Eau Thermale Avène offers all types of products for unique and sensitive skin. They are mostly known for their Thermal Spring Water Spray which is also the main ingredient in most of their products. But I wanted to know, is Avene cruelty-free or vegan?
Is Avene Cruelty-Free?
Avene is NOT Cruelty-free. Avene pays and allows their products to be tested on animals when required by law. Avene also sells its products in stores in mainland China where animal testing is mandatory for all imported cosmetics.
Avene’s Animal Testing Statement
On their website, Avène claims their products and ingredients are not tested on animals, complying with the EU marketing and sale ban of animal-tested cosmetics. But what the EU animal testing ban doesn’t cover is cosmetics tested on animals, outside of the EU or as part of foreign regulations.
So, Avène failed to mention one important thing on their website’s animal testing policy: They sell their products in China. Under China’s current laws, all imported cosmetics are required by law to be tested on animals.
Below is a screenshot of what’s currently stated on Avene’s company website:
In a recent email response, Avene has stated and confirmed:
“At the moment, Avene does sell it’s products in China. We know that China is updating and improving their laws in regards to testing so we look forward to the changes and implementations they will be making in the next couple of years.” (July 2019)
Avene products are still being sold in mainland China where is it still required that all imported cosmetics be tested on animals.
In a previous email response in 2016, they confirmed that their products are indeed marketed in China and therefore must undergo animal testing as required by China’s laws.
“we market our products in China and tests imposed by local regulations are performed by laboratories accredited by the Chinese authorities. Some of these tests are performed on animals. We do not agree to this practice; however we cannot oppose it.” (Feb 2016)
Because of Avene’s decision to sell its products in-stores in mainland China, they must consent and pay the Chinese government to test their products on animals. That’s why all cosmetics brands selling in mainland China retail stores cannot be considered cruelty-free.
Although Avene 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, Avene refuses to do the same and has decided to put profits before the welfare of animals.
Summary: Avene is NOT Cruelty-Free!
By choosing to sell in mainland China, Avene must have their products tested on animals. Therefore I would not consider Avene to be a cruelty-free brand.
Avene is on our List of Brands to Avoid – Animal Tested.
If Avene does not agree with China’s mandatory animal testing requirements as they claim, then they shouldn’t be selling their products in China until those laws are changed.
Although Avène claims that they are working to “persuade Chinese authorities to suspend these tests on animals and to use alternative methods,” I personally don’t trust or feel comfortable supporting or buying from a company that claims to be against animal testing but at the same time, will pay others to test their own products on animals for them.
Is Avene Vegan?
Avene claims their Thermal Spring Water Spray is vegan, however, because we would not consider Avene to be cruelty-free as their products are tested on animals when required by law, we also wouldn’t consider anything sold or manufactured by Avene to be vegan.
Below is what’s currently stated on Avene’s website about their vegan product claims:
In order for products to be considered vegan by ethical elephant’s standards, the products and their ingredients must not be tested on animals, anywhere in the world, and also must not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products.
Cruelty-Free Alternatives to Avene:
There are plenty of cruelty-free skincare alternatives to Avene, here are some of my personal cruelty-free recommendations:
- Mario Badescu – some vegan options
- Derma E – 100% Vegan
- Skyn Iceland – 100% Vegan
- Juice Beauty – some vegan options
- Skinfix – some vegan options
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Maddie
January 19, 2019Alba Bontanica is a great brand. For sensitive skin. And it does not test on animals and is vegan. And I’ve looked at the ingredients and it does not have anything bad.
Aspen
June 15, 2018I wish I had read this before I bought 2 products from them. I definitely will not be buying from them again. I don’t know how they can say they are against it and continue to do it, makes no sense! If they really meant that, they would have there products made and tested in another country, simple!
Kelly
April 19, 2018I think it’s fantastic to name the companies who try to bend the truth, I went through similar with Kelloggs on their use of palm oil, many companies are out for profit and not morals unfortunately 🙁
Carol
March 29, 2018Do you know a brand that is vegan that is good for eczema and sensitive skin (and also good for babies and kids)?
Lizzie
January 15, 2018Avene uses a lot of waffle on their website in the frequently asked questions about if they test their products on animals. Its meant to be ambiguous and mislead in my opinion.the very fact that they are trying to mislead customers with vague answers speaks volume
Moragh
November 16, 2017Thank you for this. I was just about to buy some Avene products, but I won’t now. It is disgraceful that they can even put profit before kindness.
Rose Tan
May 3, 2017I certainly agree on how avene shouldn’t have to sell their products to China. It’s an excuse for revenue like majority of large brands. I’ve been a loyal avene customer for more than 11 years using cleansers, lotions & treatments. I love their products & don’t mind spending a lot of money for good products. But to finally realise how blind I’ve been for all these years how they can get away with cruelty to animals has made me leave this brand – cold. I am now in search of a brand that is against animal testing & will support & give profit to brands who have a conscience.
Vicki Lanzo
May 5, 2017I have had good luck with Andalou Naturals, specifically the 1000 Roses line, I also like Pacifica and Cocokind and am going to be trying some Drunk Elephant products once the heat and humidity of summer starts.
Elizabeth Dreyer
October 6, 2016I am glad to find out the truth about Avene testing on animals of which I am not happy.
I was going to try it and brought a brochure home from the chemist who stock these products. .There is no mention of “..tested on animals .” Hence my looking on the internet for more correct information.
THANK GOODNESS I found out the truth.
AVENA. .YOU ARE A DISGRACE ..YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED AND I HOPE YOU HAVE NIGHTMARES OF ALL THE SUFFERING AND PAIN YOU PUT ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS THROUGH.
PATHETIC LOT…..?
Ananda Gomez
August 25, 2016I appreciate your article about AVENE. Do you know if URIAGE test on animals to or uses animal ingredients?
Vivi M
February 20, 2016A few people have offered I try Avene because I have very sensitive eyes and many products cause me issues.
But please, if they wanted to persuade China to stop testing they could pressure them BEFORE entering that market. The damage to bunnies will already be done by that point 🙁
Vicky Ly
February 22, 2016exactly!!!