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believe that there are far more humane and effective alternatives available, making the reliance on animal testing both outdated and unjustifiable.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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An outrageous decision by this uncaring government. Have any workers been harmed? I thought we were out of Europe!
The deceit of this government disgusts, but does not surprise me.
We fought before and won, so will fight again until this wicked and useless rule has been overturned.
This Tory government is selfish, heartless and totally obnoxious. I will be writing to my local MP to voice my opinion about this return to draconian practices and is certainly on a level with medieval torture. There is absolutely no justification whatsoever for testing anything on animals and those who adopt policies to allow it to happen are as guilty as the pseudo scientists who actually carry out these abominations on innocent creatures who have no way of protecting themselves against this disgraceful and unnecessary violence.
No doubt those in government who have reversed the decision have a financial interest in the pharmaceutical industry. SHAME ON YOU.
Testing cosmetics on animals is both cruel and unnecessary because companies can already create innovative products using thousands of ingredients that have a history of safe use and do not require any additional testing. Plus, modern testing methods (such as human cell-based tests and sophisticated computer models) have replaced outdated animal tests with new non-animal methods that are often faster, less expensive and more reliable.
I am completely appalled at the decision the UK has made. What the heck! Thank you so much for keeping us informed. As always I will continue to buy cruelty free, and I hope that consumers will no longer purchase EU products.
Thank you so much for keeping us apprised of what’s going on in the UK. It is indeed both shocking and distressing when it is well-known and easy to produce good safe make up without using animals in this way. If we can help in any other way, please let all of us know we can sign petitions. We can send letters and of course we can boycott those beauty products. Again, thank you for your updates.
This is absolutely appaulling to say the least!…This is going along with all the EVIL NEW WORLD ORDER , we all need to stand up STOP COMPLYING , JUST SAY NO . and STOP buying Chemically Laidened Prodiucts
This is a reprehensible decision, it’s 2023 why are we going backwards, I’m so upset about this ????
This is disgusting, please supply a list of the companies that are participating in this. I certainly won’t be buying their products. What a huge step backwards!
I live in the UK and am disgusted and ashamed with this decision. Am so mad. There are no excuses and animal testing should remain banned.
I think this is repugnant! Shame on them all! I love rats. They have just as much right to be here as we do! Just doing what they have to do to survive, and that’s no reason to scoop them up and test on them, or any animal or insect anywhere!!
I am deeply shocked and saddened by this news!! At a time when so many people are wanting products that are cruelty free, the UK decides to go back to draconian measures…..SHAME ON THEM!! What can we do to help??
Time to move forward not backwards don’t be fools we are NOT IN THE EU now we don’t need to follow them
It’s time to move forwards not backwards don’t be idiot’s by altering the ban
Shocking step back from what was a very progressive law for the time. I can’t believe this is not being denounced by every media outlet!
I am horrified and appalled at my Government, how dare they think they have the right to let animals suffer.
Shame on them
Sounds like England is taking a step
Backwards. Too bad they caved on this topic!
Now more than ever we should know about what brads have started testing on animal again name and shame ,,
Sickens me! If this is comes to pass, I will watch your site for any UK brands I may have supported and now need to avoid. Thank you for keeping us informed!
Thank you for the email regarding an old law being reinstated to test chemicals on animals. I had no idea.
Sincerely
Marie Carnes
As a British resident and citizen am disgusted that our government has taken this step back into the dark ages
Until a few years ago I did know about the cruelty. So keep talking. Keep telling what is going on. I quit those brands and found new products. Cruelty is the downfall of humanity. Almost every person I mention this to say they did not know of cruel and needless testing. Mindlessly buying things. Yet loving animals. So I think education and advertising are so important. Make it known. Loudly. Continually.
This breaks my heart. As a proud Father of 11 amazing and beautiful rat children, I cannot believe we’re sliding backwards. For my kids and all other animal kids of every species, I will forever do my part and spread the word.
WTF?!?!?
Super simple solution to this mess- if you think an ingredient may be harmful to workers, don’t use it!
Thank you so much for the information, and keep fighting this absurdity!
If you ever need my name on a petition, I will get you that and 5 more (I would promise more, but I don’t know many people).
If there are other sites where it might be useful for us to rant about how stupid this situation is (spread awareness or something) put out the word.
I’m in the UK and wasn’t aware of this, outrageous! How can they justify this massive step backwards? Animal testing is cruel and barbaric and totally unnecessary in this day and age. Have they sneaked this through? What was the point of leaving the EU if we still follow their stupid rules. Is there somewhere to protest?
i am so saddened by this, it is totally reprehensible that animals suffer needlessly in the making of these products. A sad fact is that many people simply are uninformed, or just don’t care. I would like to see more advertising in stores about which of their makeup brands are cruelty free. This information should be readily available at cosmetics counters as well. The last time I asked a clerk at the cosmetics counter which of their brands are cruelty free, she had no idea!
I am absolutely fuming that our government have reversed the animal testing ban! Luckily I use 100% cruelty free brands but for those that aren’t so in the know or even care about it I feel bad for. I am constantly raising awareness to the people I know about it and asking them to boycott those brands!
Love Shannon x
http://www.shanylou.co.uk
It’s immoral to test or experiment on any sentient beings, for any reason at all. Period.
Oh no, as a UK resident I am disgusted at this.
Thank you for raising awareness though. I try and buy cruelty free for all beauty & cleaning products but this is a step backwards that the public hasn’t been made aware of.
This is beyond awful. Please can you post an update on Instagram?
This is awful. Can you post it on instagram?
As a UK resident, I am disgusted at this about turn, but what can you expect from such an appalling government?