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EU Ban on Animal Testing Takes Effect Today

Baby Bunny by parl at Flickr.com Creative Commons license

Today is the day the latest European Union ban on animal testing of cosmetics takes full effect. This ban not only includes a ban on the sale of finished cosmetic products in the EU, but cosmetic ingredients as well.  Becky covered the ban last month in her article on the EU animal testing guidelines.

My own realization of what exactly goes on during these tests came about a few years back when I wrote an article for one of my clients on the subject.  I always knew that it was going on, but had never delved very deeply into what the animals were subjected to and the outcome.  Here is my personal view on animal testing, if you’d like to check it out.

Not wishing harm on any living creature is the main reason for being anti-animal testing, obviously.  But the fact that these tests are routinely carried out and do not effectively translate to humans makes them seem even more unfounded.

Another interesting, albeit slightly disturbing, read on the subject of animal testing is this article on performance artist Jacqueline Traides’s depiction of what animals go through during these practices.  Many brands, like LUSH, are dedicated to creating cruelty-free products.  PETA’s cruelty-free shopping guide will help you to find brands that are cruelty-free.

This EU ban is definitely a step in the right direction, and a great example for the rest of the world.  Animal testing in our country is still allowed and widespread. What do you think — will the US follow the European lead and begin to ban the use of animal testing?

[Image by parl at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license]

Written by Liz Thompson

I am an organic beauty expert, writer, and mom of two young environmentalists who can already spot a toxic product when they see one. Read more about me at Organic Beauty Source.com, and find me on , Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.

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