Cosmetics companies have long used animal testing as part of the product development process. For years, these practices went largely unrecognized by consumers.

Animal testing was first used by the makeup industry in the 1920s, when it was erroneously believed that gauging a substance’s effect on a rabbit or a mouse could accurately predict that same material’s fitness for human use.

Currently, the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating the cosmetic industry in the United States. While the FDA requires cosmetics manufacturers to market products that are nontoxic, there are no specific guidelines that define appropriate testing procedures.

Basically, the FDA says that companies are responsible for ensuring the safety of their ingredients and products, but does not command animal testing as part of the process.

Aside from inflicting intense pain, permanent disfiguration and even death on living subjects, animal testing of cosmetics is an obsolete, unreliable science. In fact, products that have been proven toxic to animals in lab tests can still be legally marketed for human use. Furthermore, there is no proof that results of animal testing have any relevance to human consumption.

Kinder, more effective methods include research done with cell and tissue cultures, in vitro procedures and computer-generated models.

The driving force behind consumer outrage over animal testing methods has been well-funded outreach and educational campaigns launched by animal rights groups around the world.

Thanks to the vigilance of activists, working together with scientists, researchers, legislators and product manufacturers, there are now more than 500 personal care and makeup companies that have forever banned animal testing.

Such a dramatic turn-around begs the question: How have public demand and consumer habits changed the way cosmetics companies develop products?

In the US, The Human Society of the United States (HSUS) has worked tirelessly for more than forty years to advance the cause of cruelty-free product testing. Following the guidelines presented in a study by the US National Research Council and several European scientific research organizations, the HSUS advocates humane product testing and has lobbied international cosmetics manufacturers to commit to the Corporate Standard of Compassion of Animals. This policy represents a company’s pledge to use only cruelty-free materials and testing methods in all phases of production.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) also has a long tradition of promoting awareness and consumer education regarding cruelty-free cosmetics and skin care. PETA regularly arranges boycotts of products and companies that do not adhere to humane testing and research methods. The organization also maintains a comprehensive list of cosmetics that use no animal by-products or ingredients to help consumers make informed choices.

The work of organizations like HSUS and PETA has put intense pressure on cosmetics manufacturers to cease outdated animal testing and to begin using more technologically advanced and animal friendly procedures.

The growing popularity of the green movement has also heightened consumer consciousness and has increased demand for cosmetics and skin care products that are environmentally responsible and cruelty-free.

Industry watchers predict this trend will persist as consumer awareness continues to grow over the next several years.

As the green movement continues to impact the general population and consumers show increased interest in eco-friendly products, the demand for natural skin care is greater than ever.
The cosmetics market is now flooded with products claiming to be organic, all-natural or vegan. For shoppers new to this emerging retail segment, the options can be overwhelming.

While cosmetics and skin care products that boast organic, natural or vegan ingredients share some common characteristics there are distinct differences between brands.

Organic makeup is that which consists of at least 95% organic ingredients. These cosmetics use no petrochemicals, sulfates, hydrogenation or artificial preservatives, and all cleansing agents, pigments and moisturizers are made with materials that have been grown or produced using organic methods.

The easiest and most definitive way to determine a product’s organic content is to look for the USDA Certified Organic seal. Cosmetics and skin care that have been certified by the USDA undergo the same stringent inspections as organic foods. The seal ensures that products have been thoroughly analyzed for organic content and that manufacturers are required to comply with rigorous federal guidelines to maintain the recognition.

Natural cosmetics generally incorporate ingredients like plant-based dyes, essential oils, herbs and mineral powders. Many natural skin care and makeup lines use organic materials, but not always. Truly natural cosmetics use at least 95% biological ingredients and are free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic preservatives and artificial chemicals that pose potential risks to the body.

There is currently no federal regulation of natural skin care or cosmetics, so some companies that label their products as all-natural may use many of the same petroleum-based mineral oils, binders and emulsifiers found in traditional cosmetics, along with natural botanicals and plant extracts.

Veganism is a lifestyle that has far-reaching implications in all aspects of daily living, including cosmetics and skin care products. Vegan cosmetics are all-natural and can be organic, but the main characteristic is a complete absence of animal ingredients in both the products themselves and at all points in the manufacturing process, and a commitment to cruelty-free materials that are never tested on animals.

Vegan Cosmetics is a non-profit organization that exclusively applies certification to vegan skin care products. Brands that carry the group’s Vegan Certification Trademark have been thoroughly evaluated by an independent laboratory and are guaranteed vegan, using no animal ingredients or animal testing.

There is much conflicting media coverage about the myths and facts surrounding the organic, natural and vegan cosmetics movement. Critics insist that these products are strictly a marketing ploy that preys on consumer’s increasingly prevalent fears about the negative effects of synthetic materials and chemicals on the body. Supporters claim that natural skin care and cosmetics improve the look and feel of the skin, and are more environmentally responsible than traditional skin care products.

The debate over natural skin care may continue for some time, but the fact is that there are several brands working hard to develop organic, vegan and all-natural cosmetics that are both eco-conscious and aesthetically beneficial.