How much progress has the global beauty industry truly made in the move to animal-free testing? Erin Hill, President and CEO of the ICCS shares an update on today’s landscape
For more than four decades, the cosmetics industry has been on a transformative journey – one guided by science, public demand, and ethical responsibility, It has been a leader in moving away from animal testing and a pioneer in innovating in this space. The move toward eliminating the need for animal testing for cosmetic safety assessments is not a radical idea. It is an expectation. The 2013 European Union’s (EU) ban on the sale of cosmetics tested on animals was a landmark moment that catalysed global momentum. Yet 12 years later, animals are still used in testing in some parts of the world. A divide between aspiration and implementation has emerged and must be addressed. As President and CEO of the International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety (ICCS), I see the push to accelerate progress, the desire to address challenges, and believe we are on the cusp of a future powered by innovative, animal-free science.
THE LANDSCAPE TODAY:
AMBITION MEETS REALITY
Globally, countries are increasingly enacting bans on animal testing of cosmetics. From India to Mexico to
Korea and Brazil, the list continues to grow. However, these regions often realise that a ban alone is not a sure path to its end, especially for new ingredients. The issues stem partly from the faet that the definition of a cosmetic is not standardised around the world. Take sunscreens – sunscreens are classified as cosmetics in the EU, as non-prescription (over-the counter) drugs in the U’S and
Canada, and as special-use cosmetics in China. These countries have more extensive data requirements, which often lead to the use of animals. Therefore, to completely end the use of animals for cosmetics, we need to address these complex problems.
