Animal Testing for Cosmetics

Many of us women use cosmetics daily. However, when have we stopped to check on the back side of the product for a sign that informs us the item has not been tested on animals. Or looked up online which cosmetics out there do test their products on animals before releasing? It's not likely, unfortunately, that many of us have.  We forget that animals experience discomfort, suffering, and ultimately die, all in the name of aesthetics and "looking good." So what exactly happens during animal testing?  

I always imagined the experimenters putting lipstick on a rabbit's fur and later checking that no critical damage or breakouts occurred, therefore passing the test and selling the item in the market. Animal testing can either be with a finished product such as the lipstick, or with individual ingredients within a formulation. The usual main focus of cosmetics testing is making sure that a product does not harm a human's eyes and or skin. Another aspect that is tested in cosmetics is any toxicity related to ultraviolet light, for example, an item that would make one wearing it more susceptible to sun damage. 

Cosmetics testing without the use of animals is now increasing as there are many countries where it is banned, and hopefully, this will spread out and take place in all countries. 

I read a blog in which a young woman, Jacqueline Traides, volunteered herself to undergo animal tests in order to make a statement and aware others of the needless suffering of animals. This act took place in a Lush shop window in London, with staff outside warning go byers, especially those with children, of what they would be witnessing. (The website gives a lot more gruesome pictures.)

This performance was done in hopes of enlightening people of what happens, and get as many people to sign the Fighting Animal Testing petition, banning cosmetic testing on animals in the UK. Sure enough, in fewer than two weeks, they succeeded and received more than 250,000 signatures! 

Now just for fun, here is a list of companies that do and do not test on animals. Enjoy!