By Rachel Lawler 1-Sep-2016

Cosmetic authority in China proposes in vitro alternative to animal testing

The National Institute for Food and Drug Control in China has released a proposal suggesting an in vitro testing method for cosmetics.

The proposed method is said to be similar to the OECD In Vitro Skin Corrosion: Human Skin Model Test. The test can be used to identify corrosive substances without the use of live animals or animal tissue.

Instead, the method uses a three-dimensional human skin model comprising a reconstructed epidermis and functional stratum corneum.

The proposed method would see this model used alongside the local interlaboratory harmonisation to verify results.

The move comes as China is said to be undertaking efforts to align its regulatory frameworks with key trading partners across the world.

The proposed method is currently the subject of a public consultation. The Chinese authorities have not made clear what the next steps would be, but The Humane Society International (HSI) has welcomed the move.