Breaking! The Humane Cosmetics Act Has Been Reintroduced In The U.S. To End Animal Testing For Cosmetics & Ban The Sale Of Animal Tested Products

Photo from Cruelty-Free International

Yesterday, U.S. Senators Martha McSally (R-AZ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) reintroduced legislation to end cosmetics animal testing and the sale of animal-tested cosmetics in the United States.

The Humane Cosmetics Act would phase out the sale of any cosmetic products developed using animal testing and make it unlawful to conduct cosmetics animal testing in the U.S.

“It is long past time to end cosmetics animal testing in the United States. Not only is this practice inhumane, but it is also ineffective and costly,” Senator McSally said in a statement. “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.”

This legislation would bring U.S. cosmetic policy in line with nearly 40 countries that have already implemented bans on animal testing and the sale of animal-tested cosmetics.

Specifically, the bill would:

• Make it unlawful to knowingly conduct or contract for cosmetic animal testing that occurs in the United States beginning one year after the law is enacted.

• Make it unlawful to sell or knowingly transport any cosmetic products in the U.S. that were developed using cosmetic animal testing ordered by any person in the product’s supply chain starting one year after the law is enacted.

“Animal testing is cruel and unnecessary and must be ended,” stated Senator Booker.  “This bipartisan legislation, which has support from a broad coalition of stakeholders, is an important step in the transition to more scientifically reliable test methods and toward the elimination of animal testing once and for all.”

These alternative methods provide data that is more relevant to human exposure and can offer considerable savings for companies. In addition, thousands of existing cosmetic ingredients with histories of safe use allow nearly 600 cruelty-free companies in North America to innovate while remaining true to their values, and a growing number of proven, non-animal tests are becoming available each year.

Exceptions to the Humane Cosmetics Act include special safety concerns as approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, foreign requirements, drugs used in cosmetics products, and dual-use ingredients.

The Humane Society of The United States, Cruelty-Free International, and the Personal Care Products Council are among the more than 250 companies that have endorsed the bill.

“We applaud this renewed effort to bring an end to animal testing for cosmetics across the United States,” stated Cruelty Free International CEO Michelle Thew. “This bill will match the progress that we are witnessing 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 all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate. #GoVeg