Laboratory Animals

Cosmetics Animal Testing: Progress and Remaining Battles

The global movement to end animal testing for cosmetics has achieved landmark successes in the EU, UK, and growing list of countries, but significant markets including the US and China retain testing requirements.

Key Facts

The EU banned cosmetics animal testing in 2013 and trade in animal-tested cosmetics
Over 40 countries have now enacted partial or complete cosmetics animal testing bans
China historically required animal testing for imported cosmetics but reformed regulations in 2021
US FDA does not require cosmetics animal testing but has not explicitly banned it
An estimated 40 alternative test methods have been validated as replacements for animal tests

Welfare Considerations

Cosmetics animal testing subjects rabbits, mice, and guinea pigs to skin and eye irritancy tests that cause pain, distress, and death for products that are non-essential by definition. The development and global regulatory acceptance of alternative test methods has made animal testing scientifically unnecessary for most cosmetics safety assessments. The remaining markets requiring testing represent an avoidable welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Choose cosmetics brands certified as cruelty-free by reputable certification bodies
Advocate for cosmetics animal testing bans in countries where they do not yet exist
Support US legislation to ban cosmetics animal testing
Donate to organizations developing and promoting alternative cosmetics safety test methods
Engage with cosmetics brands about their global testing policies including for Chinese market products