When the European regulation regarding cosmetics was announced it caused joy to animal lovers. However, what is actually mentioned in the regulation? Do our cosmetics contain ingredients tested on animals?
European legislation on animal testing
On 11th March 2013 regulation no 1223/2009 of the European Council was applied. According to this regulation it is not allowed to market cosmetics, the ingredients of which have been tested on animals. It is also forbidden to conduct animal testing for final products or ingredients that are intended for cosmetics use.
This regulation brought tears of joy as consumers thought that, from 11th March 2013, the cosmetics marketed in Europe would be cruelty free. However, the international organisations Cruelty Free International and Peta have seen that the regulation does not really guarantee that. The ban is limited to final products or ingredients that are intended exclusively for cosmetics. It does not forbid the cosmetics industry to use ingredients that have been tested on animals for other purposes.
The European Council press release
On 11th March 2013 the European Council has published a press release regarding the regulation. In this it is mentioned that the majority of ingredients found in cosmetics are also used in many other products, like pharmaceuticals, detergents, food, paint etc. Therefore they may be subject to animal testing requirements under relevant legal frames. This means that cosmetics can contain ingredients that have been tested on animals for another, even secondary, use. It also mentions that cosmetics may contain ingredients that have been tested on animals before 11 March 2013.
Leaping Bunny certification
If we want to be sure that our cosmetics have not been tested on animals we should choose products that are certified by a recognized organisation like the Leaping Bunny mark. Leaping Bunny certification confirms a company’s total commitment of not allowing animal experiments for any reason. Leaping Bunny certification is not applied to ingredients used for cosmetics only. It is applied to all ingredients of the product. You can find more information at: https://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/
Regulation No. 1223/2009 is a step forward but, at the same time, it gives consumers the impression that the cosmetics that are available in Europe are Cruelty Free. Unfortunately they are not. In order to be sure for the products we use we will have to fight for a complete and total ban of animal testing.