Vaseline isn’t cruelty-free - and if you’re looking for a product that doesn’t harm animals, this one won’t fit your standards. Even though Vaseline doesn’t test its final products on animals directly, it sells in countries like China where animal testing is required by law for imported cosmetics. That means third-party labs test Vaseline products on animals before they can be sold on shelves. If a brand allows this, it’s not considered cruelty-free by any major certification body.
Why Vaseline Isn’t on Cruelty-Free Lists
Vaseline is owned by Unilever, a multinational company that owns dozens of brands. While some Unilever brands like Dove and Love Beauty and Planet are certified cruelty-free, Vaseline isn’t. Why? Because Unilever allows Vaseline to be sold in markets where animal testing is mandatory. China is the biggest reason. Since 2014, China has relaxed some rules for ordinary cosmetics, but imported products - especially those labeled as ‘special use’ like sunscreen or whitening creams - still face mandatory animal testing. Vaseline lip balms and skin protectants often fall into these categories.
Organizations like Leaping Bunny and PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program require brands to prove they don’t test - and won’t allow anyone else to test - on animals at any stage. Vaseline can’t meet that standard. Even if the company claims it doesn’t conduct the tests itself, paying for a product to enter a market that forces animal testing makes them complicit.
What Does ‘Cruelty-Free’ Really Mean?
Many people think ‘cruelty-free’ just means the brand doesn’t test on animals in its own labs. That’s not enough. True cruelty-free means no animal testing anywhere in the supply chain, even if it’s done by a third party or required by law. It also means the brand doesn’t sell in countries that force animal testing on imported goods.
Think of it like this: if you refuse to buy meat from a farm that uses cruel practices, but you still eat meat from a restaurant that buys from that same farm, you’re still supporting the system. Same with Vaseline. You might not see the test tubes or rabbits, but the money you spend funds those tests.
Brands that are genuinely cruelty-free - like Lush, The Body Shop, or Pacifica - refuse to sell in markets that require animal testing. They accept smaller sales volumes in exchange for ethical consistency. Vaseline chooses global reach over ethics.
Is Vaseline Vegan?
Even if you don’t care about animal testing, you might care about ingredients. Vaseline is made from petroleum jelly - a byproduct of oil refining. It doesn’t contain animal parts, so technically, it’s vegan. But vegan and cruelty-free aren’t the same thing. A product can be vegan (no animal ingredients) and still be tested on animals. Vaseline is vegan, but not cruelty-free.
If you want something that’s both vegan and cruelty-free, look for products certified by organizations like The Vegan Society or PETA. These labels guarantee no animal testing and no animal-derived ingredients.
What Are Better Alternatives?
There are plenty of petroleum jelly alternatives that are certified cruelty-free and vegan. Here are a few trusted options:
- SheaMoisture 100% Pure Shea Butter - sourced ethically, no animal testing, certified by Leaping Bunny.
- Alba Botanica Very Emollient - plant-based, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free.
- Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm - made with organic oils and beeswax alternatives, certified by Leaping Bunny.
- Yes To Carrots Moisturizing Lip Balm - affordable, vegan, and free from animal testing.
These products work just as well as Vaseline for dry skin, chapped lips, or minor burns. Some even contain added plant oils like jojoba or calendula that nourish skin better than petroleum.
Why Do People Still Use Vaseline?
Vaseline has been around since 1872. It’s cheap, widely available, and has a long reputation for healing dry skin. Many people grew up using it - moms slathering it on babies’ bottoms, grandmas using it for cuticles, athletes rubbing it on chafed skin. It’s familiar. That comfort makes it hard to switch.
But familiarity doesn’t equal ethics. Today, there are over 500 certified cruelty-free brands offering similar or better results. You don’t need to sacrifice performance for conscience.
Also, petroleum jelly isn’t even the best moisturizer for skin. It sits on top of the skin like a plastic film. It locks in moisture - but doesn’t add any. Plant-based oils and butters actually nourish the skin while protecting it. Vaseline might feel like it’s healing, but it’s just sealing in what’s already there.
How to Spot Real Cruelty-Free Brands
Not every label is trustworthy. Some brands say ‘not tested on animals’ but still sell in China. Others use vague terms like ‘animal-friendly’ or ‘no animal ingredients’ to mislead.
Look for these trusted logos:
- Leaping Bunny - the gold standard. Requires independent audits and covers global supply chains.
- PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies - requires a signed statement that the brand doesn’t test anywhere.
- The Vegan Society - ensures no animal ingredients and no animal testing.
Don’t trust a brand’s own claims. Check their certification status on LeapingBunny.org or PETA’s website. If they’re not listed, assume they’re not truly cruelty-free.
Can Vaseline Be Made Cruelty-Free?
Yes - but only if Unilever makes a hard choice. They could stop selling Vaseline in China. They could create a separate line for markets that require testing, or reformulate the product to avoid the ‘special use’ category. But they haven’t. And until they do, Vaseline remains on the list of brands to avoid if you care about animal welfare.
Consumer pressure works. When people stopped buying from brands that tested on animals, companies changed. Vaseline could change too - if enough people stop buying it.
Final Verdict
Vaseline is not cruelty-free. It’s not even close. While it’s cheap and widely available, its presence in markets that force animal testing makes it incompatible with ethical beauty standards. You can still use it if you don’t mind supporting animal testing - but if you want a product that aligns with your values, there are dozens of better options.
Switching to a cruelty-free alternative doesn’t mean giving up on results. It just means choosing a brand that respects life - not just your skin, but the animals who can’t speak for themselves.
Is Vaseline tested on animals?
Vaseline doesn’t test on animals itself, but it allows third parties to test its products in countries like China where it’s required by law. This disqualifies it from being cruelty-free.
Is Vaseline vegan?
Yes, Vaseline is vegan. It’s made from petroleum jelly, which is a synthetic compound derived from oil, not animals. But being vegan doesn’t make it cruelty-free.
Does Unilever test on animals?
Unilever, Vaseline’s parent company, has a policy against animal testing for most of its brands. But it makes exceptions for products sold in countries where it’s legally required - including Vaseline. So while some Unilever brands are cruelty-free, Vaseline is not.
What’s the difference between cruelty-free and vegan?
Vegan means no animal ingredients. Cruelty-free means no animal testing. A product can be one without the other. Vaseline is vegan but not cruelty-free. A product like honey-based lip balm might be cruelty-free but not vegan.
Can I trust brands that say ‘not tested on animals’?
Not always. Many brands say this while still selling in China or using third-party testers. Only trust brands certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA, or The Vegan Society. Their certifications require full transparency and audits.
Are there cruelty-free alternatives to Vaseline?
Yes. Brands like SheaMoisture, Alba Botanica, and Yes To Carrots offer plant-based, cruelty-free petroleum jelly alternatives that work just as well - and often better - for moisturizing skin and lips.