Animal Testing in the Cosmetics Industry: Global Progress

The EU banned cosmetics animal testing in 2013, but global markets including the USA and China have maintained requirements that have impeded full worldwide elimination of the practice.

Key Facts

The EU banned both cosmetic animal testing and sale of animal-tested cosmetics in 2013
China historically required animal testing for imported cosmetics, though reforms began in 2021
The USA does not federally ban cosmetics animal testing, though many companies voluntarily avoid it
Alternatives including 3D skin models, in vitro assays, and computer modelling now exist for most safety tests
The Humane Cosmetics Act has been introduced repeatedly in the US Congress without passing

Welfare Considerations

Cosmetics animal testing causes significant suffering — rabbits in Draize eye tests, mice and rats in acute toxicity studies — for products that serve aesthetics rather than medical necessity. The availability of validated non-animal alternatives for most cosmetic safety tests makes continued animal testing ethically unjustifiable in most contexts. Legislative progress has been real but uneven: global supply chains mean that a company selling in China may test on animals while marketing as cruelty-free in Europe. Strengthening and harmonising cruelty-free standards internationally remains the key challenge.

What You Can Do

Choose cosmetics certified by recognised cruelty-free standards such as Leaping Bunny
Support the Humane Cosmetics Act and equivalent legislation in your country
Check whether cruelty-free brands you use also sell in markets requiring animal testing
Advocate for international harmonisation of cruelty-free cosmetics standards