According to a 2016 People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) report, over 250 cosmetics brands still test their products on animals, affecting what the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) estimates to be over 27,000 animals each year. In 2013 India banned the import of animal-tested beauty products, both on its soil and imported goods, becoming the first cruelty-free cosmetics zone in South Asia.
The Humane Society says that even though animal testing is not required by law (like it is in China), companies still choose to use it. The animals most frequently used are mice, rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Unfortunately, these animals are often not protected under the Animal Welfare Act. A solution to animal testing is for companies to use already deemed safe products. Many ingredients have been deemed safe for human skin, and if we stick to using those, there will be no need for animal testing.
According to PETA, an alternative to animal testing that companies use is to use cornea-like 3D structures, which are produced from human cells. These human skin cultures can be grown and purchased specifically for cosmetic testing.
Making conscious choices begins with a lot of research, but to help you navigate the cruelty-free beauty world, we’ve listed a few brands that are available in India and are fur-friendly. If a humanitarian and conscious way of living is your new year’s resolution (we hope it is), scroll down and get shopping!
- The Body Shop
2. Colorbar
3. Forest Essentials
4. SUGAR Cosmetics
5. FAE Beauty
6. Soultree
7. Ruby’s Organics
Binita Desai
Founder Of Cosmetica
3 Comments