This paper has help me gain new strategies, techniques in writing. Basically how to combine the scientific mind and creativity aspect within me. By analyzing and evaluating various materials, I developed the ability to create a comprehensive narrative. I also learned the importance of proper citation and referencing. This experience deepened my understanding of research. There will always be room for improvement.
Tania Labra Margarito
ENGL 21003
Professor Zayas
Literature Review
March 21, 2023
Cosmetic Animal Testing
Animal testing is performed in many human used products. Those products undergo animal testing to test the level of toxicity, safety for human consumption, and overall contact. Cosmetics for one, are one of the many products wildly popular in connection with the process. Cosmetics have a wide range of beautification and help to change human appearance in spectrums. Can consist of nail polish, hairspray, and makeup, as well the general chemicals used in any cosmetics that can fall in other products other than cosmetic related products. Animal testing is a sensitive topic in correlation with animal abuse to improve and develop formulas like cosmetics. There're many popular brands in the beauty industries used in 2023 that people may not know are sent to animal testing. With that said, big companies have a reason as to why they connect their formula creation with animal abuse rather than other alternatives. As well as the science between animal tested cosmetics and that doesn't. Society has made many responses upon this topic all differ from the United States, the European union and China.
What is animal testing? It consists of forcing variety of chemicals on animals such as guinea pigs, rats, mice and rabbits for the safety of a product. In the article, “Cosmetics animal testing FAQ” states, “Skin and eye irritation tests where chemicals are rubbed onto the shaved skin or dripped into the eyes of restrained rabbits, without any pain relief. Tests that deliver doses of chemical substances to mice through repeated force-feeding. These tests last weeks or months so researchers can look for signs of general illness or specific health hazards such as cancer or birth defects. Widely condemned "lethal dose" tests, in which rats are forced to swallow large amounts of chemicals to determine the dose that causes death.” (Cosmetics animal testing FAQ) The quote demonstrates varieties of inhumane events brought upon those animals. The goal is to prevent major sickness like cancer on a product. Cancer does not have a definite cure, so these testers look for signs on product if used on human from observing the animals. Furthermore Andrew Krosofsky, who has done the article, “These Brutal Cosmetic Testing Methods Are Why We Need Cruelty-Free Makeup” states, “According to the Humane Society, animal testing is pointless when it comes to determining the safety of cosmetic compounds. Different species respond in different ways when exposed to the same chemical. If one type of lipstick hurts a rat, there’s no guarantee it will harm humans.” (Krosofsky, 2022) In the end of the day animals aren't humans, maybe biologically have similar genetics of a human but to be 100% sure the results of an animal being tested on a certain chemical does not guarantee accuracy. This is an idea of what goes on when doing animal testing.
To this day worldwide companies, known cosmetics brands don't usually advertise if they are against animal cruelty or not. One must look deeply into their socials, for statements. Hidden facts can shock people that they have been technically supporting brands that have a relationship with animal testers. For example, “At the top, L'Oréal, valued at USD $10.2B in 2021, is not a cruelty-free company. L'Oréal is followed by Gillette, Nivea, Guerlain, and Estee Lauder, none of which are cruelty-free companies. Other notable brands that fund animal testing include MAC, Lancôme, Pantene, Maybelline, Benefit, and Shiseido.” (Rose, 2021) L'Oreal is well known to find a loophole around not strictly stating they do participate in sending their products to animal testing at some point in their brand. To add on, “L’Oréal does not test any of its products or any of its ingredients on animals. Nevertheless, because our products are sold in China, L’Oréal still figures on the PETA list. In China, the health authorities still require and carry out animal testing for certain products.” (Reasons why L'OREAL Paris is not cruelty-free or vegan, 2022) The quote highlights that unless they are forced to use animal testing to expand their brand, they allow animal testing. Since China does ask the makeup brand wanting to be sold in their country, to be checked on animals. The pattern in these big brands is that they fell for marketing and in spreading their products to China that forces them to have their makeup tested on animals.
As big brands try to expand their products to China, they are facing the challenge of contributing to animal testing. The article, “What’s Going On With China’s Animal Testing Laws in 2021” states, “On the other hand, some cruelty-free consumers aren’t comfortable with supporting any brand that chooses to put their products at risk of being tested on animals in China, since China’s regulations do not explicitly exclude the use of animals in post-market testing and it’s not 100% guaranteed.” (What's going on with China's animal testing laws in 2021 2021) China’s strict regulations have been modified yet some brands did end up participating in cosmetic animal testing. For instance, “The new exemptions to China’s animal testing requirements do not apply to products for infants and children, products with new ingredients, or products from companies that are already under supervision by authorities. Companies marketing “special” cosmetics—such as hair dye, sunscreen, and hair-loss products—in China will still be required to pay for tests on animals under the new regulations.” (China announces New Animal Testing Policy for cosmetics after PETA push 2021) PETA did change a significant number of cosmetics imported from other areas of the world with no obligation to undergo in animal testing. Although China still has regulations to promote animal testing with other cosmetics products.
China looks on animal testing for their public safety in cosmetic products as a necessity. The article, “The laboratory animal legal system of China” states, “In order to obtain accurate, reliable, and reproducible research results, as well as international mutual recognition of research results, laboratory animal management has become the pioneering field in China to establish systems in the legal system of animal management and protection.” (The Laboratory Animal Legal System of China) China has many connections into animal testing but have regulated few laws to make it public this is an ongoing scenario for the safety of the people. To add on, “In the case of zoonotic diseases, strict medical and clinical observations should be carried out on relevant personnel. In the case of a major animal epidemic, an emergency response plan should be initiated immediately in accordance with national regulations.” (The Laboratory Animal Legal System of China) They show a form of rights towards animal either way, with the attention if an animal cause of death was reasonable or not, if not it will be considered animal abuse. With that said China has set a clear statement in animal testing and their people’s attentions.
United States in the other hand has encounter a governmental action over the issue of animal testing regulations towards the public. “Moreover, an exception to the protections of the AWA exists when a researcher determines it is not scientifically necessary or would negatively affect the results of testing. As such, many of the laws and regulations that exist, including the AWA and many state anti-cruelty laws, are oftentimes ineffective.” (C & Galanes, 1970) The law AWA was signed on August 24, 1966, America only has this law shows the little importance animal having rights. Marketing overpowers the idea of limiting animal testing.
Europe, united like other areas of the world, has a whole different opinion on the subject of animal testing. Stated in the article, “Ban of cosmetic testing on animals: A brief overview - research gate”, “EU was the first one to ban the testing of cosmetic products on animals. The very first ban on the selling of finished products was taken out in 2014, followed in 2008 by a ban on the use of products tested on animals”. (Doi: Ban of cosmetic testing on animals: A brief overview - ResearchGate) In contrary form United states and China EU has made it so that they have no relationship with cosmetic products undergo animal testing as a regulation. As well highlighting, “In March 2013 the European Union imposed a full ban on the sale and importation of cosmetics that were tested on animals or contain animal-tested ingredients. The EU is a wide marketplace for all cosmetics companies all over the world, and this policy has forced cosmetics companies to develop alternatives in places like China and South America to find alternatives to animal testing methods”. (Doi: Ban of cosmetic testing on animals: A brief overview - ResearchGate) Many more areas of the world uncovered but the clear division in opinions on the topic animal testing can be seen.
In conclusion animal testing is subjected to force animals to take in variety of chemicals just so a formula is well developed. It ends with death upon the animals, yet a slightly better product for human cosmetics for one. Slightly better since animals at the end of the day are animals and aren't 100% biologically like a human. Popular cosmetic brands have had or do take part in that process for safety data about their product before going to the public. The most common reason as to why a brand encounter animal testing are so they can be sold in the high populated country, like China. Where they do promote animal testing in most cosmetic products for the “safety “for the people. They’ve been modified since PETA, a well-known anti- animal testing organization, stepped in and convinced them to at least limit most cosmetic products. Which has been done yet those brands before this modification did support animal testing for the longest time due to China strict laws. Then come United states that has little governmental connection as in federal law to look upon animal rights. Europe has a different view on animal testing compared to other parts of the world. The European Union (EU) took the lead by banning animal testing for cosmetic products. This ban was implemented in 2014, and the EU also prohibited the sale of products tested on animals in 2008. In contrast, countries like the United States and China still allow animal testing for cosmetics. The EU's regulations have created a separation between animal-tested cosmetics and their market. As a result, companies worldwide have had to find alternatives to animal testing, especially in regions like China and South America. This demonstrates the clear divide in opinions on animal testing across different regions. Therefore, cosmetics animal testing has shaped the world and how animal rights interfere with all.
Work Cited
10, D. (2022, October 12). Reasons why L’OREAL Paris is not cruelty-free or vegan. Retrieved March 26, 2023, from https://ethicalelephant.com/is-loreal-cruelty-free-vegan/
22, J., 23, J., & 24, J. (2021, May 22). What’s going on with China’s animal testing laws in 2021. Retrieved March 26, 2023, from https://ethicalelephant.com/china-animal-testing-laws-2021/#h-post-market-pre-market-testing
C, K., & Galanes. (1970, January 01). Full title name: brief summary of animal testing laws. Retrieved March 26, 2023, from https://www.animallaw.info/article/brief-summary-animal-testing-laws
China announces New Animal Testing Policy for cosmetics after PETA push. (2021, March 08). Retrieved March 26, 2023, from https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/china-announces-new-animal-testing-policy-for-cosmetics-after-peta-push/
Cosmetics animal testing FAQ. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/cosmetics-animal-testing-faq#:~:text=These%20can%20include%3A,mice%20through%20repeated%20force%2Dfeeding.
Doi: Ban of cosmetic testing on animals: A brief overview – ResearchGate. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/D-Sreedhar/publication/343308461_Ban_of_Cosmetic_Testing_on_Animals_A_Brief_Overview/links/608a5398a6fdccaebdf4f2fd/Ban-of-Cosmetic-Testing-on-Animals-A-Brief-Overview.pdf
Krosofsky, A. (2022, December 15). These brutal cosmetic testing methods are why we need cruelty-free makeup. Retrieved March 26, 2023, from https://www.greenmatters.com/p/how-is-makeup-tested-on-animals
The Laboratory Animal Legal System of China. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.animallaw.info/sites/default/files/Vol%2011%20num%202%20page%2030-39.pdf
Rose, S. (2021, October 05). 88% of Top Beauty Brands Fund Animal Testing (animal testing statistics): Cruelty-Free Kitty. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/news/animal-testing-statistics/
