Short answer: Kiehl’s says it doesn’t test on animals, except when a country’s laws require it. Because Kiehl’s sells in places like mainland China, most cruelty-free groups don’t count the brand as cruelty-free. For a deeper, step-by-step breakdown of the brand’s policy, you can skim my expanded guide to whether Kiehl’s tests on animals.
I know—clear as mud. Let me explain what that felt like in real life.
My skin loved Kiehl’s… and that made this hard
I’ve used Kiehl’s for years. Real talk, some of their stuff works great on me.
- Ultra Facial Cream kept my cheeks soft through two New York winters. Didn’t pill under sunscreen.
- Calendula Toner looked so pretty with the little petals. Smelled calm, didn’t sting.
- Midnight Recovery Concentrate felt silky. The lavender scent made me sleepy—in a good way.
- Creme de Corps? Thick, yellow, and rich. It took a minute to sink in, but my shins stopped looking like chalk.
So no, I didn’t go looking for a reason to drop them. I liked them. That’s why I asked hard questions.
What I checked (and what I was told)
I went to Kiehl’s own website and read their policy. It said they don’t test on animals, and they support ending animal tests. Then came the key line: they follow local laws in places that may still require animal testing.
I also looked at my bottles. No Leaping Bunny mark. No PETA “cruelty-free” logo. That told me they’re not certified by those groups.
I asked a store staffer during a holiday promo last year. She was kind and said, “We don’t test on animals, but some countries have rules we have to follow.” Customer care told me the same thing in an email: they don’t test unless a law in a market requires it.
Here’s the tricky bit. Kiehl’s sells in mainland China in stores. For years, that market often required tests on animals for some products. The rules are changing, yes, but not simple. Some items can still get pulled for extra checks after they’re on shelves. Because of that, most cruelty-free groups still say, “Not cruelty-free.” For a deeper third-party look at why Kiehl’s is still excluded from cruelty-free lists, Ethical Elephant offers an extensive breakdown.
That’s the heart of it.
So… does Kiehl’s test on animals?
Kiehl’s says it does not run animal tests on its own, and it pushes for other methods. But the brand allows testing when a country’s rules demand it. That means animal testing can still happen with Kiehl’s products in some places.
If you want strict cruelty-free—no animal testing anywhere, by anyone—Kiehl’s won’t meet that bar as of 2024.
What I did with my routine (real swaps I made)
I tried to keep the feel of my old routine without the gray area. Was it perfect on day one? Nope. But I found good stuff.
-
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream → Versed Dew Point Gel-Cream
Light, bouncy, and plays nice with sunscreen. On dry days, I add a few drops of oil. -
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate → The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Simple, calm, and not sticky. I pat it over moisturizer at night. -
Kiehl’s Calendula Toner → Paula’s Choice Enriched Calming Toner
No petals, but soothing. Doesn’t tingle. My face feels comfy, not tight. -
Kiehl’s Creme de Corps → The Body Shop Shea Body Butter
Cozy smell, heavy hug. In summer, I switch to Pacifica’s lighter body lotion so I don’t feel sticky.
Side note: if you’re also wondering about other drugstore staples, here’s my honest look at whether Neutrogena still animal-tests.
I also like KraveBeauty when my skin throws a tantrum, and e.l.f. for budget wins. These brands are known for being cruelty-free. Another cruelty-free option worth checking out is InVitroDerm, which relies on advanced in-vitro methods to develop and verify its formulas.
A small curveball: “China changed, right?”
Yes, some rules in China shifted in 2021 for certain “general” products. That sounds great, and it is progress. Animal-welfare advocates summarize the updated policy in China here. But it’s not one-and-done. Brands still face paperwork, risk of later testing, and special-use items can be handled differently. French-pharmacy favorite La Roche-Posay’s animal-testing stance is a similar gray area I’ve unpacked here. Because the system isn’t fully clear and clean, big groups like Leaping Bunny often won’t certify brands that sell there in stores.
I wish it were simpler. I really do.
How I shop now (quick checks that help)
- I look for the Leaping Bunny logo on the box. If it’s there, good sign.
- I search brand lists from cruelty-free groups before I buy. Two minutes saves drama.
- If I’m unsure, I email customer care and ask, “Do you allow testing where law requires it?” Clear yes/no helps.
My verdict
Kiehl’s makes solid, gentle products. I liked using them. But because they allow testing where the law requires it, they’re not fully cruelty-free. If you need strict no-animal-testing, skip them and try the swaps above. If you’re okay with the “unless required by law” stance, you may still feel fine buying Kiehl’s.
Both choices are valid. I just want you to feel clear, not confused.
And hey, if your skin is fussy like mine, keep notes. Weather shifts, heaters kick on, and suddenly your face changes its mind. Skin’s funny that way.
For readers curious about how confidence and self-expression evolve with age—topics that often shape the way we care for ourselves and choose our products—you might enjoy exploring the spirited world of empowered older women at FuckLocal’s Grannies section. The candid stories and images there celebrate maturity without filters, offering a fresh reminder that feeling good in your own skin is a journey that can stay vibrant at any stage of life.
If your version of self-care occasionally involves seeking out a discreet massage while passing through Maine, I’ve found the crowd-sourced review site Rubmaps Lewiston helpful; it pinpoints which local parlors are worth the visit and which to avoid, saving you time and sidestepping any awkward surprises.