glycerin and Stearic Acid)
- Amino Acid Shampoo
- Amino Acid Conditioner
- Midnight Recovery Face Oil
Kiehl’s has many more products, but these also happen to be their best-sellers.
Where To Purchase Kiehl’s Products
Kiehl’s products are available through their website, but you can also find them on Amazon.
If you’re not interested in purchasing products from Kiehl’s, you can always read further and look at some of the 100% vegan and cruelty-free alternatives we recommend.
Vegan & Cruelty-Free Alternatives To Kiehl’s
Given that Kiehl’s is not 100% vegan and cruelty-free, allow us to suggest some alternatives that may provide you with a range of products that is similar to Kiehl’s.
We know that Kiehl’s provides all-around quality options for people who’re looking for hair, skin, and body care products. In fact, some of their best-selling products are body lotions, shampoos & conditioners, hand moisturizers, and facial oils.
As such, allow us to provide you with some brands that also sell products in a similar context, which we believe you’ll appreciate:
These brands are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, so no need to feel guilty or hesitant about their products. Some of these brands you won’t be able to find them in general or beauty retailers, so you may have to acquire their products from their website.
Bottom Line
Kiehl’s is not a vegan brand and it’s not certified cruelty-free.Â
However, you’re still able to find some vegan-friendly products within their product lines. In fact, some of their best-selling lotions and shampoos don’t contain animal ingredients.
Kiehl’s has stated that they do not conduct animal testing unless required by law.
However, that’s not what makes a company cruelty-free.Â
A cruelty-free NEVER conducts animal testing (directly or indirectly), nor does it source from suppliers that test their ingredients or raw materials on animals. If you’re really into vegan or cruelty-free products, feel free to check out the list of brands we’ve mentioned above!
