Written by Allison Perry. Media by Kelsey Middleton.
It’s a topic that is definitely being talked about right now, but clearly not enough: animal testing is still a huge problem that can actually be avoided altogether. According to 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.” The rules are different all over the world, but in the USA “rats, mice, fish, amphibians and birds are not defined as animals under animal experiment regulations.” In other words, permission is not needed for these animals to be experimented on. One huge step that we need to take in order to end animal testing for good is to stop supporting brands that participate in it.
Many of your favorite brands may test on animals. Popular drugstore makeup brands that test on animals are CoverGirl, L’Oreal, Maybelline, and Revlon. Some high-end makeup brands that test on animals are MAC, Yves Saint Laurent, and Estee Lauder. If you buy skincare products from Aveeno, St. Ives, or Avon, you are supporting brands that test on animals. Aussie, Herbal Essences, and Pantene are all hair product brands that test on animals. Unfortunately, these brands are not the only brands that test on animals. There is an incredibly long list of brands ranging from skincare and haircare to pet food and cleaning products that test on animals.
While many brands do perform tests on animals, there is no need to worry because many amazing high-quality brands are cruelty-free! Wet n Wild, NYX, and e.l.f. are a few cruelty-free drugstore brands. Some high-end makeup brands that don’t test on animals are Tarte, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and Kat Von D. To support cruelty-free skin care brands, the labels you can buy from include Yes To, Lush, and Glossier. There are many more cruelty-free brands that range from affordable to high end.
Cruelty-free brands are incredibly accessible; you just have to know which products fall under that category. It’s important to educate yourself and only purchase from cruelty-free brands because the only way to end animal testing is by cutting off support from brands that are not cruelty-free. Cruelty Free International is a great source of information about what animal testing means and what the alternatives are, while Cruelty Free Kitty can help you figure out which brands do and do not test on animals.
