Beauty Without Cruelty – Why Animal Testing Has No Place in Cosmetics

When you think of bunnies or guinea pigs, what do you imagine? A pet, right? A cute little cuddle buddy. Not an innocent animal tortured for your favourite lipstick.

Sadly, that’s the truth behind the cosmetic industry.

For decades, cosmetic companies have subjected defenceless animals to unimaginable suffering, all in the name of beauty. While this practice was once considered a necessary evil, scientific advancements and ethical concerns have made it clear that animal testing is no longer required. With effective alternatives readily available, it is time for the beauty industry to leave this cruel practice behind.

That sweet little furry friend is tortured, abused and held captive in a lab. And at what cost?

As someone who practically came out the womb wearing eyeliner, I remember 10-year-old Zara sobbing when she found out her favourite Maybelline mascara was tested on animals. From that day, I gave away all cosmetics that weren’t cruelty free, vowing to only support brands who didn’t hurt animals. This followed me into my career within beauty too.

Animal testing in the cosmetic industry began in the early 20th century, primarily to assess product safety. In 1938, the US introduced the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act following tragic incidents involving unsafe cosmetics. This led to the widespread use of animal testing, with companies relying on rabbits, mice, rats, and guinea pigs to test product irritancy and toxicity.

The European Union has also banned the testing of cosmetics on animals since 2013 and the sale of cosmetics tested on animals, something much needed.

It’s not what you imagine – cute bunnies have lipstick applied on them and a powder brush swept across their cheeks. It’s much sadder.

I would highly recommend watching this short film – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G393z8s8nFY&themeRefresh=1

Animals have endured harsh tests such as the Draize eye test, where substances are dripped into their eyes, often causing severe pain, swelling, and blindness. The lethal dose (LD50) test, designed to measure the amount of a product that can kill half of the test animals, is another horrifying example. These tests are outdated and widely condemned.

Despite what many brands say, animal testing is not the only option. There are many alternatives that don’t involve innocent animals being hurt:

• In vitro testing: Using human cell cultures to assess product safety.

• Computer modelling: Predicting potential reactions through sophisticated algorithms.

• Human volunteer testing: Safe and ethical, often conducted using microdosing techniques.

In fact, these methods are faster, more accurate, and more cost-effective than outdated animal tests. They also provide results that are far more applicable to human biology. And it’s not just makeup.

It’s things like medicine, cleaning products and toothpaste.

Fortunately, many beauty brands have embraced cruelty-free practices. Brands that I will discuss in a minute, sharing my favourite products!

These brands prioritise ethical practices without compromising product quality.

However, some major companies still engage in animal testing. Brands like L’Oreal, Estée Lauder, and Maybelline continue to sell in markets where animal testing is legally required, such as China. While these brands claim they only test when mandated by law, their decision to enter such markets undermines cruelty-free progress.

You may have noticed that on some products, there’s a ‘leaping bunny’ logo.

The Leaping Bunny certification is the gold standard for cruelty-free products. Managed by Cruelty Free International, it requires brands to prove they do not conduct, commission, or allow animal testing at any stage of product development. This is the most reliable way for consumers to ensure they are supporting ethical brands.

Keep an eye out for this mark of approval, the easiest way to understand whether your cosmetics are ethical or not.

Animals used in testing endure lives filled with pain, fear, and isolation. They are confined to small cages, often deprived of social interaction. Many experience chemical burns, blindness, and severe distress before being killed. These innocent beings are treated as disposable tools, despite the availability of humane alternatives.

So, what can we do?

1.     Choose Cruelty-Free Products – Support brands that are certified cruelty-free. Look for trusted logos like the Leaping Bunny to ensure your purchases align with ethical standards.

2.     Educate and Raise Awareness – Share information about the realities of animal testing and the availability of cruelty-free alternatives. Social media campaigns, blog posts, and conversations can inspire change.

3.     Support Ethical Brands – Prioritise brands that actively fund or develop non-animal testing methods. By investing in ethical companies, you help shift demand away from those that still test on animals.

4.     Sign Petitions and Advocate for Change – Participate in campaigns urging governments to ban cosmetic animal testing. Organisations like Cruelty Free International and The Humane Society International often run impactful petitions.

5.     Contact Brands Directly – Email or message companies that still engage in animal testing. Express your concerns and ask them to embrace cruelty-free practices — consumer feedback can influence corporate decisions.

The beauty industry has evolved, and so should our standards. There is no excuse for brands to continue exploiting animals when safer, more effective methods exist. By choosing cruelty-free products and looking for the Leaping Bunny logo, consumers can push the industry towards compassion and innovation.

It's time we redefine beauty as something that doesn't come at the cost of innocent lives.

As someone who has worked in and adored the cosmetics industry for over a decade, I will list my absolute die-for products. Products that animals didn’t have to die for, yet ones where I get questions EVERY-DAY asking what I use. I’m sure you’ll sense a theme!

Primer – Elf, Milk Makeup and Vieve.

Foundation – Rare Beauty, Makeup by Mario and Haus Labs.

Concealer – Too Faced (nothing beats this!) and Rare Beauty.

Setting Powder – Huda Beauty and Charlotte Tilbury.

Blush (something I wear too much of!) – Rare Beauty, Makeup by Mario, Vieve, Charlotte Tilbury and Fenty.

Bronzer – Makeup by Mario, Fenty, Too Faced and Vieve.

Highlighter – Rare Beauty and Pixi.

Eyebrows – NYX and Sephora Collection.

Eyeliner (from the self-proclaimed queen of it) – Sephora Collection and Elf.

Mascara – I always get asked about this! Sephora Collection (my ride or die), Too

Faced and Rare Beauty.

Eyeshadow – Morphe, Fenty, Makeup by Mario, Charlotte Tilbury and Vieve.

Lips – Charlotte Tilbury, Vieve, Fenty and Milk Makeup.

Setting Spray – Charlotte Tilbury and Urban Decay.