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Beauty giant Procter and Gamble has announced two major initiatives towards ending animal testing for cosmetics.
Firstly it has announced that it will be supporting Humane Society International’s #BeCrueltyFree campaign for a global end to animal testing for cosmetics.
Humane Society International’s #BeCrueltyFree campaign is the largest initiative in the world for an end to animal testing of cosmetics. A growing number of countries and major markets have already passed laws to end or limit cosmetic animal testing and/or sales, including the 28 member countries of the European Union, India, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Guatemala and most recently Sri Lanka and Australia.
The #BeCrueltyFree campaign led by Humane Society International has been a key player in securing many of these national bans in place today, and is pushing similar legislation in Argentina, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Japan, Mexico and other countries.
For over two decades, P&G, HSI, the HSUS, and the Humane Society Legislative Fund have collaborated on the development and regulatory uptake of animal-free test methods. The organizations expect that by bringing their complementary strengths together, they will reach the end goal more quickly. A key focus will be gaining acceptance of new methods by regulators and enrolling many companies and governments globally to adopt cruelty-free public policies and practices.
P&G’s support for #BeCrueltyFree will include joint education and capacity-building programs for non-animal alternatives, continued development of new animal-free approaches to safety assessment and advocating for the legislative end of cosmetic animal testing in key global beauty markets.
In addition, P&G’s Herbal Essences brand has also just been certified as cruelty-free by PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies Program and as such will soon feature the cruelty-free bunny logo on its packaging.
Speaking about the landmark decision, Kitty Block, President of Humane Society International and the Humane Society of the United States, said: “This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to end animal testing for cosmetics worldwide through our #BeCrueltyFree campaign. By working together with forward-looking companies like Procter & Gamble, we can make this ambitious goal a reality.”
Adding to HSI’s sentiments, Kathy Fish, Chief Research, Development and Innovation Officer, Procter and Gamble, said in a statement: “We are pleased to partner with the Humane Society International in the quest to end cosmetic animal testing. I’m proud of the passion and expertise our researchers have contributed already to this goal. I know they will continue to be a force for good, providing leadership and advocacy to help achieve our shared vision.”
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