Cosmetics and Animal Testing

I buy and use cosmetics on a regular basis and my choices in the market are subject to my personal code of ethics. As I find cosmetic animal testing abhorrent and unnecessary I am faced with challenges and obstacles when I make everyday purchases.

To adhere to my personal ethical code is a challenge. This is not a personal failing or lack of resolve; rather, it is a lack of accountability and transparency in the cosmetic industry regarding animal testing policies and practices. The problem it that is hard for me to be sure that a cosmetic product has not been tested on animals.

This is because some companies (when I research their policies) state that they are against animal testing and that “their finished products are not tested on animals”. This can mean that the ingredients in the product have been tested on animals, somewhere along the line of manufacturing. I believe it should be necessary for cosmetic companies to be transparent about the testing of the ingredients in their products or the outsourcing of their testing as their statement regarding “the finished product” is a blanket approach that is misleading to the consumer.

This is deceitful and anyone who is opposed to animal testing should be concerned by this use of phrasing, particularly since it allows cosmetic companies to minimise the negative aspects of their practices. Further research into the issue reveals that The Body Shop (against animal testing since its inception) is owned by Loreal (a company that continues to test on animals) – a paradox that leads me as a consumer to make a decision against purchasing products from The Body Shop.

To overcome my obstacles in purchasing cosmetics with ease of mind I employ research and analysis. I would like to see laws enacted that ban the use of animal testing for cosmetic companies, therefore eliminating the confusion and side-stepping altogether. On a personal level, I am compiling this blog – that lists companies that legitimately do not test on animals to better inform consumers of their choices. I am also reviewing the cosmetic products produced by the various companies so that you, the consumer can buy quality ethical cosmetics.

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