Animal testing - why is it still happening and what you can do about it

Ok guys, we’re going to talk about a topic that we feel very passionate about. It’s definitely not a nice topic, but we feel it is important that as consumers, we are aware of the impact our purchases have on others. Today’s topic is on animal testing.

Animal testing is a global issue and it's time we address it. The cosmetics industry is one of the biggest users of animal testing, but there are alternatives out there. Animals from all over the world are still being experimented on, although some countries have banned or stopped animal testing completely. By joining forces with other consumers who are concerned about animal welfare, we can make sure that our favourite brands stop using this unnecessary practice.

Animal testing is cruel

Animal testing is a dirty word. It's associated with cruel and archaic practices, and it's often seen as unnecessary - but it is happening right now, and it's happening all around us.

The U.S. is one of the top countries in the world for animal testing, but there are many other countries where animal testing is still a common practice. The problem? Not enough people are aware of what's going on!

If you're reading this, you probably already know about animal testing: It's when scientists use animals for experiments that are related to human health or safety issues. Animals usually don't give consent for these tests and this can have huge consequences for their health and well being.

Animals used in tests can experience pain, suffering, and even death during their stay at laboratories (sometimes even before they're put on the test table!). Many labs use outdated technology that causes animals significant discomfort or pain during their procedures; some labs even use outdated techniques like burning skin off of animals' feet to test new fabric treatments!

Testing on animals is unethical

Animal testing is unethical in a variety of ways.

• It’s cruel to animals that are forced to live in unnatural environments and undergo painful procedures without their consent.
• Animal testing isn’t always accurate: results obtained from experiments on animals often don't translate well into humans due to differences between species' physiologies (often referred to as "species barrier"). This means that tests done on one animal might not predict what will happen if those same substances were given to another type of animal or human.
• The testing is unnecessary because there are alternatives that can be used instead, such as human cell models, computer simulations and donated blood samples from people with the condition being treated. These methods are much more effective and cost effective than animal experimentation; they also eliminate the possibility of side effects since we don’t know exactly how humans will respond when given certain substances or experiences due to our genetic makeup being different than other species.

It's not always reliable

Another reason why animal testing is not always reliable is that animals are not identical to humans. They have different genetics, which means the results of animal tests don’t always apply to human bodies. In fact, there are plenty of alternatives to animal testing that don’t involve any living beings at all - including human cells and tissues grown in labs, in vitro (test tube) studies using tissue cultures instead of whole animals, computer modelling programs based on scientific knowledge about how our bodies work and even mathematical models based on statistics and data.

It's also worth noting that many companies use “alternative methods” alongside traditional animal testing practices because they aren't always as good at predicting how things will work out for humans when they're actually used on people - but they still need some way of checking their products before they're released onto the market!

It is important to note that there are plenty of companies who are not subjecting animals to these cruelty tests, which is why we support vegan beauty products

Alternative methods to animal testing

Replacing animal tests does not mean putting human patients at risk. It also does not mean halting medical progress. Instead, replacing animals used in testing will improve the quality as well as the humanity of our science.

Thankfully, the development of non animal methods is growing, and fast. Due to innovations in science, animal tests are being replaced in areas such as toxicity testing, neuroscience and drug development. But much more needs to be done.

Once new non animal methods have been developed, there are often massive bureaucratic hurdles to implementing and enforcing their use. One of the most important jobs the Cruelty Free International science team does is encourage regulators to accept and promote the use of non animal methods to replace animal testing.

You may be surprised to learn that many big name beauty products still test on animals

It is absolutely shocking, that still in 2023, big brand companies continue to test their products and ingredients on animals. What’s even more shocking? They are testing on a vast array of different animals, including dogs, cats, mice, rabbits and many other animals. How is this still going on? No living creature, no matter how big or small, deserves to be submitted to a life of pain. To be kept in a cage and subjected to having chemicals applied to their body parts, just to make sure it is safe for us humans.  It is simply disgusting that we think we can subject creatures, of who do not have a voice to such viol treatment. Just because a creature cannot verbally express their pain, it does not mean they do not feel it. Thankfully, there are many cruelty free products out there - like buying your products from cruelty free shop.

Now, I’m sure many of you reading this blog are already on our side, so I won't rant and rave about it, but it is important that you make yourselves aware of the brands and companies that still use animal testing. Here is a list of companies that either directly use animal testing, or they sell to a country (China) where the law states that products must be tested on animals before sale. Therefore, their end product is tested on animals before being sent overseas.

Cosmetic and personal care

Andrew Collinge, Anna Sui, Aramis, Aveeno, Avon*, Band-Aid, Biotherm, Bobbi Brown, Bonjela, Braun, Cacharel, Cashmere Bouquet, Chapstick, Clairol, Clean & Clear, Clearasil, Clinicare, Clinique, Colgate, Covergirl*, Crest, Decore, Disprin, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Dove, Dufour, Durex, Elizabeth Arden, Estee Lauder*, Eulactol, Eulactol, Fruitrience, Garnier, Gillette, Giorgio Armani, Gucci Fragrances, Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Hugo Boss, Impulse, Johnson & Johnson, Jurlique*, Kerastase, Kiehl's, Lacoste, Lancome, Lemsip, Listerine, L'Occitane*, L'Oreal*, Lux, Lynx, MAC, Mary Kay*, Max Factor, Max Factor, Maybelline, Michael Kors, Missoni, Mum, Nair, Neutrogena, Nice 'n Easy, Nurofen, Olay, Old Spice, Optrex, Oral B, Palmolive, Pantene, Pearl Drops, Pears, Pert, Plax, Ponds, PPS, Radox, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, Reach, Reach, Redken, Revlon, Rexona, Rogaine, Sanex, Saturn, Savlon, Scholl, Sensodyne, Shiseido, Shu Uemura, Simple, SK-II, Speed Stick, St Ives, Stayfree, Steradent, Strepsils, Tampax, Tom Ford, Tommy Hilfiger, Tony & Guy, TREsemme, Vaseline, Veet, Venus, Vicks, Vidal Sasson, Viktor & Rolf, V05, Waxeeze, Wella, Wella Balsam, Zest. 

Household

3M, Aeroguard, Air Wick, Ajax, Ambi-Pur, Armor All, Autan, Baygon, Bloo, Brasso, Calgon, Castle, Clorox, Cold Power, Comfort, Crisp, Cuddly, Dawn, Dettol, Domestos, Drano, Drive, Duck, Dynamo, Easy-Off BAM, Exit Mould, Fab, Fabulon, Fairy, Febreze, Fiesta, Finish, Fluffy, Freedom, Glad, Glade, Glen 20, Gumption, Handy Andy, Harpic, Hurricane, Jeyes, Jif, Kiwi, Kwit, Marveer, Mortein, Mr Sheen, Napisan, Nifti, Nu-Clenz, Off!, Omo, Oust, Pea-Beau, Pine O Cleen, Pledge, Preen, Raid, Sard, Scotch-Gard, Silvo, Soft Soap, Spree, Steelo, Vanish, Windex. 

*Please note that this list is not exhaustive and reflects research at the time of publication.

Brands marked with*

This brand has a 'no animal testing' policy in the make and manufacture of their cosmetics, however they have chosen to sell in markets that require (by law) animal testing on their products before they are cleared to sell in those markets. This means that their end products are tested on animals in some markets (for example, China). – Statement and list from Animals Australia

Consumer habits can end the need for animal testing

You can end animal testing by being mindful of the products you purchase. The rise of cruelty free cosmetics has been a great step forward, but there still needs to be more consumer choice.

Veganism is also becoming increasingly popular, thanks in large part to celebrity endorsements and mainstream media coverage. Being vegan is another way that you can bring about change: by opting for plant based products, you’re making sure that no animals are harmed or killed for your health and beauty regime!

Together, these movements have already made an impact on the number of animals being tested on around the world. You can help too – make sure all your purchases are cruelty free!

While we are not asking you to pick up your pitchforks, you can actively seek to purchase only cruelty free brands that do not test on animals or sell to China. Here at Sassy Organics, we take this matter very seriously, and as such, we do not sell any brands of which are tested on animals. For more information on choosing cruelty free products, we recommend visiting Choose Cruelty Free Organisation

You can also donate money to organizations like PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) so they can fight for an end to this practice once and for all!

Final thoughts

We can all do our part to make the world a better place for animals. The key is to be informed and take action, whether that's by writing your local representative or just shopping with cruelty free products in mind. You can also learn what it means to be cruelty free and share this knowledge with your friends, family and colleagues. It's just important to share this message with others and make them aware of animal testing practices.