The regulation of animal experimentation in the cosmetic market
Vanity is part of human behavior since ancient times, it is part of our nature to be visual
that is why appearance is the first thing we notice when we interact. Cosmetics and
make-up have been among us for many year. For example, with the Egyptians and the
dark eyeliner or face painting in other civilizations during their ritual and celebrations.
With the past of the years and the technological changes, beauty has remained a constant
need and nowadays is one of the largest industries around the world. Currently, the
industry is broad because it not only includes make-up but also includes other segments
like hair, skin, and body. Based on Ketabchi, N. (2018) in the United States this industry
alone employs over 670,000 people and in 2017 had worths $532.45 US billion and it
has a tendency of growing during the upcoming years. That is also the case of China,
the cosmetic sector is very important, its market share worldwide is 12,7% according to
the Statista (2020). In general, the cosmetic market is in expansion and it is important
to have an insight of their practices and developments.
Like every industry in the economy, this one has had its changes and challenges over
the years, and now given the existence of social medial and trends like conscious
purchasing and climate change awareness, the cosmetic market is facing challenging
times since the last century due to some activists that are fighting for a change in the
way that the cosmetics are manufactured since they are historically being tested on
animals. This fight is gaining more and more recognition each year and that is why the
industry is facing hard times looking for ways to renew, re-evaluate their practices and
convince and maintain their customers about their position over animal cruelty.
According to the Cruelty Free International, animal testing is any scientific experiment
or test in which a live animal is forced to undergo something that is likely to cause them
pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. Lincoln, E. (n. d.). This type of studies are
applied to millions of animals in different country. Experts claims that the animals are
harmed in many different ways, they are either killed so their bodies can studies or there
are exposed to different treatments many times.
Animal experiments started by the fact of considering other species as human
miniatures so in this way this applied models could be use in pro of the human
development. Over more than 50 years scientists follow a framework called The
principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) developed by two
English scientists in the 50’s with the purpose of performing more humane animal
research. The goal is to replace animal experiments whenever possible. But, over the
years people claim that even though this framework exists most companies do not take
into consideration and forth “R” necessary which is “Respect” these experiments do not
have any ethical considerations for animal rights. Some of the experiments held on
animals are Acute toxicity which is exposure to chemicals for up to three months. The
Draize test is used to measure the toxicity of a substance on the eyes or the skin, among
others. The damages caused under these testS are irreversible causing convulsions,
seizures, and skin corrosion and irritations. Lincoln, E (n.d)
In the beauty industry, animal testing is used to establish the product safety of
consumers. This process is primarily in the name of aesthetics and vanity, rather than
medical research (Winter, E. 2018) That is why is being controversial during the last
century. However, product safety controls to ensure that products are safe when used
as directed. The proper tests they undergo before being introduced to the market, they
are a moral obligation as legal to the public. The use of animals in product safety
controls provides a complete and alive system that can reflect in what way some
substances in the body will react. (Vapnek, J., & Chapman, M. 2010).
Every year thousands of new cosmetics and household products come into the market.
Most of the products are tested on animals and others have them on their ingredients.
Companies are in constant competition for introducing new products, the industry is
becoming very innovative lately. Experts estimate a growth rate of the industry of
around 3 and 5 % yearly (PEACE -Put an End to Animal Cruelty and Exploitation-
2018). Making more likely the launching of new trends and indeed the chances of
testing on animals.
In recent years, the subject of experimentation in animals has become controversial
regarding the ethical aspects. As per this issue, the current discussion has its antecedents
in the mid-nineteenth century in England, when the first laws of protection of domestic
animals arose. Regarding the animals in the laboratory, it is not until the 30s of the 20th
century that the regulation began in Europe and USA. In Cuba, ethical regulations arose
around 1980. (Cuesta, L & Sanchez, K. 2007)
Based on NAVS research: The use of animals for cosmetics testing was instituted in the
1940s in response to serious injuries suffered by people who were exposed to unsafe
beauty products. Today, many companies actually have no need to test, as their
formularies rely upon ingredients that are classified as “generally recognized as safe.”
Testing for these ingredients may have been conducted on animals at one time but is
not done so currently. However, some companies decided to keep doing it so they will
be protected against any lawsuit. (National Anti-Vivisection Society, 2018)
In recent days, many companies have been affected due to the exposure to the world of
their practice. Activists started to make some noises to the government in order to fight
for animal rights. The boom of these movements has been so high that governments of
different nations have banned this process from the country.
According to survey applied in 2018 by Perfect 365 Inc more than one-third of women
