We find it deeply concerning that, while animal testing for makeup or its ingredients had been completely banned in the UK since 1998, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) ruled in 2020 that companies need to test some ingredients used in cosmetics on animals to ensure they were safe for workers manufacturing the ingredients. Furthermore, since 2019, the government had been issuing licenses for animal testing of cosmetic ingredients in line with EU chemical rules, which it retained despite leaving the EU in 2020.
It's important to note that manufacturers still cannot undertake any animal testing to check the safety of makeup for consumers, as this should be done using other methods. However, the change in policy still allows for testing chemicals commonly found in foundations and concealers on animals such as rats.
READ MORE: Cruelty-Free 101: Testing Finished Products vs. Ingredients
Cruelty Free International (CFI), which brought the case to court, argued that this policy change was illegal and in breach of the animal testing ban for makeup and its ingredients that has been in place since 1998. Unfortunately, Mr. Justice Linden ruled in favor of the government, stating that the change in policy still met existing laws. He did, however, find it "regrettable" that the public had not been informed.
This decision has been met with heavy criticism from major beauty and cosmetic brands, including Unilever, The Body Shop, and Boots, some of which have long campaigned to end animal testing. CFI called the government's effective lifting of the ban "outrageous," while Christopher Davis, director of activism and sustainability at The Body Shop, stated that they would "campaign vigorously" against the changes.
At Cruelty-Free Kitty, we're deeply shocked and distressed by the recent ruling that has sent ripples through the cosmetics industry. We strongly condemn this decision, asserting that animal testing is not only profoundly cruel, but also utterly unnecessary. We firmly believe that there are far more humane and effective alternatives available, making the reliance on animal testing both outdated and unjustifiable.
Moreover, we find ourselves troubled by the misleading headlines currently making the rounds in the media. These reports inaccurately suggest that makeup in the UK will continue to avoid animal testing. This, unfortunately, is a half-truth. While the final products may not undergo animal testing, the current ruling still allows for individual ingredients to be tested on animals—a crucial detail that these reports conveniently ignore.
We are deeply disappointed by this development and share the concerns of our fellow cruelty-free advocates. CFI has announced that they will appeal the court's decision and ask the government to reinstate the complete ban in the UK. We stand in solidarity with them and will continue to fight for the rights of animals and the end of animal testing in cosmetics.
Thank you to everyone who firmly believes that animals are not to be used in cruel experiments. We urge you to continue supporting cruelty-free companies that are making a difference worldwide. If any new developments unfold, we will keep you up to date.
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Thank you Suzana for explaining this situation. I know I can trust your point of view.
This is a shocking turn of events. I once considered the UK to be ahead of many countries where it concerns some animal welfare issues.
I’m equally appalling that the UK government as well as EU government reverted back on animal testing for make up ingredients. As the workers, they have rights to choose their jobs and access the risk but not to animals. I urge the government cease the rules as it is also demanding people’s rights to use the products without animal testing.
There is NO need these days for testing on animals
They should conduct the testing on the members of the evil UK Government.
Appalling. Thanks for letting us know about it.
This is an unbelievably backward step! If an ingredient needs to b tested for the worker’s saftey, something tells me it shouldn’t b included in the product at all.
I am horrified that UK is bowing down, once again to the EU devils.
The world appears to be regressing at an alarming rate. Most Brits do not want to be governed by EU, this is why Brexit happened. Clearly the government is not listening to the electorate, again.
To go back 25 years into an age of horror of testing of cosmetics on animals is beyond barbaric, can UK not make their own decisions without being told what to do by Big Brother, does the UK government not have a spine to stand up to the EU and say NO?!
I thought it was only 3rd world barbaric countries that still use animals for these outrageous and horrific tests.
Totally agree
Makes me so mad.
Disgusting to go bad back to this shameful testing on animals.
Weren’t we meant to have left the Eu why are we still doing what they tell us.
what !! I can’t believe this, and that in this day and age!! humanity always puts itself above everything !! how sad. ????????
What brands? Will happily remove from my purchase list.
Apalling and disgraceful!
I’m absolutely disgusted! There is no need for this in this day and age!! Why should poor animals suffer for vanity. I always buy cruelty free products and always will!!!
What an appalling decision to make!!
How can governing bodies be so blind to the change of mentality throughout the population?
How can we have an innuendo of enforced change for climate without taking into account the responsibility we have towards the creature we share the planet with??
I dream of a fair world for all creatures.
What can we do to fight this please?
I’m absolutely devastated to hear this news.
I’m horrified cruelty to animals by lab testing for makeup has been reinstated
I’m mortified like a kick in the chest or I’ve lost a loved one????
This is absolutely disgusting, this is what’s wrong with this world people thinking animals are second class to us but there NOT. Why is it always down to the few to stand up and try and do something to stop all the cruelty that goes on just so the fat pigs can make even more money than they already have. It’s always comes down to money in the end and they don’t care who they hurt along the way. We’ve got to try and get the word out and stop the voting on false promises , if we don’t do something nobody else will and this beautiful planet will be gone long before the next generation have time to enjoy it.
We seem to be going backwards not forwards I won’t be buying anything tested on animals as I do now this is so disgusting and not necessary we have so many products to chose from they don’t have to keep testing the same stuff I thought we left the EU so why do we have to copy them
This is so unfair, please find an alternative solution! Animals already suffer at the hands of humans in so many ways, stop finding new ways in order for them to suffer. Why all of the sudden do you need to start using Animals again?? Please think of another solution. I have literally switched all of my products to crultey free alternatives and I am happy with my choices, this will make it difficult to continue using these brands should they have to follow this new rule!
I always buy cruelty free products whether for cosmetics or cleaning products. I thank Cruelty Free Kitty for all their great work and for providing us information to choose what it right
Just unbelievable! To me, animal testing is something that never should have had happened in the first place! Animals are our livelihood and the fact they are allowing UK to reinstate this nonsense and it isn’t right at all! Thank you for keeping us informed! I will always support cruelty free and we will continue to fight and WIN!!! These animals DO NOT deserve to be in the hands of uncompassionate people out there!
In response to the re-introduction of testing on animals – as Prince Charles, now King Charles has always supported environmental causes such as WWF can he be relied upon to take action?
Here is a snippet from the guardian 8 May 2023:
“…We often make the mistake of imagining “the environment” to be the space of wilderness that lies beyond our world of human interaction when it was always, after all, the space that connects us to one another and to the multitude of interspecies life”.
from:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/may/08/king-charles-was-a-green-visionary-will-he-dare-be-as-radical-now
So called “beauty products” are not worth obscene cruelty to animals. What a total backward step. What are these people thinking????? Test it on yourself!!!!!
It is unconscionable that any government would return to such an archaic practice as testing chemicals on animals again especially after banning this for 25 years?
Animal are our co-habitants of this world and our treatment of them is a testimony of what we think of life other than our own and in this case – no thought appears to be applied – no reflection or insight into the pain, misery and suffering that this does and will cause.
The solution – ban this practice and make up that is tested on animals also be banned – the companies that allow this to reconsider or be fined.
deeply saddened by this news.
Well said!
Totally agree with you 100%.