Why do we test on animals? Let's support the brands who support animal welfare.
What is cosmetic testing on animals?
This is when animals are used to test the hypoallergenic properties of a product before the use of humans.
Usually this is done by using restrained rabbits, mice, guinea pigs and rats. The animal's skin is shaved and the untested product is put onto the skin or dropped into the eye. The use of the restraint is to stop the animals from wiping their eyes when the substances start to itch or stopping them from trying to clean their skin when the product becomes uncomfortable.
Most people believe that animal testing is when the makeup is put onto the animal when it's become a final product. For example, testing a blusher on an animal's cheeks. However, this is not the case. The testing can lead to animals going blind, burning their skin with the highly concentrated products and causing death. The treatment of these animals is usually very inhumane.
“These animals will live their lives confined to bleak cages, experiencing only artificial light, bland food, and the four walls of a laboratory. If they’re lucky, they may be given a small toy, some nesting material, or a shelter as “enrichment”. - PETA
Have cosmetic tests in the UK been banned?
Since 1998, tests on animals for cosmetic purposes have been banned in the UK. Testing has also been banned in the EU since 2009. A sales ban was implemented in 2013 for the UK and EU for all products that had been animal tested. Let's take a look at some cosmetic companies who support the ban on animal cruelty free products.
100% Pure was founded by Susie Wang, James Wang and Ric Kostick. The company sells skincare and makeup. They pride themselves on being 100% Pure, hence the name. Furthermore, they have an official stamp of approval from PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals). They do not test their products or ingredients on animals. They also do not sell or distribute their products where animal testing is required by the law.
Anastasia Beverly Hills is founded by Anastasia Soare and is one of the fastest growing beauty brands in the industry. They sell everything from makeup and skincare, to application tools. The best part about this brand is that they are truly cruelty free. They do not test their finished products on animals and neither do their third party suppliers. Moreover, they are certified by PETA.
Dear, Klairs is a beauty brand that was started in 2010 in Seoul, South Korea. They focus on developing products for those with sensitive skin. Dear, Klairs sells makeup and skincare at affordable prices for everyone. The brand listed their core values on their website as “Be essential”, “Be more sustainable”, “Coexists with animals” and “A well balanced life”. They pride themselves on only using the most necessary and raw ingredients to create their products. With a certification from PETA, they take an active stance on supporting the fight to abolish animal testing forever.
Founded in Seoul, South Korea in 2014 Christiana Chang and Sarah Lee created this K-beauty brand. Glow Recipe is Leaping Bunny certified, which means they are animal cruelty free. Their ethos is ‘Taking it day by day”, “Keeping it real” and “To formulate differently”. On the official website they provide full transparency on their ingredients list and talk openly about how they are vegan and cruelty free.
They also state they love to give back to charities to better the environment.
Who doesn't love a brand that gives back?
Cruelty free makeup brands can be found by simply looking into the brands ‘About Us’ page or looking for a Leaping Bunny logo. There still a long way to go to abolish animal testing but if we support the fight, the difference we can make is incredible.