Garnier

Launch

Laboratoires Garnier was founded in France in 1904 by Alfred Amour Garnier. The company's first product was patented as the first hair lotion derived from natural plant ingredients. The company then introduced sun-care products in 1936, followed by permanent home hair color in 1960.

Expansion and products

Over the decades Garnier expanded from hair color and hair care into skincare since acquisition in 1970. In the 2000s, Garnier launched a line of hair color products, including permanent and semi-permanent dyes.

In 2021, Garnier launched a line of products aimed at black skin in Brazil. The product was co-created by the brand with Brazilian singer Iza and is especially aimed at darker skin tones.

Transition to Cruelty Free status

On 5March 2021, Cruelty Free International announced that Garnier had been approved as Cruelty Free under the Leaping Bunny programme.

Many, but not necessarily all, of Garnier's products are also labelled as 'Vegan'. Garnier is still part of the L'Oreal group, which although claims not to test on animals, has not received Cruelty Free status on account of having an active market in China, where animal testing is a legal requirement for cosmetic products.

Donations

In 2025, Garnier previously a platinum sponsor of New York City's Heritage of Pride annual Pride Week scaled back its commitment.

References

References

1. "Our Heritage - History of Garnier - Garnier".
2. (2017-01-31). "Garnier: Early History of the Brand and its Evolution Example".
3. "About Garnier".
4. "Latest Garnier Products and Reviews".
5. (2023-10-12). "SkinActive: Protector Co-created by Iza and Garnier with Vitamin C and Matte effect - Black Skin".
6. (2021-03-05). "BREAKING NEWS – Major milestone as Garnier joins the Leaping Bunny family {{!}} Cruelty Free International".
7. "Vegan Formulas {{!}} Vegan Products {{!}} Garnier".
8. "Our Commitments".
9. (2010-07-07). "L'Oréal is included on PETA's "do test" list. What does that mean?".
10. (2025-05-21). "Nervous Corporate Sponsors Retreat from New York Pride". [[The New York Times]].