Vegan laboratory testing methods
Vegan testing methods are transforming the way products are developed, validated and brought to market. There are a number of laboratories developing and providing vegan testing solutions that do across a range of industries, including many that have registered their vegan testing methods with The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark.
Working with approved laboratories gives brands additional confidence in their vegan claims and helps to simplify the certification process when getting their own products certified, as relevant testing methods and components have already been reviewed for use.
There are a range of certified non-animal testing methods and components (materials used within testing processes) on offer, which include:
- Microbiological testing
- Stability and shelf-life assessment
- Preservative efficacy testing
- Safety and compatibility testing
- Ingredient and formulation analysis
We hope that by encouraging the development and use of these non-animal tests by laboratories and brands, the testing industry will observe the shift, which will have a positive effect in the future.
Meeting regulatory requirements does not have to involve the use of animal-derived materials. These approaches provide reliable results without animal exploitation.
Find out more about each of the Vegan Trademark certified testing solutions below
ADSL was founded in 2008 and is a team of Chartered Chemists, Toxicologists, Microbiologists, Analysts and Regulatory specialists. The company provides formulation and testing services across a range of industries, including cosmetics, supplements, and household products.
With extensive expertise in manufacturing, process control, regulatory compliance, and product development, ADSL supports clients throughout the full product lifecycle, from concept to successful market launch.
In addition to testing services, ADSL offers technical consultancy, helping clients identify knowledge gaps and develop effective strategies to improve product performance and compliance.
Testing Information
ADSL offers a range of microbiological testing services to support product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance across cosmetics, supplements and household products.
Testing carried out in accordance with recognised industry standards including ISO 19930 for preservative efficacy and ISO 21149/ ISO 16212 for microbiological enumeration.
Traditional microbiology testing often relies on culture media containing animal-derived ingredients. ADSL supports alternative approaches where possible ensuring that testing methods remain robust while aligning with evolving industry expectations.
Supporting product safety, stability and regulatory compliance.
Find out more – ADSL website
Donnington Laboratories is a contract microbiology laboratory specialising in the safety and quality of cosmetics, food, and household products.
With over 25 years of experience, the laboratory provides reliable, high-quality testing and problem-solving services to clients ranging from start-ups to global brands. Founded by former members of The Body Shop, Donnington continues to operate with strong ethical focus at the core of its work.
Testing Information
Donnington Laboratories delivers microbiological testing services to assess product safety, stability and overall quality.
Testing is performed in line with recognised standards, including ISO 11930 for preservative efficacy and ISO 21149/ ISO 1612, as well as ISO 18415 for microbiological quality.
Some conventional testing methods involve the use of animal-derived media and standard culture-based techniques. Donnington applies established methodologies while supporting alternative approaches where appropriate to meet client and ethical requirements.
Helping to ensure products are safe, stable, and fit for their intended use.
Find out more – Donnington Testing Laboratories website
Eurofins BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd. is part of the global Eurofins Scientific network, delivering high-quality laboratory testing, research, and consultancy services.
Based in Northampton, UK Eurofins BLC has extensive expertise in consumer products and supply chains, supporting manufacturers, brands, and retailers across industries including footwear, apparel and materials.
The organisation combines scientific testing with regulatory insight to help businesses improve product quality, ensure compliance, and support sustainability initiatives.
Testing Information
Eurofins BLC provides advanced analytical testing to support vegan verification and the identification of animal-derived materials, chemicals or components across a wide range of product types.
Testing is conducted within ISO/IEC 17025 accredited framework ensuring high standards of accuracy, reliability and scientific integrity (DNA Analysis, Microscopy analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy).
Traditional approaches to verifying vegan claims often rely on supplier declarations. Eurofins BLC enhances confidence through independent laboratory analysis, providing robust scientific evidence to support the verification of vegan claims.
These services help brands demonstrate transparency, validate sourcing and support compliance with relevant product regulations.
Find out more – Eurofins Chem-MAP website
Food Forensics, founded in 2011, is a specialist scientific laboratory focused on protecting the integrity of the global food supply. The company works closely with the food industry to identify and mitigate risks such as food fraud, mislabelling and undeclared animal content.
Using advanced scientific techniques and a highly experienced team, Food Forensics supports manufacturers, retailers, and brands in maintaining transparency and consumer trust.
Testing Information
Food Forensics provides analytical testing to support vegan verification and product authenticity, enabling the detection of animal-derived material within products.
Testing is conducted within an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory, using validated analytical methods to detect animal-derived material.
Traditional methods of verification often rely on supplier documentation. Food Forensics enhances this through direct scientific analysis (DNA testing, Next Generation Sequencing), enabling sensitive detection of animal-derived content and strengthening product validation.
These services support accurate labelling, product verification and compliance with relevant food regulations.
Find out more – Food Forensics Website
Melbec Microbiology provides specialist cosmetic regulatory and laboratory testing services designed to help brands bring safe, compliant, and high-quality products to market.
With expertise across microbiological testing, safety assessments, and technical documentation, Melbec supports businesses of all sizes throughout the full product lifecycle, from development to post market compliance.
Testing Information
Melbec Microbiology provides in vitro microbiological testing services to support product safety, quality and vegan certification requirements.
Testing is conducted within an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory and aligned with recognised standards, including ISO 11930 for preservative efficacy and ISO 21149/ ISO 16212 for microbiological enumeration.
Traditional testing approaches may rely on animal-derived materials or in vivo methods. Melbec offers fully vegan-compliant, in vitro alternatives that maintain accuracy while supporting cruelty-free product development.
Supporting products to meet safety requirements while aligning with vegan and ethical standards.
Find out more – Melbec Microbiology Ltd. website
