Animal Protection And The Cosmetics Industry
When we think of rabbits, we often picture soft, gentle creatures with big eyes and fluffy fur, beloved as pets. However, rabbits are also one of the most common animals used for testing in the cosmetics industry. Scientists confine them in cramped wire cages under artificial lights and noise, conditions which are especially stressful for rabbits due to their sensitivity to sound. When they feel unsafe or stressed, rabbits may even harm themselves. In tests like the Draize test, rabbits are immobilized, and strong chemicals are applied to their eyes or shaved skin. This often leads to painful reactions, such as eye irritation, swelling, ulceration, blindness, and skin burns, causing severe distress and pain to the animals.
According to an unverified estimate, over 100 million animals are tortured and killed every year in the U.S. for human experimentation, with a significant portion of them used in the cosmetic industry. More than 40 countries, including Australia, Mexico, and Norway, have restricted or completely banned animal testing for cosmetics. In the United States, seven states, including Hawaii, Maryland, and Nevada, have also banned cosmetic testing on animals. However, the specific regulations and laws on animal testing vary between countries. One commonality is that many nations are working toward the 3R model (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). This means that most laws, guidelines, and regulations encourage scientists to replace animal testing with alternative methods. By adopting these alternatives, we can reduce the number of animals suffering in laboratories.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP STOP ANIMAL TESTING?
According to unofficial statistics, less than 20% of all cosmetics brands on the market today are cruelty-free. Therefore, by supporting cruelty-free, vegan products, you contribute to ending animal testing. Animals have suffered enough due to humanity’s inhumane inventions. In today’s digital-industrial age, it’s time for scientific, modern testing methods to begin replacing—and eventually eliminating—animal experiments. Furthermore, using animals in scientific testing has proven to be ineffective and wastes too many resources. All animals deserve a better life in the wild, rather than enduring daily pain and suffering in laboratories.
As a brand in the cosmetics industry, Bilus Beauty is dedicated to a cruelty-free approach and pledges never to test on animals at any stage of product development. We encourage consumers to avoid products from brands that engage in animal testing. This is a long-term journey, but together we can make a meaningful difference. By supporting cruelty-free products, we can help make the world a more compassionate place for animals, free from the suffering of unnecessary lab testing.