As a distinguished figure in the realm of clean beauty and skincare, I can provide some insights into CHANEL's claims regarding cruelty-free and vegan practices. However, it's important to note that brand assessments can be subjective, and it's always prudent to conduct your own research and make informed decisions.

When it comes to cruelty-free practices, CHANEL has stated that they do not conduct animal testing on their products or ingredients. They claim to rely on alternative methods, such as in vitro testing and testing on human volunteers, to ensure product safety. However, it's worth noting that CHANEL sells its products in mainland China, where animal testing is required by law for imported cosmetics. This raises concerns about their cruelty-free status, as animal testing may be conducted by Chinese authorities for regulatory purposes.

Regarding CHANEL's vegan claims, the brand has not explicitly labeled itself as a vegan brand. While some CHANEL products may not contain animal-derived ingredients, it's advisable to carefully review the ingredient list of each product as formulations can vary. Additionally, CHANEL may use animal-derived ingredients in other product lines or collections.

In conclusion, while CHANEL claims to be cruelty-free and may offer some vegan options, it's important to consider their retail presence in mainland China and the potential for animal testing. If supporting a completely cruelty-free or vegan brand is a priority for you, I recommend exploring other brands that align more closely with those values.