“The fundamental problem is that people are very reluctant to make changes that would significantly improve the welfare of animals. I became a vegetarian — that was easier than I thought it would be and now I do not miss meat at all. I stopped wearing leather — that was nothing. I stopped buying products tested on animals — to find alternatives all I had to do was to conduct a quick search online. I wish that individuals knew how little sacrifice really is necessary and just how much better off animals would be.” – Diane Adams
Is testing cosmetics on animals justified in our modern age? Has the unprecedented progression of Technology made us a more humane society?
In this day and age, the answers to these questions should have been a resounding NO and YES respectively. Sadly, however, it seems not so...
Massive advancements in Technology have progressed our world in rapid, innovative and astounding ways.
We live in a world only imagined in TV shows just a few short decades ago.
And we all enjoy the advantages and new wonderful ways of living these technological advancements bring us. The whole world benefits.
Except animals.
Confusingly, irrespective of the wonderful advancements in Technology that mean animal testing is no longer necessary, animal-testing continues.
Despite new and modern testing methods, such as using sophisticated computer models and human cells which can replace animal-testing, cosmetics continue to be tested on animals.
Animals are still subjected to painful and horrific tests in the cosmetic industry.
To date, almost 50 alternative testing methods have been developed. Alternatives which don't involve the use of animals. Alternatives which are more efficient, more reliable, faster, cheaper and better at predicting the safety of cosmetic products for humans.
Several countries have banned animal-testing on cosmetic products and chosen to opt for these more compassionate methods of testing.
However, despite the availability of these safer, more cost-effective and reliable alternatives, animal-testing is still required by Law in many other countries.
So a good question here is:
"With so many safer, cheaper and kinder options available, why do some countries and cosmetics companies still continue to use animal-testing?"
The answer is weak and unconvincing...
Sometimes they develop or use new ingredients in their cosmetics and feel it necessary to test these on animals.
But this is flawed and unnecessary. Because:
new and innovative products can be created using thousands of already-tested, proven and established ingredients that have been used safely for years and don't need further testing.
results of testing on animals are often misleading and unreliable because of the massive difference in physiologies between different species and the difference between animals and humans. This means the safety of these cosmetics cannot be guaranteed for humans.
Use of existing safe ingredients combined with the compassionate alternative testing methods readily available renders animal testing completely unnecessary.
What do some of the world's largest cosmetics companies and watchdog bodies have to say on the matter?
Unilever has this to say:
Dr Julia Fentem, head of the safety and environmental assurance centre at Unilever - one of the world's largest cosmetic companies - said... safety tests could be carried out without animal involvement.
The US FDA has this to say:
The FD&C Act (Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) does not specifically require the use of animals in testing cosmetics for safety ...
... we also believe that prior to use of animals, consideration should be given to the use of scientifically valid alternative methods to whole-animal testing ...
... FDA supports the development and use of alternatives to whole-animal testing as well as adherence to the most humane methods available within the limits of scientific capability when animals are used for testing the safety of cosmetic products.
We will continue to be a strong advocate of methodologies for the refinement, reduction, and replacement of animal tests with alternative methodologies that do not employ the use of animals.
So, what does this all say about us as a society?
It's not a pretty answer. It would seem that the rate of progression of Technology has outpaced in leaps and bounds our abilities to grow as a humane society.
Heartbreakingly, we continue to live in a world where torturing animals in painful tests for a new lipstick is still considered acceptable by some. Animals continue to suffer horrendously despite the ready availability of the very tools needed to end this suffering.
But, one cannot give up hope. One cannot stop being a voice for those that do not have a voice.
We can all play our part in helping to eradicate animal testing.
Opt to buy only non animal-tested cosmetics from compassionate companies who don't test on animals - Is Your Make-Up Bag Cruelty-Free?
It doesn't require much effort to be a bit kinder. A bit more compassionate. All it takes are one or two small changes to our cosmetic-buying habits. It's so easy to do; cruelty-free cosmetics are readily available widely.
Go cruelty-free.
Animals everywhere will thank you for it.
INTERESTED IN FINDING OUR MORE ABOUT ANIMAL TESTING?
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“You can always tell about somebody by the way they put their hands on an animal.” —Betty White
"Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages." - Thomas Edison
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