XCellR8 was the world’s first testing laboratory to be completely animal and animal-product free. For nearly two decades, we’ve pioneered human-relevant safety testing that delivers regulatory-accepted results without compromise.
Our GLP-accredited methods serve clients worldwide, from innovative start-ups to household names like Lush and Unilever.
The regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly. By the end of 2026, all UK regulatory testing for skin and eye irritation and skin sensitisation must use non-animal methods (GOV.UK). Meanwhile, consumer demand is driving change – a January 2025 YouGov poll found that 70% of Britons support ending animal experiments in medical research by 2035.
Regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly accepting modern, animal-free methods as the preferred approach – methods that are often better predictors of human responses than traditional animal tests.
XCellR8 has specialised in completely animal-free safety testing for over a decade. Whether using OECD-approved methods or developing custom assays, we ensure all our tests are 100% animal-product-free – a unique capability in the testing industry. This allows you to support vegan claims while meeting regulatory requirements – addressing the growing consumer demand for ethical products. Our GLP-accredited methods are regulatory-accepted and deliver the reliable data you need.
The Future Of Safety Testing Is Here – And We’d Love To Help You With The Transition.
XCellR8 have consistently provided high-quality results and reports within the timescales agreed, the staff are helpful and responsive, and communication excellent even when the entire chemical industry was under pressure in the run up to a REACH deadline.
XCellR8 even managed to schedule and deliver results when unexpected short notice requests arose, and XCellR8's choice to use animal-product-free testing strategies is also highly appreciated by ourselves and our clients.
I choose to work with XCellR8 because I receive a great, personal service. I like that I receive a draft report at the end of a study which I can then discuss directly with the Study Director, often within 24 hours, and we can debate an interpretation or clarify wording.
I never feel like I've disappeared into a customer service black hole – the service is high speed and high quality.
Before XtraMild became available, we were limited in our abilities to demonstrate the mildness of our novel ingredients but the results provide a trustworthy dataset to take to market, meeting demand for ultra-mild surfactants that have been tested in animal-free conditions.
Our mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to 100% animal-free testing. To help guide us in achieving our mission we have created the ‘XCellR8 scale for animal-free testing”, which we use to inform our decision-making.
With Halloween just around the corner, countless children will soon
XCellR8 was thrilled to be a participant in Animal Aid’s
To chat about your testing requirements or to secure your spot on our lab schedule, call us on +44 (0)1925 607 134, email us at info@x-cellr8.com or send us a message using the form below.
Our vision for safety testing at Lush has always been to eliminate animal tests, not just for ethical reasons but because we are unhappy with the scientific validity of historic animal-based methods.
Our partnership with XCellR8 enhances the safety of our customers and brings benefits for the whole industry.