Beiersdorf does not conduct tests for cosmetic products on animals. We are convinced, that the development of cosmetic products must avoid the utilization of test animals. This policy not only meets the wishes of many consumers, but also reflects the progress of scientific research and the corresponding legal requirements.

Raw materials that we obtain from external suppliers are characterized by the supplier in accordance with the current legal requirements. Once again, consumer safety is the highest priority. The chemicals legislation currently in force requires comprehensive documentation, which permits verification that the raw materials are harmless to health. Substitute methods, i.e. methods which deliver reliable results without tests on animals, unfortunately do not yet exist for all issues specified by the legislator. These include for example the issue of whether a substance may trigger allergies. These safety studies are necessary for all substances, irrespective of whether or not they are used as raw materials for cosmetics, and are generally conducted by the manufacturer of the raw material.

A leader for the past 20 years in the development of alternatives to animal testing

For some 20 years, Beiersdorf has been successfully developing in vitro alternatives to tests on animals. This work has been conducted in part with manufacturer associations and expert bodies. Beiersdorf is one of the world's leading and best known and accepted research companies in this area.

We are also very active in the European Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association (COLIPA), including SCAAT (the Association's Steering Committee on Alternatives to Animal Testing) and its special project teams; in the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM); and also at OECD level. We are an active member of IVTIP (the In Vitro Testing Industrial Platform) and ESTIV (the European Society of Toxicology In Vitro), and in 2006 we also joined the EPAA (European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing), a joint organization of the European Commission and industry.

The greatest possible safety for our consumers

We guarantee the greatest possible safety of our consumers and compatibility of our cosmetic products by careful selection of the relevant ingredients. "In vitro" methods, i.e. tests performed in test tubes rather than on animals, are very important in this context. After obtaining acceptable in vitro results we test the compatibility and effect of developmental and final products "in vivo" on volunteers.

More information about Beiersdorf's activities in the area of development and use of alternatives to animal testing can be found here.

Word for word: Our Raw Materials Policy

Our raw materials policy shows how we can ensure the safety, quality, effectiveness, and compatibility of our products without the use of animal testing.

Exchange with the academic community

Our continuous, worldwide cooperation with scientists and expert bodies guarantees that we are always up-to-date on the latest developments – including in the area of animal protection.

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