Chloé’s Latest Perfume: Vegan in Name Only – What’s the Real Story?

By Liis Hainla. Published: August 2024.
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Chloé has always been synonymous with luxury and sophistication, and their latest launch, Chloé Eau de Parfum Naturelle, aims to elevate that reputation even further. 

This new addition to the Chloé collection proudly touts its modern woody rose scent and claims to be vegan, formulated with 100% natural origin fragrance, naturally derived alcohol, and water. With no artificial coloring or filters, it seems like a triumph of sustainable luxury.

However, before you rush to add this fragrance to your collection, it’s crucial to dig a little deeper. While Chloé Eau de Parfum Naturelle does not contain any animal-derived ingredients—such as musk, civet, ambergris, or honey—there’s a significant issue that keeps this perfume from truly being vegan.

The Cruelty Conundrum

The term “vegan” in the beauty industry often encompasses more than just the absence of animal-derived ingredients. It also implies that no animal testing was involved in the development of the product. Unfortunately, this is where Chloé falls short.

Chloé, like many traditional luxury brands, does not carry a cruelty-free certification. This means that despite their efforts to create a product with natural ingredients and no animal derivatives, their testing practices are not aligned with vegan values. 

In many countries, including China, animal testing for cosmetics is still a legal requirement. Although recent reforms have somewhat relaxed these rules, animal testing continues to be a reality for many brands, including Chloé. As long as a company is subject to such regulations, its products cannot be considered truly vegan, regardless of their ingredient list.

Understanding Vegan Beauty

To truly grasp why animal testing is so contentious, it’s important to understand the ethics behind vegan beauty. Vegan beauty products avoid not only animal-derived ingredients but also the cruel and inhumane practice of animal testing. The latter involves subjecting animals to harmful chemicals and conditions to test product safety, often resulting in severe suffering and death.

The cruelty-free movement champions the right for animals to live without the threat of being harmed for cosmetic purposes. This commitment extends beyond product ingredients to the entire process of creating and testing cosmetics. Brands that are genuinely vegan and cruelty-free ensure that no animals are harmed in the making of their products, from conception to market.

Brands That Get It Right

Fortunately, there are many fragrance brands that align with both vegan and cruelty-free principles. For those in search of ethically-produced perfumes, consider exploring options like Clean, Snif, Heretic, DedCool, The 7 Virtues, and even the esteemed Le Labo. These brands offer luxurious fragrances while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare and environmental responsibility.

A Step in the Right Direction

Despite this disappointment, Chloé’s introduction of Eau de Parfum Naturelle sends an important signal about the growing demand for transparency and sustainability in the luxury market. By choosing to focus on natural ingredients and avoiding animal-derived components, Chloé is taking a step towards more responsible product development.

In conclusion, while Chloé’s new perfume is a positive move towards more sustainable practices, it’s important to remain vigilant and informed. By supporting brands that are genuinely vegan and cruelty-free, we can make choices that align with our values and promote a more compassionate beauty industry.

My name is Liis. I've been a vegan for a long time and advocate for the vegan lifestyle. Through Vegan Avenue, I write about the latest vegan news, trends, events, and all things related to the vegan lifestyle.