Last Updated on 01/05/2023
Vaseline is NOT cruelty free. It is non vegan either. Similarly, its parent company Unilever is neither cruelty free nor vegan. They may be involved in animal testing of finished products & ingredients. Brand, supplier, third parties or all can do the testing.
Vaseline needs no introduction. So much so that the regular petroleum jelly is often called ‘Vaseline’. Today, I’m talking about Vaseline. Let’s check out their animal testing ethics.
Vaseline is an American brand that has been around for over 150 years. All of it started with the discovery of petroleum jelly. That’s a long history. All thanks to the parent company, Unilever, Vaseline became a popular name across the globe. Vaseline is a word derived from the German word ‘Wasser’ and the Greek word ‘Elaion’. It means water and oil respectively.
Currently, it is available in the US, Canada, South Africa, Netherlands, Thailand, India, Brazil, etc. It sells skincare products such as soap, deodorant, body lotions, and cleansers, among others.
Is Vaseline Cruelty Free & Vegan?
Vaseline – Brief History
1859 – The journey began with the New York chemist, Robert Augustus Chesebrough. He visited the oil fields of Titusville, Pennsylvania for research.
1860’s – Chesebrough discovered petroleum jelly. During the decade, he tested and tried the product before launching it to the market.
1870 – Vaseline was founded in 1870. His discovery was branded as Vaseline Petroleum jelly. The first factory was also established in the same year.
1872 – They filed US Patent for the brand’s name. It is a mixture of Greek and German words, representing oil and water.
1874 – Available all across the US for sale. Vaseline became popular among consumers for healing and protecting the skin.
1875 – The brand claims of selling one jar per minute.
1908 – Chesebrough held the title of company’s President until 1908.
1955 – Vaseline merged with Pond’s to expand.
1987 – Unilever purchased Vaseline in 1987.
Vaseline Animal Testing
Nothing. The official brand’s website lacks a cruelty-free policy. But a little deeper dive, reveals the parent company does animal testing. Here is what their website says about testing –
Occasionally, across Unilever’s broader portfolio of brands, ingredients that we use still have to be tested by suppliers by law, to comply with regulatory requirements in some markets; and some government authorities test certain products on animals as part of their regulations.
They also talk about their brand trying to find better alternatives to animal testing.
For more than 40 years, we have worked to secure the adoption of innovative non-animal approaches based on advances in science and technology. As a result, we are recognised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) as a ‘company working for regulatory change’.
Cruelty Free Timeline of Vaseline
1872 – Chesebrough found Vaseline in 1872. It is unclear but highly unlikely to be cruelty-free. The primary reason for this assumption is loose animal testing laws during those years. Additionally, there is no mention of animal testing and ethical practice.
1987 – Unilever becomes the parent company of Vaseline. Unilever is not cruelty free either.
2000s – 2010s – Unilever talks about finding alternatives to animal testing. They want to apply their ‘next generation’ scientific approach and proceed without involving animals.
2023 – Vaseline is still not a cruelty-free brand. Neither they have any cruelty-free certification nor any clear policy.
Is Vaseline Cruelty Free?
No, Vaseline is NOT cruelty-free. This implies the brand practices animal testing, either actively or passively. The brand itself, third parties, and/or the suppliers test on animals. The testing can involve ingredient level and finished product testing. Moreover, it is also available in countries where animal testing is compulsory.
Does Vaseline still test on Animals?
Yes, they do tests on animals currently. The brand, suppliers, or third parties can do it. They can test the ingredients, finished products, or both.
Tested by suppliers/brand/third parties?
Likely, at different stages.
Is Vaseline Leaping Bunny certified?
On its official website, Vaseline doesn’t hold any clear stance on cruelty-free policy. Rather there is no cruelty-free statement from the brand.
Cruelty Free International organization hasn’t approved them. So, their products don’t have the Leaping Bunny logo.
Does Vaseline have any Cruelty Free Certifications?
No, don’t be misled. Vaseline is not cruelty-free. They don’t have any other certifications. PETA hasn’t approved Vaseline either.
Who owns Vaseline?
Unilever owns Vaseline since 1987. Unilever is neither cruelty-free nor vegan-friendly. Unilever also owns brands such as Dove which is not cruelty free and TRESemme, which recently became cruelty free.
Is Vaseline sold in China?
Yes, Vaseline is widely available in Mainland China, both offline as well as online.
Does Vaseline manufacture in China?
They have factories in Canada, Europe, and Africa alongside New Jersey. It is unconfirmed whether they’ve plants in China.
Is Vaseline vegan?
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is 100% vegan. It is a mix of mineral oils and waxes. The main ingredient here is Petroleum. So, yes it is free of any animal-derived ingredients including pork.
Do note that petroleum jelly is made from oil. Skip if you’re vegan and environmentally conscious.
But is the Vaseline brand vegan-friendly? No, they are not 100% vegan. However, Vaseline has some products that are free of any animal-derived ingredients. Although, Vaseline is still not entirely vegan friendly.
Also, Vaseline still tests on animals. I recommended skipping this brand altogether if you’re an animal lover and support cruelty-free ways of living.
Ingredients that make it non-vegan?
Ingredients that you should check for vegan-friendliness are plenty. Common ingredients are beeswax, honey, gelatin, lactose, carmine, etc.
What animal does Vaseline test on?
Vaseline doesn’t have any specific Animal Testing Policy on its website. So, it is unclear. Generally, animal testing involves mice, rabbits, fish, and birds. This list also includes cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and hamsters. (Source)
Brands to Avoid
These skincare brands are not cruelty-free and should be avoided.
Cruelty Free Alternatives to Vaseline
Looking for cruelty-free and vegan alternatives to Vaseline? I got you. You can switch to natural plant-based oils. Look for shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, etc.
Some of the Brands that offer vegan and cruelty-free products worth a try are as follows.
Vegan and Cruelty Free Drugstore Alternatives
Cruelty-Free & Drugstore (Non-Vegan)
Sol De Janeiro
Tom’s of Maine
Yes To
Product Alternative to Vaseline
- Vaseline Body Lotion – Try Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Body Cream or The Body Shop Yogurt or Hempz Herbal Moisturizer
- Lip Balm – Jack Black Lip Balm or Hempz Marshmallow Mint Lip Balm
- Deo – Tom’s of Maine
Vaseline is still testing on animals in 2023. They’re neither vegan nor cruelty-free. They also sell in countries where testing is mandatory. The parent company, Unilever also tests on animals. Unilever is not vegan either.
