Cruelty-Free Cosmetics

When you got ready this morning, what did you use to make yourself look and smell good? Shampoo? Make up? Deodorant? Toothpaste? Now think about how many different chemical formulations that had to be created before these items were actually safe for humans to use.

Few people ever stop to think about the animals these items were actually tested on.

PETA and Cosmetics

For years, animals were the number one subject for testing any number of things – cosmetics, fragrances, pharmaceutical items etc. Though animals are still used by several companies for testing, PETA has begun encouraging and even enforcing a “do not test on animals” rule. PETA has created a statement of assurance for companies to sign that ensures that a company does not inflict any sort of cruelty on animals, and that they do not commission or conduct any non-required animal tests on any formulas, ingredients, or finished products that a company may use. The signature also pledges to never do so in the future.

An astounding number of companies have stepped up and signed this statement, promising to never harm any animals for the benefit of their own products. But this has led to another argument – when new products are created, how are we to know that they are actually safe to use?

Without Testing are Cosmetics Safe?

Here’s one thing to consider: each and every animal and human has a completely different biological make up. The effects of a chemical on a rat may not necessarily be the same for a human. For us to think the affect of a fragrance on a dog, or a monkey will be the same on a human is a ridiculous thought.

Thankfully, there are also other ways to actually test ingredients and finished products that do not involve using animals, and can be even more effective.

Go Natural

Here is perhaps the best idea of all: how about we make products from ingredients that we know are natural and safe to use? No more 10-syllable ingredient items. Forget those mysterious dyes, scents, concoctions and compounds. Let’s work with natural ingredients that we already KNOW are safe for us to use! I mean, how many different shampoos do we really need on the shelf? There were plenty that were completely effective and natural 100 years ago; why don’t we use those? There are several different fragrances that can be created with natural essential oils; why would anyone use these chemical compounds that are causing allergies, skin irritations (like eczema), and even possibly cancer?

Choosing a cruelty-free product is not only keeping animals safe and treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve. Choosing these products is also keeping all of us safe by casting a monetary vote against the fat-cat mega corporations that produce inferior and unsafe products. Say “no” to cruelty-free products and give both your dog and your kids a good squeeze tonight. To buy cruelty-free is to cherish life.

photo by Beth Tusch