Washington has recently passed a law to become the 12th U.S. state to ban the sale of cosmetics that have been newly tested on animals. This legislation, known as H.B. 1097, was signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee. The move is a significant step towards reducing animal cruelty in the cosmetics industry and reflects a growing trend of states adopting similar bans.
The law aims to prevent the use of animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, and rats, for cosmetic testing, which often involves painful procedures. If the animals survive the tests, they are typically killed without pain relief. Washington’s ban follows the footsteps of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Virginia.
The ban aligns with the provisions of the federal Humane Cosmetics Act, which has been championed for years and is supported by various cosmetics companies and the Personal Care Products Council, representing 90% of the U.S. cosmetics industry. The act reflects the citizens’ interests in avoiding complicity in animal cruelty and promotes the adoption of modern, non-animal testing technologies that are more reliable predictors of human safety.
Sources: Humane Society, Personal Care Insights.
RELATED: Retrograde European Union demands animal tests on two cosmetics ingredients
How can I tell if a product is cruelty-free?
To determine if a product is cruelty-free, you can look for several indicators:
- Certified Cruelty-Free Logos: Look for authorized logos such as the Leaping Bunny or PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies on the product packaging.
- Written Claims: Be cautious of written claims stating “cruelty-free” or “not tested on animals,” as these are not regulated and may not be reliable without certification.
- Online Databases: Use online databases of cruelty-free brands, such as those provided by Leaping Bunny or PETA, to verify a brand’s status.
- Company Policies: Research the brand’s official stance on animal testing and whether they have a cruelty-free policy in place.
- Parent Company Practices: Check if the brand’s parent company also adheres to cruelty-free practices, as some brands may be cruelty-free but owned by companies that test on animals.
Remember, the term “cruelty-free” can be subjective and is unregulated, so it’s important to do thorough research to ensure the products meet your personal standards for being cruelty-free.
Sources: Cruelty Free Guide, Ethical Elephant, Lemonade, Better Planet Maker.
