The use of animals in cosmetics testing has been significantly reduced by bans in the EU and UK, but global trade in cosmetics tested on animals continues, creating ongoing welfare concerns in the global beauty industry.
Cosmetics animal testing causes suffering to rabbits, guinea pigs and mice through skin and eye irritation tests, repeated dose toxicity studies and other painful procedures. The Draize eye test, which applies test substances to rabbit eyes, causes significant pain and is a welfare concern wherever it continues to be used. EU and UK bans represent genuine welfare victories — they have eliminated millions of animal tests annually while maintaining consumer safety through alternative methods. The challenge now is ensuring that global trade does not undermine these bans, either through market access requirements in countries that mandate animal testing or through regulatory loopholes.