Cosmetic Animal Testing Reform | Animal Welfare Hub

Cosmetic animal testing causes pain and death for animals to test products for human beauty, despite safe alternatives being widely available.

Key Facts

Over 40 countries have banned cosmetic animal testing including the EU, UK, and India
The US still allows cosmetic animal testing and does not require ingredient safety testing
The global cosmetic animal testing ban movement has grown significantly in 20 years
In vitro and computer modeling alternatives can replace most cosmetic animal tests
Over 40,000 cosmetic ingredients already have established safety data from decades of use

Welfare Considerations

Cosmetic animal testing causes real suffering — animals undergo tests for skin and eye irritation, toxicity, and sensitization that cause pain, distress, and death. Unlike medical testing, cosmetic testing cannot be justified by medical necessity. Extensive alternatives exist including in vitro cell tests, human tissue models, and computer simulations. The EU ban, adopted in 2013, has demonstrated that safe cosmetics can be developed and marketed without animal testing. The continued allowance of cosmetic animal testing in some countries represents an unnecessary and preventable harm.

What You Can Do

Purchase only cruelty-free certified cosmetics and personal care products
Look for leaping bunny or PETA certified cruelty-free logos
Support legislation banning cosmetic animal testing in your country
Pressure major brands to commit to global cruelty-free standards
Donate to organizations working to end cosmetic testing globally