You’d think that by this time, in the age of rapid technological development, we would have found a way to produce cosmetic and skincare products that do not need to be tested on animals. But, no. According to Cruelty Free International, more than 115 million animals worldwide are being subjected to cruel testing and procedures each year. Thankfully, there are many brands that remain cruelty-free, including Kedma Cosmetics in the Philippines. These brands source their ingredients naturally, and they test their products using modern technology such as human-reconstructed skin (EPISKIN, EpiDerm, and SkinEthic).
These cruel animal tests look for skin allergies and eye irritation. To produce results, scientists rub chemicals onto the shaved skin of the animals or dripped into their eyes. The tests may also include force-feeding the animals with these chemicals for weeks to see a “valid” effect on their health. Scientists will look for general illnesses and specific health hazards. However, these tests cause massive pain and distress to the animals, including swollen eyes, blindness, bleeding skin, internal bleeding, organ damage, convulsions, birth defects, and in many cases, death.
Animal Testing Is Not Even Reliable
Animal testing on cosmetic and makeup products are not even that effective anymore. In ancient times, during the second and fourth centuries BCE, even popular theorists and philosophers such as Aristotle tested experiments on living animals. This has become a trend and a key aspect of scientific research and development throughout the 19th century.
But today, studies have shown that animal testing isn’t reliable at all. A study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) pointed out the flaws in animal testing. The study shows that humans and animals have differences in physiology and genetics. What does not harm animals may be harmful to humans, and vice versa. These differences can cause more harm than good because the results of the experiments are misleading.
There Are Over 7,000 Available Safe Ingredients
When cosmetic brands say that they use new and innovative ingredients for their products, you may have to check how they tested these ingredients. There are over 7,000 safe ingredients for cosmetic and skincare products. These have already been tested and proven to be safe for humans. They don’t need to be tested on animals. Thus, why do brands continue to seek animal testing? Because they want to be ahead of the game and gain more profit.
Animal Testing Is Unnecessary and Unethical
The world doesn’t need eyeliner, lipstick, blush, eye shadow, and foundation to survive. Humans can continue living without using chemical-based cosmetic products. The use of animal testing to produce chemical makeup and skincare products is unnecessary, unethical, selfish, and cruel. Millions of animals die each year just for the gunk you put on your face. Imagine that.
While there is nothing wrong with wanting to look good and taking care of your physical appearance by using skincare and cosmetic products, there is a greater need to be responsible consumers. Choose only brands that do not engage in animal testing their products. Not only are these products manufactured ethically. They are also safer for human skin and body.