2019 saw the Humane Cosmetics Act present again before the House of Representatives after Congress reintroduced the bill before the Thanksgiving holiday.
The act would bring an end to most animal testing for cosmetics and their ingredients and ban the import of cosmetics tested outside of the United States.
In these horrific tests, bunnies, guinea pigs, mice, and other animals have makeup forcibly applied to their faces and bodies. Chemicals and other substances are rammed down their throats, rubbed onto their skin, and dripped into their eyes in the name of science and human beauty.
However, these tests fail to accurately predict how the makeup and chemicals will react on human bodies. When test subjects are no longer seen as valuable or usable after cosmetic testing on the animals in the United States or elsewhere, these innocent creatures are often brutally killed.
There are many alternative tests readily available that are more accurate and cost-effective.
Over 1,000 cosmetics companies in the United States have already stopped testing on their products, and with consumers looking for cruelty-free options, many more are following suit. The bill stipulates that “Beginning 1 year after the date of enactment of the [Humane Cosmetics Act], it shall be unlawful for any person, whether private or governmental, to knowingly conduct or contract for cosmetic animal testing that occurs in the United States.”
Crucial Feedback from the Animal Welfare Community
The Personal Care Products Council, the primary organization governing the cosmetic and personal care industries, collaborated with the Humane Society Legislative Fund and the Humane Society of the United States to draft language in the Humane Cosmetics Act bill. Given the widespread bipartisan support for the bill and the backing of the cosmetics industry, politicians and advocates alike are optimistic that it will pass.
Senator Martha McSally said in a press release, “It’s long past time to end cosmetics animal testing in the U.S. Not only is this practice inhumane, but it is also ineffective and costly.”
“Companies across the U.S. now successfully use alternative methods of testing that more accurately predict the effect of cosmetics on humans. This bipartisan bill would protect innocent animals from needless abuse while modernizing our cosmetics industry.”
Cruelty-Free International CEO Michelle Thew said, “We applaud this renewed effort to bring an end to animal testing for cosmetics across the United States. This [Humane Cosmetics Act] will match the progress that we are seeing around the world as consumers, companies, regulators and advocates come together to achieve the common goal of ensuring that animals will no longer suffer for the sake of cosmetics anywhere.”
You Can Help End Animal Testing, Too
Thank you to those of you who have already signed our petition. If you have not done so already, please take the opportunity to sign and help save innocent animals from such barbaric cosmetic testing on animals in the United States and around the world.
Sign: Pass the Humane Cosmetics Act to Stop Cruel Animal Testing
