Animal Testing in Cosmetics: Global Progress and Remaining Gaps

While many countries have banned cosmetic animal testing, global harmonization remains incomplete, with testing required for market access in some major economies.

Key Facts

The EU banned cosmetic animal testing in 1998 and finished phasing in an import ban on animal-tested products by 2013
China previously required animal testing for imported cosmetics but has been implementing reforms since 2021
The US has no federal ban on cosmetics animal testing, though several states have passed restrictions
Around 40 countries have implemented some form of cosmetic animal testing bans
PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies database lists over 4,000 brands that do not test on animals
Non-animal test methods including reconstructed human skin models are validated for many safety endpoints

Welfare Considerations

Animals used in cosmetic testing experience acute pain and distress from procedures including the Draize eye test and skin sensitization assays. While alternatives exist for many endpoints, regulatory requirements in some markets continue to require animal data. Animals subject to cosmetics testing suffer for products that are by definition non-essential, making the ethical justification for this testing particularly difficult to sustain.

What You Can Do

Choose cosmetics brands certified as cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny or PETA programs
Advocate for a federal US ban on cosmetic animal testing and imports of animal-tested products
Support global harmonisation of non-animal test methods through OECD regulatory processes
Contact your elected representatives about supporting cosmetics animal testing bans
Raise awareness among your network that cruelty-free cosmetics are widely available at all price points