Laboratory Animals

Cosmetics Animal Testing: Progress and Gaps

The EU banned cosmetics animal testing in 2013; significant gaps remain globally and some testing requirements persist under chemicals regulation.

Key Facts

The EU ban covers both testing within Europe and import of tested products
China required animal testing for imported cosmetics until 2021 reforms
Over 40 countries have now enacted cosmetics testing bans
In vitro and computational methods can replace most cosmetic ingredient tests

Welfare Considerations

Cosmetics animal testing subjects rabbits, mice, and guinea pigs to skin and eye irritation tests, lethal dose studies, and repeat-dose toxicity tests. The suffering caused is significant and largely unnecessary given available alternatives. Progress in EU, UK, India, and many other markets shows that cruelty-free cosmetics can be commercially successful.

What You Can Do

Choose cosmetics certified cruelty-free by recognized organizations
Support international campaigns for global cosmetics testing bans
Advocate for harmonized regulatory acceptance of alternative test methods
Buy from brands that refuse to sell in markets requiring animal testing