Is Kiehl’s Vegan & Cruelty-Free In 2024?

By Anett Rannamets. Updated: January 2024.
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Kiehl’s is a skincare brand that was founded by John Kiehl in 1851. The brand was established in New York City, United States, and has its roots as an old-world apothecary. To this day, Kiehl’s is headquartered in NYC. Kiehl’s website is https://www.kiehls.com/.

John Kiehl, a pharmacist, created the brand with the purpose of providing quality skincare and personal care products using natural ingredients and scientific expertise. Over the years, Kiehl’s has gained a reputation for its high-quality formulations, iconic packaging, and commitment to customer service. 

The brand’s products are known for their effectiveness and focus on addressing various skin concerns. It offers a wide range of products for both men and women, including skincare, haircare, body care, and grooming products. But is Kiehl’s also vegan?

Is Kiehl’s Vegan?

No, Kiehl’s is not vegan. Kiehl’s uses animal-derived ingredients in its products. In addition, Kiehl’s is not cruelty-free as it permits animal testing for its products in situations where it is mandated by law.

Kiehl’s Vegan Overview

Is a vegan brand: no
Uses non-vegan ingredients: yes
Has a vegan selection: no
Tests on animals: no
Sold where animal testing is mandatory: yes
Has a parent company that tests on animals: yes (L’Oréal)

Does Kiehl’s Have Official Vegan Certifications?

No. Kiehl’s does not have any vegan certifications. Kiehl’s is not a vegan brand as it uses animal-based ingredients and allows animal tests.

Has Kiehl’s Indicated Going Vegan?

No. Kiehl’s has not indicated going vegan. 

Does Kiehl’s Test on Animals?

Yes. Kiehl’s tests on animals since Kiehl’s allows animal testing for its products in situations where it is mandated by law. 

Is Kiehl’s Certified Cruelty-Free?

No. Kiehl’s is not certified cruelty-free. Kiehl’s may test on animals, either themselves, through their suppliers, or a third party.

Who Owns Kiehl’s?

Kiehl’s is owned by the L’Oréal Group, a French multinational cosmetics company. L’Oréal acquired Kiehl’s in 2000 and has since operated it as part of its portfolio of brands. L’Oréal is not cruelty-free, therefore, Kiehl’s is also owned by a non-cruelty-free company.

Which Kiehl’s Products Are Vegan?

None of Kiehl’s products are considered to be vegan as Kiehl’s allows animal tests on its products. 

Summary

Kiehl’s is a skincare brand founded already in 1851. It originated as an old-world apothecary in New York City. The brand’s mission is to provide high-quality skincare products using natural ingredients and scientific knowledge. 

While Kiehl’s offers a wide range of effective products, it is not vegan. Kiehl’s is also not considered cruelty-free as it permits animal testing when required by law.

We hope that Kiehl’s will take on the goal of going cruelty-free and fully vegan one day. Until then keep checking in on Vegan Avenue for an updated vegan product list.

See also: Best Vegan Skincare Brands

Anett is a passionate journalist, writer, and magazine editor with almost 7 years of experience. Through engaging articles, she brings kinder and more environmentally-friendly choices closer to everybody.