Cruel Beauty: Which Companies Test on Animals?

The face cream smells delicious, feels gratifyingly luxurious, and promises to smooth out wrinkles. Best of all, the label reads “No Animal Testing.” Now you can be sure that no animals suffered or died to make this product. Right?

Wrong.

Despite what the label proclaims, this face cream, or any one of its ingredients, could easily have been rubbed into a bunny’s eyes, force-fed down a rat’s throat, or smeared over a guinea pig’s raw skin. Such practices continue at many cosmetic and skincare companies, even as the words “Not tested on animals” appear boldly on the labels.

“Consumers are shocked to learn that millions of animals each year are injected with or forced to inhale or ingest cosmetics. Those animals live in fear and loneliness every minute of their lives,” says Erin Edwards, media liaison for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the animal-rights organization better known as PETA.

Wondering how companies get away with such brazen claims? Well, the label could mean that the company itself do no testing on animals, but instead hires a laboratory to do the dirty work. Or perhaps a company didn’t perform animal tests on that particular product, but it does on others. Clairol’s Herbal Essence shampoo label, for example, clearly notes, “Not tested on animals.” Meanwhile, according to PETA, the company continues to conduct animal testing on its other products. Even some companies that advertise their products as natural, organic, or vegan, still use ingredients tested on animals.

“Testing may be done by the suppliers, and a company may purchase ingredients with a “don’t ask, don’t tell” philosophy. Or testing may occur by a parent company,” says Zibby Wilder, media relations director of the Animal Protection Institute. “So statements on the label may be literally correct to shield the company from public relations problems–yet quite disingenuous, if not downright deceptive.”

Reading between the labels
Since the label may not be telling the entire truth about testing, you need to do a certain amount of sleuthing to make sure you choose products that are 100 percent free of animal-tested ingredients (no matter who is doing the testing) and come from companies dedicated to that mission.

The good news? You can have your ethics, beauty indulgences, and an honorable relationship with the animal world–and it’s easier to do than even a few years ago. Many more conscientious organizations, manufacturers, spa owners, and consumers have established cruelty-free policies and have taken a stand against unnecessary testing.

PETA has compiled a list of companies that have signed a “Statement of Assurance” that they (and their suppliers) don’t and won’t test on animals. You’ll find major brands like Revlon, MAC, Avon, and Estee Lauder on the list, as well as natural favorites such as Kiss My Face and Aubrey Organics. (Download the guide at CaringConsumer.com.) Brand names mentioned in the pages of Alternative Medicine also boast cruelty-free practices.

“We started out 17 years ago with a wallet-sized pamphlet with only a handful of companies,” says Ann Marie Dori, coordinator of PETA’s Caring Consumer Project. “Today, it has grown to include more than 550 companies that don’t animal test their products.” Just as importantly, PETA also offers a guide listing companies that do test, including Cover Girl, L’Oreal, Olay, and Max Factor–so you can avoid them.

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), which uses the Leaping Bunny name and logo, offers an animal-friendly shopping guide and also provides sample letters you can send to companies to urge them to stop animal testing. The coalition requires the companies it lists to prove that neither they, nor their suppliers, will conduct or commission animal tests during any stage of product development.

Power to the animals
Does it disturb you that your skincare and beauty regime may contribute to the pain, suffering, and death of countless animals? “It’s as simple as buying a different product at the grocery store or the cosmetics counter,” says Erin Edwards, PETA’s media liaison.

If your favorite brands don’t appear on the approved lists, let your dollars do the talking and use the power of the pen. Boycott the products and contact the companies directly. Ask them to clarify their animal-testing policy, and politely encourage them to join PETA’s or Leaping Bunny’s cruelty-free programs.

Not a writer? You can use Leaping Bunny’s sample letter to manufacturers. Or the Animal Protection Institute offers free postcards requesting companies to halt animal testing.

“If there is a market for truly cruelty-free products, industry will move in that direction,” says the Humane Society’s Loree Talley, who researches animal testing issues for the organization. “Consumers can spend dollars compassionately and let companies know that animal testing is unacceptable.”

Maryann Hammers, former editor in chief of Spa magazine, is an animal loving spa junkie and an aficionado of fine skincare products (and can vouch that some of the best stuff is on the approved lists). She shares her Los Angeles-area home with three cats.

Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living offers its readers the latest news on health conditions, herbs and supplements, natural beauty products, healing foods and conscious living. Click here for a free sample issue.

By Maryann Hammers, Natural Solutions

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Michele W.

5:45AM PDT on Jul 17, 2011

Thank you

send a green star

nancy r.

9:11PM PDT on Jun 17, 2011

Thank you.

Samantha M.

5:06PM PDT on May 29, 2011

I love PETA. I also love Etsy. If you're looking for something with minimal products that are guaranteed not to be tested you can find almost anything on Etsy.com. Anyone really concerned about animal testing should look into using one ingredient products. I use olive oil and coconut oil to moisturize. I've also stopped using my hair and started using a water-only method. Its pretty extreme, but this way I know for sure my products aren't tested!

Past Member .

3:33PM PDT on May 12, 2011

concious consumers!

Charles W.

9:40PM PDT on Mar 22, 2011

Just buy AVON. It's 125 yrs old and has liberated women since the late 1800s. It's cheaper than Walmart or any retail store if you hit the specials. Hook up with your local AVOn lady and get your products delivered right to your door. Save gas.

Susan D.

10:33AM PDT on Mar 14, 2011

Continued from below:

...Unless a company has signed a Leaping Bunny commitment pledging an end to animal testing for ingredients and finished products, we cannot be sure of its policy on the use of animals.

Why does this product say, “not tested on animals,” but it is not on the Leaping Bunny list?
Oftentimes, products claim to be "cruelty-free" or "not tested on animals,” but their claims may only refer to the finished product. As you may be aware, the majority of animal testing occurs at the ingredient level. Similarly, some companies may state, “We do not test on animals,” when in fact they merely contract other companies to do the testing. These kinds of claims are often confusing and misleading for consumers.

What's the difference between the Leaping Bunny list and other lists I have seen?
The Leaping Bunny Program offers not just a list, but a Standard—the only Standard that guarantees a product free of new animal testing. While many ingredients have been tested on animals in the past, the Standard is designed to prevent future animal testing and eventually drive animal testing out of the industry completely! In addition, the Leaping Bunny Standard is internationally recognized. Formed from the nation’s largest animal protection groups, the CCIC also partners with animal protection groups in Canada and Europe.
http://www.leapingbunny.org/shopping.php
http://www.aavs.org/site/c.bkLTKfOSLhK6E/b.6534461/k.A0FD/Compasionat

10:28AM PDT on Mar 14, 2011

After years of research I trust only the Leaping Bunny, and strongly encourage other compassionate shoppers to do the same. http://www.leapingbunny.org/indexcus.php

Directly from the Coalition's website:

By 1996, ‘cruelty-free’ shopping had become popular, but it was also confusing, sometimes misleading, and ultimately frustrating. Companies had begun designing their own bunny logos, abiding by their own definition of ‘cruelty-free’ or ‘animal friendly’ without the participation of animal protection groups.
In response, eight national animal protection groups banded together to form the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC). The CCIC promotes a single comprehensive standard and an internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo. We are working with companies to help make shopping for animal-friendly products easier and more trustworthy.

Why is this company not on the Leaping Bunny list?
Some companies choose not to join our program because they continue to conduct or commission animal tests for ingredients or formulations, or they wish to reserve the right to test on animals in the future. Other companies simply may not realize the importance of joining our program to demonstrate their commitment against the use of animals in product testing. Unless a company has signed a Leaping Bunny commitment pledging an end to animal testing for ingredients and finished products, we cannot be sure of its policy on the use of anim

James P.

2:54AM PST on Feb 11, 2011

"Why does animals need to be tested?" (Product testing)

Answer: Liberal Trial Lawyers passed a series of laws in the 1970s and during the Clinton Administration making lawsuits against companies like Lipton who produce a product that claims a benefit VERY easy if the product does Not perform as touted or causes even slight harm to the consumer. The Clinton administration even passed through a set of laws requiring "live tissue" trials with "optimal" results before any legal cover is granted in the courts. Another words, if Lipton touts certain benefits to their tea, they must prove it on "live" tissue to stand on solid legal ground.

Many have asked "Why not simply test it on humans?".Answer: Two (liberal) courts have ruled in separate cases that "ancillary evidence of product outcome is not sufficient thus requiring tissue data". (note: humans will not donate a section of the colon ; therefore forcing companies like Lipton to use animals.) Also, the Clinton administration and the liberal Congress of his first two years pushed through legislation making the beaurocacy of human trials very difficult, time consuming and legally costly; therefore most "live" research now occurs in countries like Ireland/Scottland where there are friendly "living test" laws.

(continued below)

2:52AM PST on Feb 11, 2011

Is GOP for animal testing? Answer is NO. Several GOP lawmakers have tried to eliminate the need for animal testing by eliminating the laws (backed by liberal trial lawyers) that force companies into the practice as explained above.

Could 100% of ALL animal testing be eliminated tomorrow? Answer: Yes!!! The GOP has tried monthly for FED TORT reform on this and other similar issues but the liberal Congress and greedy , liberal trial lawyers kill the efforts at the Congressional committee level every time. NO ONE wants animal testing except liberal trial lawyers; GOP wants animal testing outlawed for the animal's sake AND better business needs; thereby also creating more jobs. Obama could end animal testing tomorrow with the stroke of a pen and bipartisan support but the Trial Lawyer lobby within the DEM party stops it.

9:37AM PST on Feb 10, 2011

Obama could wipe out ALL animal testing in the U.S. With the stroke of a pen; all it takes is common sence TORT REFORM to protect companies like Mabelline from people filing lawsuits if they get a rash/adverse reaction from a product. The GOP and Tea Party would GLADLY join forces with Obama to pass this legislation because it is a win-Win for animals and business. What is stopping it? Trial lawyer (liberal) lobby and groups who make $ off the issue persisting (mainly liberal groups).

Ask Obama why he does not help the GOP eliminate these laws and thus eliminate animal abuse....he should tell you from his mouth if he has a spine at all....liberal trial lawyers