Despite growing bans on cosmetics animal testing, significant gaps in international regulation mean that animals are still tested on globally for beauty products.
Cosmetics animal testing welfare harms persist despite significant regulatory progress because global trade creates testing requirements in markets that maintain animal testing mandates. Companies selling in China historically tested on animals to comply with Chinese regulations regardless of their domestic market commitments. Regulatory changes in China in 2021 have reduced but not eliminated this pressure. The welfare solution requires both international harmonization of testing requirements and accelerated validation of non-animal testing methods. Consumer choices for certified cruelty-free products and advocacy for international testing bans both contribute to progress.