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Is Dr. Brandt Cruelty-Free?
Dr. Brandt is NOT Cruelty-free. Dr. Brandt Skincare pays and allows their products to be tested on animals when required by law. Also, Dr. Brandt sells its products in stores in mainland China where animal testing is mandatory for most imported cosmetics.
Dr. Brandt’s Animal Testing Policy
Dr. Brandt Skincare claims to be a “cruelty-free-oriented organization” but this is very misleading because the brand isn’t cruelty-free.
On their company’s website, it states they don’t engage in animal testing. However, some countries require animal testing by law and in those cases, the governments conduct their own animal tests of Dr. Brandt’s products.

The country they are talking about here is China. Specifically, mainland China.
Most imported cosmetics sold in stores, in mainland China are required by law to be tested on animals first.
Is Dr. Brandt Sold in China?
Using Dr. Brandt Skincare’s online store locator feature, I was able to find a number of stores throughout China selling their products. This further confirms that Dr. Brandt is selling its products in mainland China.

Because of Dr. Brandt’s decision to sell in mainland China stores, they must consent and pay to have their products tested on animals. That’s why most cosmetics brands selling in mainland China cannot be considered cruelty-free in 2022.
Dr. Brandt claims “the national governments conduct their own tests on our products — we do not and will never test on animals ourselves.” Although Dr. Brandt Skincare may not be conducting these animal tests themselves, they are knowingly allowing Chinese authorities to test their products on animals in order to sell in China.
Many truly cruelty-free brands have chosen not to sell their products in China because of the country’s animal testing laws. Unfortunately, Dr. Brandt refuses to do the same and has decided to put profits before the welfare of animals.
Summary: Dr. Brandt Skincare is NOT Cruelty-Free!
To sum up, by choosing to sell in mainland China, Dr. Brandt Skincare must have their products tested on animals. Therefore I would not consider Dr. Brandt to be a cruelty-free brand.
Currently, Dr. Brandt Skincare is on our List of Brands to Avoid – Animal Tested.
Cruelty-Free Alternatives to Dr. Brandt:
Looking to switch to cruelty-free products? Here are some cruelty-free alternatives similar to Dr. Brandt:
- StriVectin – some vegan options
- Perricone MD – some vegan options
- Sunday Riley – some vegan options
- Dr. Dennis Gross – some vegan options
- Paula’s Choice – some vegan options