The Body Shop, a long time advocate to ban animal testing globally in the cosmetic industry, has issued a strong statement aimed at the UK government. Cruelty Free International is partnering with the brand to help—and Dove has joined the cause. See the Instagram post below. 

The Guardian reported that Cruelty Free International said animal testing on ingredients could now be required, for the first time since 1998—after being told by the Home Office that the government had ‘reconsidered its policy.’

The issue regards a series of regulatory decisions made by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), with support from the European Commission and ECHA’s own Board of Appeal. The ECHA ruled that German chemicals firm Symrise had to carry out animal tests on two ingredients used solely in cosmetics to meet chemicals regulations.

This decision overrules the EU’s restrictions on animal testing of cosmetic ingredients—and The Body Shop and Cruelty Free International warn that accepting this decision could lead to a much wider use of animal testing. 

The Body Shop states: “The decision means that animal testing will be required on a number of widely used cosmetic ingredients and those used in many other types of consumer products.”

Chris Davis, Director of Sustainability, Activism & Corporate Communications at The Body Shop, comments, “We are saddened and angered that the UK Government is open to changing a policy that may result in cosmetics ingredients being tested on animals for the first time in 23 years.”

Davis continues, “The Body Shop was the first global beauty brand to fight on this issue and we successfully campaigned to ban animal testing in cosmetics in the UK in 1998. Our commitment to end this unnecessary and cruel practice remains at the heart of our company to this day. We urge the UK government to consider their position and do the right thing.”

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by The Body Shop Official (@thebodyshop)