Following the Government's announcement that it is changing its 1998 policy ban on animal testing for cosmetics, Michelle Thew from Cruelty Free International explores how you can help take a stand against animal testing in the beauty industry.
ADVERTISEMENT
We know that the majority of people are looking to make more ethical choices when it comes to purchasing and are looking to buy into brands with strong ethical credentials – including a commitment to ending-animal testing.
In fact, a 2020 global survey by management consultancy firm Accenture found that consumers ‘have dramatically evolved’, with 60% making more environmentally friendly, sustainable, or ethical purchases since the start of the pandemic1.
No surprise then, that new research conducted by YouGov on behalf of Cruelty Free International has shown widespread disapproval from the public when it comes to animal testing, with 85% saying it is unacceptable for ingredients used in cosmetics to be tested on animals.
Despite this, the Government has confirmed that it is changing its 1998 policy ban on animal testing in the beauty industry for cosmetics and their ingredients2.
Where to find cruelty-free products
We are fortunate that there are an increasing number of cosmetics, personal care and household brands that realise how important it is to do everything they can to remain cruelty free and help end cosmetics animal testing.
The best way to ensure a brand is doing everything it can to be cruelty free is by looking for the Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny logo. Some display the Leaping Bunny logo on packaging, and all are listed on Cruelty Free International’s website, here.
Many of these brands and products are also vegan, and you can filter the Leaping Bunny directory to find those that meet both criteria.
The Leaping Bunny logo is the best assurance that a company is making a genuine commitment to help end animal testing by meeting rigorous criteria which apply globally and extend over and above laws governing animal testing.
Most recently, we granted Lidl GB’s own-brand cosmetics range Leaping Bunny approval, which is great and will hopefully urge other brands to follow suit in 2022.
Do you love finding new vegan beauty products? Check these out:
ADVERTISEMENT
How can you take a stand against animal testing for cosmetics?
You can help show your commitment on an individual level by purchasing Leaping Bunny approved products.
In addition to this, you can sign the following petitions which are calling for existing bans to be properly enforced in the way legislators intended and in the way that citizens understand them – full bans on ALL animal testing for ingredients used in cosmetics.
Cruelty Free International is calling on the UK Government to rule out all cosmetics animal testing. You can find out more and support the cause by signing this petition.
If you are an EU national – including those living and working in the UK – our European Citizens’ Initiative is also calling on the European Commission to protect and strengthen the EU cosmetics animal testing ban.
There is an EU ban on cosmetics tests on animals – however, authorities are now demanding animal tests on ingredients, including ingredients used only in cosmetics products. The initiative can be signed here: savecrueltyfree.eu.
Did you know that your favourite makeup brushes might be hiding a deadly secret?
