Industry Claims about Cosmetic Testing

Many consumers are concerned about animal testing in the cosmetics and toiletries industry and want to be sure that the products they buy have not caused unnecessary animal suffering. Unfortunately, it is often extremely difficult to differentiate between those companies who do and those who do not test on animals, as many companies do not label their products clearly and others make confusing statements when questioned about their company policies in relation to animal testing.

Considering the public opposition to animal testing, it is hardly surprising that companies still involved in this cruel technology are reluctant to provide clear and straightforward information on what they do. Despite the fact that many cosmetic and toiletry companies make convincing claims to have ended animal testing, it is still common practice. The vast majority of animal testing for the beauty industry is currently conducted in relation to new ingredients, which are continually being developed in the search for the elusive 'dream cream'. Many companies that label their products as "Not Tested on Animals" still use ingredients that they or their suppliers test on animals.

No company can genuinely claim that none of the ingredients they use have ever been tested on animals, as even the most basic of ingredients have undergone vigorous animal testing at some time in the past. There is, however, a huge distinction between companies that have made a real commitment to ending animal testing, and those who continue to endorse this cruel practise by using new ingredients, which have been developed through animal testing.

It is important to remember that company statements on this controversial issue are often carefully worded, and may need to be further examined...

"WE DON'T TEST OUR PRODUCTS ON ANIMALS"

Although very few companies continue to conduct animal testing on finished products, many companies still test ingredients on animals. Legislation will often require that animal test data be submitted only for new ingredients. There are currently around 8,000 ingredients already known to be safe through years of use, which companies could use to develop new, innovative products, until such time as non-animal alternatives to ail animal tests have been validated

"WE DON'T TEST OUR PRODUCTS OR INGREDIENTS ON ANIMALS"

Cosmetics companies often try to distance themselves from animal testing, by having others conduct the testing for them. Tests may be conducted by parent companies, contract testing laboratories or ingredient suppliers. Any company that is serious about ending animal testing should make sure that their suppliers are not conducting cosmetic tests on animals for the ingredients they sell to them.

"WE COMPLY WITH INTERNATIONAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS"

No cosmetic company would knowingly compromise consumer safety, and it is potentially misleading to suggest that safety can only be guaranteed through animal testing. At present, animal tests are required to assess new ingredients, which have no known safety record, but are not generally required for finished products.

Companies that have truly abandoned animal testing have met the same safety requirements by using existing ingredients and alternative tests. Meanwhile, other companies use "safety requirements" to justify the fact that they place few, if any restrictions on using new ingredients tested on animals.

"WE DONATE SUBSTANTIAL FUNDS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVE TESTS"

All moves to develop alternative testing methods are welcomed, whether companies invest through donations to humane research charities or by establishing their own non-animal testing facilities. Unfortunately, however, some companies who claim to invest in non-animal alternatives are unwilling to prove their commitment to ending animal testing by refusing to use new animal-tested ingredients.

"WE SUPPORT IMPOSING A BAN ON ANIMAL TESTING WHEN ALTERNATIVE TESTS ARE AVAILABLE"

Animal tests could be banned immediately, if cosmetic companies were willing to rely on the many thousands of ingredients already known to be safe, until alternative tests have been validated. This is perhaps the most obvious alternative of all, but one which is sadly overlooked by many major manufacturers. Although there have been significant breakthroughs in non-animal alternatives, overall investment has dropped since the original European Union ban on animal testing for cosmetics was first proposed. Clearly, if companies know that they will face a ban on animal testing only when alternative method have been validated, there is no real incentive to develop alternatives.

"NONE OF OUR INGREDIENTS HAVE BEEN TESTED SINCE THE YEAR X"

Companies can limit the ingredients they use to those developed before a certain date, but this does not guarantee that their suppliers are not re-testing the ingredients that they sell to them. Regrettably, re-testing of existing ingredients is quite common, and for this reason, it is vital that companies check on their own suppliers. Companies should operate an effective monitoring system to ensure that their suppliers are complying with their company policy on animal testing.

The best way to check that a product really is 'cruelty free' is by checking that the company supports the new International standard. If in doubt contact the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. For details of Coalition member societies in each EU country, see Coalition Member Societies

Extracted from the BUAV's Bluffers Guide to Animal Testing and the Cosmetics Industry.

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