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7 Reasons to Stop Using Products Tested on Animals

Animal testing has been a controversial practice for decades.  However, more and more animal testing-free products are available in the cosmetics aisle.  Everything from makeup to nail polish comes in formulas that aren’t tested on animals.  But why should you choose these products?  Is it really so bad to buy products that might use animals to evaluate their safety?

This debate has been raging for decades, and I firmly believe it’s best to choose animal-free products.  Here are my seven reasons why.

Animal testing is cruel.

If you haven’t seen some of the horrifying pictures of the disfigured and mangled animals that have been subject to product testing, you might want to Google it.  Or not.  For the sake of our safety, thousands of animals are virtually tortured as products are tested.  We can do better for innocent animals and we should.

All types of animals are used.

When we think of lab animals, we might imagine the white lab rat.  But in actuality, all kinds of animals are used in product tests, including those we consider family pets.  Some of these include:

 

• • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Rabbits
  • Birds
  • Monkeys
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Hamsters
  • Mice

 

Animal testing has been banned in other countries.

The European Union, Israel, India, Norway, Switzerland, South Korea, and New Zealand have all banned animal testing.  These countries are leading the way in stopping harmful animal testing – sending a strong signal to both manufacturers but us as well.  We can expect more from our products!

Safe alternatives exist.

When you browse the aisles at the store, you’ll find all kinds of products that include “cruelty-free” and “animal-free” type labels.  It can take a bit of time to search out these brands and versions, but they are on your shelves.  To double check products really are animal-safe, visit Cruelty-Free Kitty’s list of cruelty-free brands.

Budget-friendly options exist.

For a long time, animal-safe products were more expensive than other options.  But as manufacturers adjust their practices and new brands pop up, this isn’t the case anymore.  Discount brands like ELF, BH Cosmetics, and Wet ‘N Wild are all animal testing free.

Natural options are healthier.

Products that aren’t tested on animals are obviously healthier for animals.  But generally, they are also healthier for us too.  Instead of using harsh chemicals, animal-free products rely more heavily on natural ingredients.  These new formulations are gentler on the skin and keep you from absorbing possibly damaging chemicals.  These toxins can accumulate in our bodies and cause serious health effects.

Healthier products are more sustainable.

Generally, the harsh chemicals used in some products are made from non-renewable ingredients and all of the chemicals we use end up in our water supply.  When you wash your face, everything you wore for the day rushes down the drain.  As a rule of thumb, cruelty-free products are better for the environment as they’re using healthier ingredients.

Animal testing is a dangerous and heart-breaking practice.  And we can stop it by voting with our dollars.  When we choose animal-friendly products over others, we can send a signal to manufacturers that they should explore alternative formulas.  It can take a bit of time to find new versions of your favorite products, but it’s a time investment that is worth it.  The animal kingdom will thank you.