Alternative Test Methods
Our Commitment Against Animal-Testing
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Our Legal Framework and Procedures Explained
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.
Eucerin is in complete compliance with this rule and has also actively refrained from conducting animal testing worldwide whenever legally possible. The only exceptions apply where required by specific local laws, such as in China for official safety registration. In such cases, testing may be conducted by state-authorized institutes as part of the admission process for a product to the Chinese market. We do not use this data to evaluate the safety of our products, as we rely on alternative, internationally recognized methods.
Our Advocacy and Ongoing Commitment
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.
Pioneering in Animal-Free Research
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.
Milestones in Animal-Free Research
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.
Cooperating with Renowned Partners
We are actively engaged in developing innovative alternative methods and promoting their international acceptance in cooperation with more than 50 partners and interest groups to date. We are intensively involved in various working groups in the European umbrella organization of the cosmetics industry (Cosmetics Europe). Additionally, we cooperate with the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (EURL ECVAM) and support the OECD by providing scientific insights. We are also an active member of the European Society of Toxicology In Vitro (ESTIV) and, since 2006, a founding member of the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA) — a joint organization of the European Commission and seven industry sectors.
Beiersdorf is a founding member of the not-for-profit organization "International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety (ICCS)," which was established in 2023.
Beiersdorf, together with around 40 other companies, suppliers, associations, and NGOs, is taking a leading role in advancing global regulatory recognition, technical capabilities, and widespread use of animal-free safety science for cosmetics and skin care products and their ingredients. ICCS aims to increase global awareness and confidence in animal-free scientific methods through research, education, targeted training and regulatory engagement, promoting innovation in the current era of animal-free research.
Our Continued Commitment
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.
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