Cruelty-free
UK legislation makes it illegal to sell cosmetic products in the UK that have been tested on animals (PETA – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – remains uncertain on how post-brexit legislation may affect the nature of the ban, but believes it will remain the same). However, if a brand sells in China, the situation becomes a little more complicated. As of 1 May 2021, the Chinese government allowed brands to apply for an exemption to market certain types of non-active beauty products (such as shampoo, body wash and make-up) without the country’s usually required tests on animals. However, animal tests are still legally required there for products that contain active ingredients such as hair dye and sunscreen. To further complicate matters back in the UK, although products themselves can’t be animal tested, they may contain ingredients that were tested at some point in the past before being declared safe to use.
And any new ingredients that look likely to be used in large quantities may still need to be tested – not for the safety of consumers, but for the benefit of workers who will be handling them. To help navigate this minefield, ask your favourite brands what their ethics are or visit the PETA and Cruelty Free websites for more information.