Since the beginning of the EU animal testing for cosmetics ban, I have been aware of a loophole. This loophole is called the REACH legislation and was pointed out by LUSH back then. REACH requires certain ingredients used for cosmetics to be tested on animals. The reason is to ensure safety for workers who work with such ingredients. It’s a nice gesture from the EU-end to ensure workers safety. However, it’s not fair, right or accurate to ensure it by testing the ingredient on animals. As you might know, 95% that pass during animal tests, fail on human tests. So it would be less time consuming, more accurate and humane, to use other alternatives to animal testing such as in vitro testing.
Animal welfare organisations such as PETA and CrueltyFreeEurope have started working to start convincing the EU to fix this loophole. Apart from that, they are working with companies that are on their cruelty-free lists to find alternatives for any REACH-tested ingredients that they might be using. Keep in mind that brands are not informed when the EU tests certain ingredients.
Moving forward – What to do?
From what I could understand PETA and similar organisations have a list of ingredients that are tested through REACH. Therefore, as I did since the beginning of this year, I will keep on focusing on buying products from brands that are certified cruelty-free. I will still consider supporting brands that avoid animal testing but aren’t on the PETA, etc list. As I mentioned, brands are unaware that some of the ingredients that they are using have been tested on animals. So in my opinion, it would not be fair to penalise them for not being aware. Even I don’t yet know which the ingredients are. However, I would give first priority of support to cruelty-free certified brands.
This could be another reason why cosmetics brands should get a cruelty-free certification. When issues like these happen, they can work with animal welfare organisations to make sure that their cruelty-free status is not harmed.
Additionally, you can sign the petition for a cruelty-free Europe
Sources
- Breaking News: The EU is Allowing Animal Testing in 2021
- Cosmetics Tests on Animals Sneak Back Into the European Union