Over 40 countries have banned cosmetic animal testing, but global supply chains mean products sold in cruelty-free markets may still be tested for Chinese or other markets.
Cosmetics animal testing was the most visible welfare campaign of the 1990s-2000s and has achieved substantial policy progress. However, the global nature of cosmetics manufacturing means the issue is not resolved even in jurisdictions with bans. Companies selling in markets requiring animal testing commission tests that harm animals, even if the products are later sold in ban jurisdictions. Truly cruelty-free purchasing requires support for brands that commit not to test in any market globally, rather than accepting weaker claims.