Support the Humane Cosmetics Act

The Humane Cosmetics Act (HR5399) has been reintroduced to the US House of Representatives, with bipartisan support, by Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Ken Calvert (R-CA), and Paul Tonko (D-NY).

The Humane Cosmetics Act would:

  • Make it illegal to knowingly conduct or contract for animal testing for cosmetic products in the US.
  • Prohibit the sale or knowing transport of cosmetics developed or manufactured using animal testing (anywhere in the supply chain).
  • Prohibit the establishment or continued enforcement of any state or local government measure, unless identical to the Humane Cosmetics Act (this provision could impact similar state animal testing bans for cosmetics in California, Nevada, and Illinois).

If you live in the US, ask your federal legislators to co-sponsor and support the Humane Cosmetics Act (enter your address below for template letter).

Eleven US states have already passed similar legislation. California was the first to do so in 2018, followed by Nevada and Illinois in 2019, Virginia, Maryland, Maine, Hawaii, and New Jersey in 2021, Louisiana and New York in 2022, and most recently, Oregon banned manufacturers from selling or offering to sell cosmetics developed through use of cosmetic animal test, which was signed by the Governor August 1, 2023 and goes into effect January 1, 2024.

ADI investigations have exposed terrible torment endured by animals in cosmetic testing, including racks of rabbits restrained in stocks while products are dripped into their eyes, and guinea pigs suffering raw, inflamed skin lesions. Cosmetic testing typically involves:

  • Repeat dose toxicity, to observe chronic, long-term effects on organs: a product may be pumped down an animal´s throat or applied to its skin, or an animal might be forced to inhale it
  • Skin sensitization, to assess potential allergic reactions: may involve abrading the skin and deliberately causing painful damage
  • Carcinogenicity: animals are exposed to carcinogens and monitored for cell changes related to the development of cancer during or after exposure
  • Reproductive toxicity: animals are exposed to substances before and/or during pregnancy to test for poisonous effects, including its ability to reproduce, as well as damage to the fetus or its development.

The tide is turning; a 2015 Gallup poll revealed more than two-thirds in the US report they are "concerned" or "very concerned" about animals suffering in research; one-third responded that animals should have the same rights as humans. A 2015 Nielsen poll found most consumers considered a "not tested on animals" label as the most important packaging claim; 43% were willing to pay more for such products. As it stands, cosmetics companies must meet cruelty-free requirements for the 1.5 billion consumers in the global marketplace. Hundreds of cruelty-free cosmetic companies now thrive in North America, and the market increasingly demands humane products. At least 140 personal care products companies have endorsed the US Humane Cosmetics Act.

Around the world, people are turning their backs on these outdated methods. ADI worked with NAVS for decades on the EU ban, which passed in 2013. More recently, the EU Parliament called for a worldwide ban on animal testing for cosmetics.

ADI endorses the EU's call for global change. We support the US Humane Cosmetics Act and urge your support to bring nations in line with public opinion and the over 40 countries who have already banned cruel and needless animal testing for cosmetics. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. 

In the US, please contact your federal legislators today and ask them to support the Humane Cosmetics Act (HR5399).