A skin cancer researcher and practicing Dermatologist, Gross was anxious about the lack of effective skincare options available on the market. So in 2000, Gross, along with his wife Carrie, released their namesake brand. In December 2023, twenty years after the brand's inception, Shiseido announced that it would be acquiring Dr. Dennis Gross.
The brand is highly regarded due to its development of revolutionary products. For example, the cult classic Alpha Beta Daily Peel was a first of its kind at-home chemical peel that changed the game for skincare enthusiasts. Dr. Dennis Gross products have also always been clinically tested using non-animal methods. Today, Dr. Dennis Gross has become a staple in countless cruelty-free beauty routines. This leaves DDG fans questioning if the company will remain cruelty-free under its new acquisition.
More Cruelty-Free Brands are Being Acquired
It’s common for cruelty-free brands to be acquired by non-cruelty-free parent companies. Cruelty-free skincare brands such as Charlotte Tilbury and Drunk Elephant are among the many companies that have been bought out by larger parent companies in recent years. Like Dr. Dennis Gross, Drunk Elephant was also purchased by Shiseido in a move to expand its luxury skincare portfolio. Drunk Elephant has remained cruelty-free despite its acquisition.
What the Dr. Dennis Gross Acquisition Means for Cruelty-Free Consumers
To remain cruelty-free, Dr. Dennis Gross must not test any finished products or ingredients on animals, nor must it work with suppliers or third parties that use animal tests. It must also not sell its products where animal testing is required by law.
Cruelty-Free Kitty reached out directly to the brand, and they provided answers to all of our questions.
CFK: Will Dr. Dennis Gross begin testing its finished products or ingredients on animals?
DDG: No, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare is 100% cruelty-free.
CFK: Dr. Dennis Gross' current suppliers do not test on animals. Are there plans to switch to new suppliers due to this acquisition?
DDG: No, as stated above, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare is 100% cruelty-free.
CFK: Will DDG begin selling in China or countries where animal testing is required?
DDG: Dr. Dennis Gross is committed to being 100% cruelty free when examining opportunities in new and existing market
Based on the information we have collected and our conversations with the brand, Dr. Dennis Gross is still cruelty-free, and will remain active in our database.
However, Cruelty-Free Kitty is actively monitoring the acquisition closely, and we will update our readers as more details emerge. We've also reached out to Shiseido for additional comments. The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024. Therefore, we expect more information may be available at that time.
How to Shop Cruelty-Free Beauty
While a number of cruelty-free brands have non-cruelty-free parent companies, some consumers may wish to avoid these brands. Our comprehensive database allows you to search based on your preferences. Simply select the filter “parent company doesn’t test on animals” to locate our list of cruelty-free companies in this category.
Which Brands Are Cruelty-Free?
Download our list of 600+ verified cruelty-free brands straight to your device. Bring it with you everywhere you go, and never worry about supporting animal testing again. Click here to download
