Animals Do Not Wear Make-Up: Why Testing Make-Up on Animals is Never Good

Animals Do Not Wear Make-Up: Why Testing Make-Up on Animals is Never Good
Animal testing for cosmetic purposes began in the early 1930’s and can be traced to true a story behind this practice of a woman who used a mascara that burned her eyes. Having heard of Darwin’s theory from the 1850’s, wherein animals were considered biological equivalents to humans, the cosmetics industry decided that it made sense to stop people from having harsh reactions to cosmetics by testing the reactions of animals to those same cosmetics. This made a lot of sense for the 1930’s. After all, this was the time when we entered the Great Depression, money was tight, and luxuries only existed for the very wealthy. Technology was a word no one even knew at the time.

Advances in the World Debunks Old Theories
Technology has come a long way. We now have mini computers that we can use to communicate with one another through telephone, texting, and the internet. Information is available at the touch of our fingertips. You may even be reading this blog through this device right now. With advances in science and technology, we have learned that animals and humans are that similar biologically. For example, your dog can not catch your cold. Therefore, testing cosmetics on animals does not actually help the human wearer. And Bunnies look very funny with eye shadow and lipstick!

The truth is, this is an outdated process that yields no positive results, not for the animal or the human.

Testing on animals does not provide any accurate results that would equate to the human equivalent.

Moreover, this is a highly unethical practice as animals are often tortured in the process. Many cosmetic companies have learned that certain ingredients in cosmetics are, on their own, irritants to individuals. Therefore, additional testing is not needed. Today, with the history of science backing us, cosmetic companies can use proven safe ingredients in their cosmetics, negating the need for any type of testing on any source. However, if there is a new combination of ingredients that requires testing before being utilized by the general public there are alternatives. Remember science? Well, science made it possible to take blood samples from willing humans and test those samples in the lab. No one is harmed and results can be fairly accurate, considering that human blood is the same as human blood. There are also synthetic skin samples made from real skin cells. These samples can help determine whether something will be harmful to a person in any way. These are just two of many ways to avoid testing cosmetics on live animals.

Companies that Avoid Animal Testing
There are many companies that refuse to test cosmetics on animals. Some of these companies include: Alba Botanical, Trader Joes, Bath and Body Works, Aveda, and the Body Shop, Paul Mitchell. Even some of the less expensive brands, such as Wet & Wild and NYX, also avoid animal testing.

Please consider purchasing cosmetic products from these companies; there are many ethical choices.

If you are interested in learning more about animal cruelty products or protecting animals through the law, contact Suzana Gartner!