At Eucerin, we believe that animal testing is not necessary to prove the skin tolerability and efficacy of our cosmetic products.

Since 2004, animal testing for cosmetic products has been prohibited in the EU, with a complete ban on all product ingredients since 2013.

As a result, all our cosmetic products available in the EU are fully compliant with the applicable regulations.

Our aim is to eliminate the need for animal testing, especially in regions with legal requirements, such as China. We actively promote the development and international acceptance of innovative alternative testing methods, setting high standards for animal-free skin care research.

The Researchers at Beiersdorf have made significant breakthroughs and have received multiple recognitions for pioneering animal-free test methods.

On the path toward animal-free research, Beiersdorf's research team has achieved important milestones. These include the development and validation of alternative methods, such as the “3T3 Neutral Red Uptake Phototoxicity Test,” which became the first in-vitro test approved by Chinese authorities as an alternative method.

Our collaboration with leading partners and organizations – such as the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA) and the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (EURL ECVAM) – highlights our strong commitment to advancing animal-free safety science and maintaining the high quality of our products through sustainable practices.

On the journey toward animal-free research, our team of scientists has achieved key milestones:

• In 1992, Beiersdorf pioneered the development of the globally recognized alternative method to animal testing: the 3T3 Neutral Red Uptake Phototoxicity Test, which is now a standardized method for assessing ingredient compatibility under UV-light. It also became the first in-vitro test approved by Chinese authorities.

• Since 2006, Beiersdorf has been a founding member of the "European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing," a collaborative initiative of the European Commission and seven industry sectors.

• In 2011, our exceptional work in the area of skin sensitization tests was recognized with the German Federal Animal Welfare Research Prize.

• From 2010 to 2014, Beiersdorf successfully led the validation of the 3D Eye Irritation Test.

• In 2023, Beiersdorf received the AstraZeneca Early Career Award at the EUROTAX Congress for Innovation in recognition of our animal-free skincare research.

• In 2024, Beiersdorf won the first place in the City of Hamburg’s Research Prize for Innovation in Alternative Methods to Animal Testing, recognizing our 3D reporter skin model developed in collaboration with Fraunhofer IGB. This groundbreaking model allows for fast, precise real-time testing of chemical substances without using any animal components.

Despite the progress made, there is still a need for official acceptance and establishment of alternative test methods for all safety-related questions. Eucerin remains dedicated to actively working on the development and successful implementation of alternatives to animal testing to advance animal-free research practices.

Read more about Beiersdorf research team