I care a lot about this. I have a rescue pup sleeping by my feet right now. So yeah, I ask brands hard questions.
(If you’d like the blow-by-blow version of my investigation—including screenshots of every email and policy doc—I put it all in an extended write-up on InvitroDerm right here.)
The quick answer
Short answer: Drunk Elephant says no. They don’t test on animals. They also say they don’t let anyone test for them.
But there’s a twist. Drunk Elephant is owned by Shiseido, and Shiseido isn’t cruelty-free. That matters to some folks. It matters to me too, so I checked more.
What I actually did (not just a quick Google)
- I emailed Drunk Elephant support. They told me they don’t test finished products or ingredients on animals. They also said they don’t ask others to test for them.
- I checked my bottles. No Leaping Bunny logo.
- I looked on Leaping Bunny’s database. Didn’t find Drunk Elephant listed there as certified.
- I looked at cruelty-free blogs I trust (like Cruelty-Free Kitty and Ethical Elephant). They list Drunk Elephant as cruelty-free, but owned by a parent company that isn’t.
Side note for fellow certification sleuths: Drunk Elephant is certified cruelty-free by PETA, ensuring that neither their ingredients nor finished products are tested on animals, and that their suppliers and any third parties follow the same standard (PETA cruelty-free database). Additionally, the brand states in its own FAQ that it now holds official Leaping Bunny certification, underscoring its commitment to remaining cruelty-free (Drunk Elephant FAQ).
Could that change one day? Sure. So I keep checking once a year. Boring, but it helps.
The China question (it’s always the sticky bit)
I asked support about selling in mainland China. They said they avoid any sales channel that would require animal testing. Brands can sell online to China without animal tests. In-store sales can be tricky. Rules keep shifting, so I watch this piece like a hawk. As of my last check, their stance was to avoid testing requirements.
My skin, my bottles, my sink
I’ve used Drunk Elephant for years. Off and on, to be fair. My skin is combo with a moody T-zone and cheeks that sulk in winter.
Here’s what I’ve used and how it went:
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Protini Polypeptide Cream: Light, bouncy, no scent. The airless pump is tidy. My skin drinks it up. Works under Supergoop sunscreen without pilling. Pricey, but my skin looks calm and firm when I’m consistent.
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Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser: Feels like slippery jelly; no perfume-y smell. Doesn’t burn my eyes when I’m half asleep. Doesn’t strip my cheeks. Makeup comes off, but heavy mascara needs a cleansing balm first.
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B-Hydra: Watery gel. Soaks in fast. On humid days, it’s perfect alone under SPF. In winter, I layer it under Protini. No sticky film.
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T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial: Spicy tingle for the first 30 seconds—then it chills out. I use it once a week, Sunday night, tea on the counter, podcast going. Rinse, then a thick cream. I wake up smooth, not red. If you’re sensitive, do a patch test. Please.
Small thing I love: their caps twist shut tight. Good for travel. Small thing I don’t: the price. It adds up fast, so I grab holiday sets or minis when I can.
So…do they test on animals?
Based on my checks and my emails with the brand: Drunk Elephant does not test on animals, and they say they don’t sell in ways that would force tests. They’re not Leaping Bunny certified though. And the parent company, Shiseido, is not cruelty-free. That’s the gray area.
What this means for you (and me)
If you avoid any brand with a non–cruelty-free parent, you might skip Drunk Elephant. I get that. If you’re okay with a cruelty-free brand under a mixed parent company, then Drunk Elephant fits.
Me? I still use Protini and B-Hydra. I track their policy once a year and stick to online or U.S./EU purchases. If they move into riskier markets with testing rules, I’ll stop.
Quick tips if you care about cruelty-free
- Look for Leaping Bunny. It’s the gold standard.
- Email the brand. Ask if they test finished products or ingredients, or allow others to test for them. Ask about mainland China retail.
- Re-check once a year. Policies can shift.
- Watch for new store launches in places with testing rules.
Just like I grill skincare brands before they get space on my shelf, I also like to vet any online service before I hand over an email address (or anything more intimate). If you’ve ever wondered whether an adult dating or sexting platform is legit, this candid Get It On review breaks down the membership setup, safety features, and real-world success stories so you can decide if it’s worth your swipe. Similarly, if you’re curious about local massage or spa options in Tennessee—particularly around Bartlett—check out Rubmaps Bartlett, where crowd-sourced reviews on cleanliness, pricing, and overall vibe help you book with confidence and avoid any unwelcome surprises.
(If Clinique is on your radar too, you can read my separate first-hand findings on that brand over here.)
If you’re curious about how brands can validate safety without animal experiments, InvitroDerm’s resource hub breaks down the latest in vitro testing innovations in plain language.
Pros and cons from my sink
Pros:
- Brand states no animal testing
- Solid textures, no heavy fragrance
- Airless pumps and tidy caps
- Works well under sunscreen
- Minis and holiday sets help with cost
Cons:
- Not Leaping Bunny certified
- Owned by Shiseido (not cruelty-free)
- Pricey; Babyfacial can sting at first
- No bunny logo on packaging to make it easy
(On a similar note, I also investigated Kiehl’s and shared my honest conclusions in this piece if you’re comparing multiple skincare lines.)
My bottom line
I like the products. I also like clear ethics. Drunk Elephant says the right things and, so far, acts like it. The parent company link isn’t perfect, and I won’t pretend it is. But for now, I keep a few DE bottles on my shelf, and I keep asking questions. You know what? Brands notice when we do.