Is Olay Cruelty-Free or Vegan?

Olay is not cruelty-free or vegan in 2023. It tests its finished products and ingredients on animals by itself, via suppliers and third-parties. Olay products are sold in countries where testing is required by law, such as Mainland China.

Olay is popular name among skincare brands primarily due to its anti-aging line. Wondering if this drugstore brand is animal-friendly? Let’s find out where Olay stands in terms of animal testing and veganism. So, is Olay cruelty-free or vegan? Or should you skip it?

Brand Overview

Graham Wulff, a former Unilever employee, founded Olay in 1952. Initially, its name was Oil of Olay. In 1985, it was acquired and renamed as Olay.

Does Olay test on Animals?

Olay’s Animal Testing

At a glance, Olay’s testing policy looks decent and makes the consumers believe that it’s indeed cruelty-free. But that’s far from the truth. It’s pretty misleading.

The brand has a dedicated page that mentions:

We do not test our products on animals. • • • For example, in a few countries where Olay is sold, governments still mandate animal tests. In those cases, Olay can be required by law to submit our products to labs where we know animal tests are happening.

Initially, it appears that it doesn’t test but later pops up the mandatory clause.

Is Olay Cruelty-Free?

Olay is not cruelty-free still in 2023. The brand itself admits to submitting samples for third-party testing wherever required by law. Olay tests on animals actively/passively. It supports the funding of those cruel tests.

Is Olay approved by PETA?

Olay is not approved by PETA (People For Ethical Treatment of Animals). Instead, the brand is on PETA’S list of brands to avoid. You won’t find any authorized cruelty-free logo on Olay products.

Is Olay approved by Leaping Bunny?

Olay is not Leaping Bunny certified either. This is because it still tests on animals.

Is Olay Sold in China?

Olay is sold in China since 1989. However, the brand doesn’t manufacture there. But it’s available in Mainland China where third-party testing is a common practice.

Is Olay Vegan?

Olay is not vegan due to 2 main reasons.

Its products contain animal-based ingredients such as retinol, lanolin, and collagen, among others. These are 100% animal ingredients. It is extracted by harming or killing them. The brand is not animal-conscious.

Also, the brand tests on animals. Animal testing is brutal. As a vegan and animal lover, it’s best to skip Olay altogether.

Is Olay Vegetarian?

Olay is not a vegetarian brand. Although some of its products are vegetarian, Olay isn’t vegetarian. Some of the products contain animal-derived ingredients such as retinol and collagen.

Do I Recommend Olay?

I don’t recommend Olay due to 2 reasons. Firstly, because the brand isn’t cruelty-free or vegan. But also due to the portrayal of misleading information about its animal testing policy. It is also not ethical or clean.

Cruelty-Free Alternative to Olay

Olay is popular due to its anti-aging skincare game. Think of night cream, sunscreen, and nourishing moisturizers.

However there are plenty other brands that offer cruelty-free alternatives to Olay. Some of these products are also 100% vegan.

Cruelty-Free Options

Vegan + Cruelty-Free Alternative

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