Animal Testing in Cosmetics: The Campaign for a Global Ban

The use of animals to test cosmetics ingredients and products has been banned in the EU, UK, and many other countries, but remains legal in major markets including the US and China — making the campaign for a global ban an ongoing and achievable welfare goal.

Key Facts

The EU banned cosmetics animal testing in 2013, making it illegal to sell cosmetics tested on animals anywhere in the world, regardless of where testing occurred
China historically required animal testing for imported cosmetics, trapping many cruelty-free brands in a dilemma — though new regulations from 2021 reduce requirements for some product categories
The US has no federal ban on cosmetics animal testing, though several states have introduced or passed state-level bans
An estimated 40,000 animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, and mice are used annually in cosmetics testing globally where it remains legal
Over 40 countries have now implemented cosmetics animal testing bans, with momentum growing toward a global agreement
Non-animal testing methods including reconstructed human tissue models and computer modelling now cover most cosmetics safety testing needs
The Humane Cosmetics Act has been introduced multiple times in the US Congress but has not yet passed into federal law

Welfare Considerations

Animals used in cosmetics testing — rabbits with chemicals applied to their eyes, guinea pigs exposed to skin sensitisers — experience genuine pain and distress for products that are unnecessary for human survival. Unlike medical research, where animal testing involves difficult welfare trade-offs against potential human health benefits, cosmetics testing involves suffering for the sake of beauty products. The existence of alternatives that can cover most cosmetics safety testing needs makes the continuation of animal cosmetics testing in remaining markets a welfare failure that is both preventable and unnecessary.

What You Can Do

Buy cruelty-free certified cosmetics from brands carrying the Leaping Bunny or PETA cruelty-free logos
Avoid brands that sell in China through channels requiring animal testing where cruelty-free alternatives exist
Support the Humane Cosmetics Act and equivalent legislation in your country if federal bans are absent
Donate to Cruelty Free International and similar organisations campaigning for global cosmetics testing bans
Engage with cosmetics brands directly about their animal testing policies and commitments to cruelty-free alternatives
Share information about cosmetics animal testing to build consumer awareness and support for brand switches
Support the development and regulatory acceptance of non-animal testing methods through relevant science policy advocacy