Parent company
Who owns Colgate-Palmolive Company, and which brands does it own?
Last verified 13 September 2026Last updated 13 September 2026
Animal welfare record
Colgate-Palmolive states it has a longstanding worldwide policy to minimize and ultimately eliminate animal testing. However, the company explicitly permits animal testing when specifically required by regulatory agencies or where alternative testing methods are unavailable. In 1999, the company declared a voluntary moratorium on animal testing of adult personal care products, but this does not apply universally across all product categories. The company invests in non-animal testing alternatives but continues to allow animal testing where legally mandated.Company's own statement
Brands owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company
Colgate
Oral care and personal care brand owned by Colgate-Palmolive Company, offering toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrushes, and related products
Last verified 13 September 2026
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Sanex
Sanex is a premium personal care brand specializing in body cleansing and deodorant products, primarily marketed around skin health positioning.
Last verified 13 September 2026
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Sources
- Animal welfare policy, moratorium on testing, conditions for animal testingCompany's own statement
Supports: <cite index="28-1,28-2">Colgate-Palmolive declared a voluntary moratorium on all animal testing of adult personal care products and ingredients in 1999, which remains in effect worldwide.</cite> However, <cite index="28-8">animal testing is conducted where specifically required by regulatory agencies or where alternative testing methods are unavailable to ensure product safety.</cite> <cite index="28-9">In such instances, tests are conducted only at contract facilities meeting government standards and more rigorous requirements established by Colgate with input from animal welfare groups.</cite> <cite index="30-5">Over 99 percent of internal requests for safety assessment are addressed using available databases and non-animal alternatives.</cite>
Colgate-Palmolive · Accessed 13 September 2026
Supports: Colgate is recorded as having Colgate-Palmolive Company as its ultimate owner.
SEC · Accessed 13 September 2026
- Sanex acquisition details and pricingOfficial registry
Supports: Sanex is recorded as having Colgate-Palmolive Company as its parent since 2011.
Colgate-Palmolive Company · Accessed 13 September 2026
- Parent company animal testing policy and stanceCompany's own statement
Supports: Colgate-Palmolive states it has a longstanding worldwide policy to minimize and ultimately eliminate animal testing. However, the company explicitly permits animal testing when specifically required by regulatory agencies or where alternative testing methods are unavailable. In 1999, the company declared a voluntary moratorium on animal testing of adult personal care products, but this does not apply universally across all product categories. The company invests in non-animal testing alternatives but continues to allow animal testing where legally mandated.
Colgate-Palmolive · Accessed 13 September 2026
