Lexi Webster
Animal testing is a cruel and outdated practice that continues to be carried out by many well-known companies. While animal testing for cosmetics is banned in Australia, many products imported to Australia are tested on animals. This includes products from some of the world's biggest companies, which operate in Australia and continue to test their products on animals in other countries. This practice is driven by tradition and history rather than science, and there are already many effective alternatives to animal testing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Animal testing | Cosmetics, toiletries, personal care, and cleaning products |
| Veterinary and animal science courses | |
| Research and teaching | |
| Companies that test on animals | L'Oreal, Estee Lauder, Procter & Gamble, Clorox, Johnson & Johnson, S.C. Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive, Reckitt Benckiser, Church & Dwight, Unilever, and Henkel |
| Companies that don't test on animals | Aussie, Herbal Essences, Tom's of Maine, Too Faced, Becca |
| Legal status of animal testing in Australia | Banned for cosmetics, some restrictions on using new animal test data for chemicals |
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What You'll Learn
Animal testing in cosmetics
Animal testing for cosmetics is a highly controversial topic, with many people advocating for a complete ban on the practice. In Australia, there is no law that prevents animal-tested cosmetic ingredients from being used, however, the Australian Government did enact a ban on animal-tested cosmetics in the country from July 2020. This move was in response to public pressure, with 85% of Australians opposing cosmetics testing on animals and 81% supporting a national ban on the sale of animal-tested cosmetics, according to a 2013 Nexus Research Poll.
Despite this ban, it is estimated that 78% of the top 50 beauty brands in the world still tested their products on animals as of January 1st, 2024. This discrepancy is due to certain countries, notably China, requiring animal testing for beauty products entering their markets. While some companies claim to be against animal testing, they may turn a blind eye when their products undergo testing to enter specific markets, presenting a moral paradox.
To address this issue, consumers who wish to avoid purchasing products tested on animals should look for specific claims and certifications. The RSPCA recommends only purchasing products with the statement "Not tested on animals" and avoiding qualified versions such as "Not tested on animals by us." Additionally, consumers can look for the "bunny" logo of Cruelty Free International, which indicates that the product has been independently assessed. Other certifications to look for include PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies program and Choose Cruelty Free's non-animal testing criteria.
Some companies that have been accused of testing their products on animals include L'Oréal, Benefit, Clinique, Estée Lauder, and Victoria's Secret. These companies have either conducted tests in countries like China or have subsidiaries that test on animals. However, it is important to note that information about animal testing policies may not always be transparent, and some companies may remain silent on the issue.
To make an informed decision, consumers can refer to various resources, such as Ethical Elephant, Cruelty Free Kitty, and Choose Cruelty Free's Cruelty-Free List, which provide information on brands that test on animals and those that are cruelty-free. By supporting compassionate companies, consumers can contribute to ending animal suffering in the beauty industry.
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Animal testing in cleaning products
Animal testing for cleaning products is a controversial issue, with many people seeking to avoid products that have been tested on animals. While some companies do not test on animals, it is more common for cleaning products to undergo animal testing before being sold. This makes it difficult for consumers to find cruelty-free options.
Animal testing for cleaning products is driven by companies' desire to ensure the safety of their products and avoid potential financial losses from harmful ingredients. They argue that testing is necessary to prevent consumers from being harmed by the chemicals in their products. However, this comes at a cost to the animals involved, who may be subjected to cruel and unnecessary experiments. Rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, rats, and even fish are used in tests, where they may have chemicals dripped into their eyes, forced down their throats, or rubbed onto their skin. These tests can cause vomiting, tremors, organ failure, blindness, swollen and painful eyes, skin soreness, paralysis, and even death.
Some companies that have been associated with animal testing include SC Johnson, whose products include Glade, Fantastik, Pledge, Scrubbing Bubbles, Shout, and Windex. Another is RB (Reckitt Benckiser), whose products include Lysol, Air Wick, Woolite, Vanish, and Finish. Procter & Gamble, whose brands include Tide, Gain, Bounce, Cheer, Dreft, Downy, and Cascade, have also been known to test on animals.
While some countries, like Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland, have banned the sale of cosmetics containing ingredients tested on animals, others, like China, the United States, and Japan, still allow it. This means that even companies that claim to be cruelty-free may sell their products in countries that require animal testing, making it challenging to determine which products are truly free of animal testing.
To make informed choices, consumers can refer to lists provided by organisations like Cruelty Free International and PETA, which offer guidance on products that have not been tested on animals. These lists can help shoppers identify cruelty-free alternatives and make their voices heard by choosing not to support companies that conduct animal testing.
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Animal testing in universities
In Australia, animal experimentation is a multi-billion-dollar industry, with universities being a part of it. The use of animals in universities for research and teaching is regulated by The Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes ('The Code'). 'The Code' sets out guidelines to ensure ethical, humane, and responsible treatment of animals used in research or teaching. It covers areas such as acquisition, transport, breeding, housing, and husbandry. Institutions are required to submit annual reports on the number of animals used, their species, and the purpose and impact of the procedures.
Despite these regulations, there is a lack of consistent and comprehensive data on animal experimentation in Australian universities. The federal government does not maintain national data, and reporting at the state and territory levels is inconsistent, making it challenging for the public and organisations to understand the full scope of animal testing in universities.
While some argue that animal testing has contributed to important medical advances in Australia, such as the cervical cancer vaccine and cochlea implant, others highlight the ineffectiveness and ethical concerns of such practices. Many drugs that test successfully on animals fail when tested on humans due to differences in metabolism, absorption of chemicals, and DNA repair. As a result, there is a growing movement towards choosing cruelty-free products and supporting alternatives to animal testing in universities.
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Animal testing in personal care products
Animal testing for personal care products is a controversial topic, with millions of animals subjected to cruel and unnecessary experiments each year. While some companies have made strides towards ending animal testing, it is important to be aware of the reality behind the products we use.
In Australia, cosmetic testing on animals is not completely prohibited. A significant loophole exists, allowing animal-tested ingredients to be used in cosmetics. This is known as the "multi-use" exception, where a chemical ingredient intended for a cosmetic product can be tested on animals if it is also intended for use in a non-cosmetic product. This means that even if a company claims its cosmetic product is "not tested on animals", it may still contain ingredients that have been tested on animals for use in other products.
To make matters more complex, some companies that do not test their products on animals in their home countries may still pay for animal testing in other countries, such as China, which requires animal testing for imported beauty products. This means that even if a company claims to be "cruelty-free", it may still be contributing to animal testing in other markets.
However, there is a growing movement towards cruelty-free personal care products, with many companies choosing to permanently ban animal testing. For example, the hair-care brand Aussie has worked with PETA scientists to ensure that its products are never tested on animals, and other companies like Dove and St. Ives have also been certified as cruelty-free.
To make informed choices, consumers can refer to lists of cruelty-free products, such as PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies database and Cruelty Free International's list, which includes makeup, skincare, deodorants, and household cleaners. These lists provide guidance on companies and brands that have not tested their products on animals. Additionally, the RSPCA recommends looking for products with clear claims such as "Not tested on animals" and the ''bunny' logo from Cruelty Free International for independent assessment.
By being aware of the issue and making conscious choices, we can help reduce animal suffering and encourage more companies to move away from animal testing for their personal care products.
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Animal testing in veterinary medicine
Animal testing in Australia extends beyond the field of medicine and includes agricultural and basic scientific research. While public support for animal testing is declining, many scientific institutions continue to conduct tests on animals.
In Australia, animal research covers a wide range of activities, including observational studies in national parks or on agricultural farmland, and the use of animals for teaching purposes. The use of animals in teaching is widespread at all levels of secondary and tertiary education. However, many students who are required to use animals in practical classes go on to choose careers where animals are not needed. In addition, some schools have inadequate facilities and staffing to house animals on site.
There are alternatives to using animals, particularly in toxicity testing and teaching. These alternatives may involve using the same experimental goals but employing different techniques, such as cell cultures or computer programs. Or, they may involve changing the experimental aim, such as replacing an animal-based experiment with a clinical experiment involving humans.
In Australia, animal ethics committees (AECs) play a crucial role in regulating animal research and teaching. AECs ensure that all activities are conducted in compliance with the relevant code and include members representing veterinarians, scientists, animal welfare advocates, and the general public. Institutions conducting animal research or teaching must submit annual reports to their government regulatory bodies, detailing the number and species of animals used, as well as the purpose and potential welfare impact of the procedures.
While there is no national compilation of animal use statistics in Australia, estimates suggest that around 6 million animals are used for experiments and teaching annually. Some of the procedures carried out on animals include purposely blinding kittens, infecting them with deadly diseases, and causing seizures in rats.
Although animal testing is still prevalent in Australia, there is a growing movement towards reducing and replacing animal testing with alternative methods.
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Frequently asked questions
Animal testing for cosmetics and toiletries doesn't happen in Australia. However, many products imported to Australia are tested on animals.
Aussie hair-care brand has permanently banned all tests on animals worldwide. All of Aussie's products are now certified cruelty-free.
Some international companies that test on animals include L'Oreal, Estee Lauder, Procter & Gamble, Clorox, Johnson & Johnson, S.C. Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive, Reckitt Benckiser, Church & Dwight, Unilever, and Henkel.
