Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require cosmetic testing on animals, it does allow a company to take whatever steps necessary to prove product safety. In 2009, the EU went even further by banning animal testing of the ingredients used in cosmetics.

Why cosmetic testing on animals is good?

Animal testing in cosmetics uses non-human subjects to examine the variables which could exist when specific products are applied. The goal of this process is to ensure the safety of humanity when new cosmetics are developed. It comes, however, at the expense of guaranteeing the safety of animals.

Why cosmetics should not be tested on animals?

Testing cosmetics on animals is both cruel and unnecessary because companies can already create innovative products using thousands of ingredients that have a history of safe use and do not require any additional testing.

Is it cheaper to test on animals?

“In theory, non-animal tests could be much cheaper and much faster,” said Warren Casey, the director of the U.S. National Toxicology Program’s Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods, which analyzes alternatives to animal use for chemical- safety testing.

Is animal testing still happening?

In fact, it’s now widespread. Companies are using animal testing — although they do not wish to — upon receiving compliance checks from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for ingredients in cosmetics. Everyone thought animal testing for cosmetics was over in Europe.

What are the downsides of animal testing?

What Are the Cons of Animal Research?

• Many of the items that are tested are never used.
• It can be an expensive practice.
• It may not offer valid results.
• Many facilities are exempt from animal welfare laws.
• Animals don’t need to be the “only” method of research.
• Poor research practices invalidate the data obtained.

What can be done instead of animal testing?

These alternatives to animal testing include sophisticated tests using human cells and tissues (also known as in vitro methods), advanced computer-modeling techniques (often referred to as in silico models), and studies with human volunteers.

Why is it cruel to test cosmetics on animals?

Are there alternatives to animal testing for cosmetics?

Of course, these are just examples. There are other alternatives to animal testing as well, and new ones are being developed each day. Generally, in vitro, in silico and similar tests take less time than tests on animals take to analyze, are cheaper, and give equally or more accurate results.

When do you need to use animal testing?

When a company is formulating with tried-and-true ingredients commonly found in products, there’s really no reason for animal testing.

Are there any products which do not need to be tested on animals?

There are other products which are not medicines but not cosmetics which do need to be tested on animals to ensure that they do not cause harm to humans. Both Europe and the US require potentially toxic substances such as anti-mosquito spray to be to toxicologically tested (on animals)before it can be sold.