UK Government Defends Animal Testing Loophole for Cosmetic Ingredients
The UK government is under fire after the High Court ruled it acted legally in allowing limited animal testing for cosmetic ingredients. The move, which aligns with EU chemical regulations, follows a 2020 ruling by the European Chemicals Agency that certain ingredients must be tested on animals to ensure worker safety during manufacturing.
Animal Testing Ban Loosened – But Only for Ingredient Safety
Animal testing for makeup has been banned in the UK since 1998 — except when benefits outweigh harm, such as for medicines. However, since 2019, despite Brexit, the government has been granting licenses to test cosmetic ingredients on animals, following EU chemical safety rules.
These tests are strictly for ingredient safety during production, not for checking the makeup’s safety on consumers. Companies still cannot test finished products on animals.
Beauty Giants and Campaigners Outraged
The policy shift has sparked fierce backlash from top beauty brands like Unilever, Body Shop, and Boots, alongside animal rights groups including Cruelty Free International (CFI). Over 80 brands have condemned the government’s “step backward.”
“Outrageous,” said Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty Free International. “The government is prioritising contract-testing firms over the wishes of millions of Britons who oppose animal testing for cosmetics.”
CFI promised to challenge the ruling and demand a full reinstatement of the ban.
Industry Experts Slam ‘Unnecessary’ Animal Tests
Dr Julia Fentem from Unilever’s Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre slammed the new testing requirements as “unnecessary.” She stated that modern alternatives can guarantee product safety without hurting animals.
A new UK chemicals strategy expected later this year may provide clearer guidance on cosmetic chemical testing – potentially stirring the pot even further.
