Welfare of Animals in Research Cosmetics Testing

The phaseout of animal testing for cosmetics has achieved significant welfare progress but incomplete global coverage.

Key Facts

The EU banned cosmetics animal testing in 2013, with over 40 countries following suit
China historically required animal testing for cosmetics sold domestically, though reform is ongoing
Over 40 in vitro alternatives exist for the most common cosmetics tests
An estimated 500,000 animals per year were used for cosmetics testing before major bans
Cruelty-free certification is offered by Leaping Bunny, PETA, and other organizations

Welfare Considerations

The cosmetics animal testing phaseout represents one of the clearest welfare successes in recent decades: effective alternatives were developed, major markets adopted bans, and animal use for cosmetics testing has fallen dramatically. The remaining challenge is global coverage — companies selling in markets that still require testing either conduct tests or forgo those markets. The harmonization of cosmetics safety regulations globally would eliminate the remaining welfare cost of cosmetics testing.

What You Can Do

Choose cruelty-free certified cosmetics products
Verify certifications using the Leaping Bunny database
Advocate for global harmonization of cosmetics safety standards that does not require animal testing
Support research into alternatives development for remaining required tests
Share information about cruelty-free cosmetics with those who care about animal welfare