Obagi

Obagi allows its products to be tested on animals when required by law.

Obagi’s Animal Testing Policy

On Obagi’s website, they claim that they don’t test on animals unless mandated by the FDA.

See below for a screenshot of what’s currently stated on Obagi’s website:

Based on Obagi’s statement, the company admits to allowing its products to be tested on animals when required by law.

Truly cruelty-free brands will never allow their products or ingredients to be tested on animals. Cruelty-free companies have a policy where if the law requires them to test on animals then they will refuse to sell their products under those conditions.

For example, imported cosmetics sold in stores in mainland China are required by Chinese laws to be tested on animals upon registration. Therefore, truly cruelty-free brands have chosen not to sell in China in order to remain committed to their no animal testing policy.

Unfortunately, Obagi state they will allow their products and ingredients to be tested on animals if the law requires it. For those reasons, Obagi is NOT cruelty-free.

Cruelty-Free Policies

At ethical elephant, we always assess a company’s cruelty-free policy using our Cruelty-Free Checklist. This ensures no animal testing was performed by the brand itself, its suppliers, and by any third parties, including when required by law.

See below for our complete cruelty-free checklist. Since Obagi states it allows its products to be tested on animals if mandated by law, we cannot classify the brand as being cruelty-free.

Is Obagi Certified Cruelty-Free?

Obagi is not certified cruelty-free by any third-party cruelty-free certifications like Leaping Bunny or PETA.

Because Obagi is not certified cruelty-free by a third party, no one is looking into or substantiating Obagi’s cruelty-free commitments and claims.

Is Obagi Cruelty-Free?

To sum up, Obagi allows its products to be tested on animals if mandated by law. Therefore, we would NOT consider Obagi to be a cruelty-free brand.

Currently, Obagi is on our List of Brands to Avoid – Animal Tested.

Is Obagi Vegan?

Obagi does not claim or market itself to offer any vegan-friendly options. And since Obagi engages in animal testing, we wouldn’t consider anything sold or produced by Obagi to be vegan anyways.

See below for a screenshot of what’s currently stated on Obagi’s FAQ page:

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. Also, they must not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products.

Cruelty-Free Alternatives to Obagi

Looking to switch to cruelty-free skincare products? Here are some cruelty-free brands to check out:

• Augustinus Bader
• Dr. Barbara Sturm
• Dermalogica *owned by L’Oreal
• Dr. Dennis Gross
• Paula’s Choice *owned by Unilever