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believe that there are far more humane and effective alternatives available, making the reliance on animal testing both outdated and unjustifiable.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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I am appalled at the ruling. I only shop cruelty free brands and if the product is questionable then it will not be purchased. Shame on you UK. Animals have the same right not to suffer needlessly especially for beauty.
This is medieval practice and the government are showing total disrespect for common decency in the way they are treating animals. They are also treating the public like idiots who cannot be trusted with making decisions. Animals are sentient beings with feelings and a right to fairness and kindness.
I thank you so much for this information..my hope is that the UK is the only country to reverse their animal testing regulations..of countries who do ban all animal testing…as far companies who manufacture chemicals or products that they fear will harm their employees why are they using them in the first place??
That is so disappointing – crushing in fact. We fought for animal testing to be banned and won and now we have to fight all over again. It’s depressing how cyclical these things are when viewed over a lifetime.
Is there anything I can do apart from continuing to only buy cruelty free?
Testing potentially hazardous make-up ingredients on poor, defenseless animals, is an extremely inhumane horror– and totally unnecessary! Ladies do not need to wear potentially hazardous make-up, in the first place! All the ladies in our family only buy cruelty-free items, and sacrifice and go without some things, if necessary. Dear little helpless animals need and deserve our love and care! We will continue to boycott all products that are not officially deemed “cruelty-free,” lifelong. ALWAYS BE KIND TO ANIMALS!! THEY NEED AND DESERVE OUR LOVE AND KINDNESS!
Thank you for continuing to advocate for the rights of all animals. You continue to be a voice for the voiceless. I am so grateful to Cruelty-Free Kitty because I can find all the products I need and make sure that whatever I’m buying hasn’t been tested on animals.
Unfortunately we have a very corrupt government in the UK at the moment. But their days are short lived. We stopped fox hunting and we will ensure this dreadful act is repealed. Society is going backwards at the moment so we need to redouble our efforts ????????????
Why are humans going backwards?!! You would think our higher intelligence would make better decisions. If you want to test for any human related toxins use humans if you are going to be that way. So sad ????
This is stupid and awful, showing no compassion for innocent animals. Thank you CFK for standing up for them and standing besides those UK companies that also oppose this cruel practice.
That’s the worst news.
One step forward and 5 steps back.
The world is a mess
I will carry on with using only my cruelty free products
Apart from the products I use being cruelty free they have also shown better results.
Thank you
It is absolutely shocking that the UK are going back to testing cosmetics on animals after a 25 year ban. I was very upset to learn about this very disturbing news.Please reconsider this UK.
I am lost for words ????. I am basically sickened by the governments decision to go back to animal testing. But what do expect from a government that doesn’t care about animal suffering and humanity as a whole. I thought we left Europe?? So why backtrack.
Absolutely outrageous. The disgusting abuse towards any animal must stop. Why do so many think it’s ok to experiment on any animal, who the hell do they think they are? Got news for these idiots. . . .we need the animal kingdom more than they need us. Disgusted
ABSOLUTELY APPALLING
Reprehensible that cruelty free products are now available!!!
I am extremely sad, disappointed & outraged at this barbaric decision to test on animals! Please reconsider & stop this horrendous cruelty inflicted on innocent animals!!! These tests continue to be useless for human purposes but are epitome of inhumane & torture for animals!!!
Is there a single point of protest – a petition perhaps – where we can all voice our concern about this?
Absolutely barbaric !!!!! How can this happen ?????time is supposed to move on but be better not go back in time ????animal testing is a no
I’m from the UK and I’m gutted to hear about this. It’s cash before compassion. To go 25 years cruelty free, surely some companies will stand up to this callous, unfeeling government and say No.
If you get a chance
Could you put a list together of bands that we will now have to avoid ?
Thanks for the info xx
Heartbreaking and useless testing on animals. Shame on the UK
Feeling ashamed to be British.
If this is what we know about, it makes me feel even more sad about slaughter houses and other animal testing laboratories.
We are going backwards all in the name of profit.
I am appalled, disgusted and repulsed by all those allowing this change to happen and those physically carrying out Animal Tests everywhere. I can say no more otherwise this won’t be published, but I know others like me feel exactly the same.
No one, no company, nothing will prevent me from continuing to shop cruelty-free and vegan. Thank you for your work that makes it possible for folks like me to continue to shop cruelty-free.
Saddened to hear this. So unnecessary. Lets all stop buying these products. Maybe renew efforts to influence public spending habits. Lots of publicity. Thankyou for all you do.
I was truly devastated when I learned how the UK have turned on this. I felt so sick and was so upset. Animal testing is not necessary in any country in this day and age. I was caught out recently when I purchased a bundle of products that I believed were not tested on animals, but later found it wasn’t true. I fell for their clever marketing wording. It has been a costly mistake for me, but you can’t put a price on a life. I have now turned to Cruelty-Free Kitty to help me establish companies who truly do not test on animals and are genuinely cruelty free.
It is becoming increasingly harder instead of easier to buy cruelty free products. I always look for the cruelty free bunny symbol or refer to your site before purchasing a new make up , hair care or body product.
Unilever is cruelty-free??
OMG! This is so tragic. Are their any groups or lawmakers that we in the US can contact to protest this travesty?