Animal Testing Uncovered: The Untold Suffering Behind Cruelty Free Claims

When customers see a product that is labelled 'cruelty-free' they often breathe a sigh of relief and they are assured that no animals were harmed in making their go to products, such as moisturiser or foundation. However, behind these comforting slogans and soothing marketing lie a world of loopholes, gray areas and suffering that is barely seen by the public.

The global animal testing industry highlights a troubling disconnect between consumers' beliefs and what is happening behind those laboratory doors. Unsettling reports have estimated that 115 million animals are used in laboratory experiments yearly.

The term 'cruelty-free' is not regulated by any single governing body in most countries, this means companies can slap the label on a product even if some components or even the final product have been tested on animals. Either by suppliers or through third-party labs.

Organisations like PETA and Leaping Bunny offer cruelty-free certifications; however participation is voluntary and the audits can be infrequent. Some brands use these to signal ethical practices, while others make a total sidestep and ignore them completely, relying instead on simple language and consumer trust.

Animal testing has a long, controversial history that dates to the early part of the 20th century. With beauty products becoming more available, manufacturers unfortunately testing their ingredients on animals to ensure safety and legal liability. Rabbits, mince and guinea pigs were mainly used in these procedures. These products were intended to protect customers, these practices and testing on animals sparked concerns as the public became more aware of animals suffering for their go to products.

In the 1980s and 90s, animal rights movements gained popularity and momentum, pushing for alternative testing methods and bans on animal testing. Nowadays, many countries have put in strict laws and restrictions or a ban on animal testing for cosmetics. Many countries still have a no or a slight partial ban on testing, like China especially in cosmetic

Animal testing for cosmetics is banned in the European Union, and yet many other countries have joined in that ongoing trend, however, it does seem a long way to go for many other countries. In China, there were still required by law to test imported cosmetic products on animals. However, in 2021, those rules were relaxed for some products. So, companies have a huge decision to make: either test their products on animals or forgo millions and billions of pounds in potential sales.

Unfortunately, many countries around the world, as Lucy Watson, a Media Officer who works for PETA UK, pointed out in collaboration with some members of the science team, have.

She said: "Despite bans on testing on animals for cosmetics in some regions and dwindling pubic support, it remains relatively common in many parts of the world"

Watson highlighted that "the government needs to develop a clear, detailed strategy that makes it easy for the industry to end experiments on animals and replace them with humane, human-relevant methods"

The UK government tried to pass a partial ban on certain ingredients in 2023, but with the backlash and many organisations denounced it.

With bans implemented in many countries, loopholes still exist, sadly, companies have majority of the time outsourced animal testing to nations and countries with relaxed regulations. Even working with suppliers that still use this outdated method of testing ingredients for products.

A 2022 undercover investigation exposed and done by the non-profit organisation Humane World Action Fund documented that beagles, some only puppies, were intentionally poisoned/fed lethal doses of drugs and ingredients. Footage captured in a contract laboratory, which many of those types of places don't have CCTV, that serves many Western Brands, especially in the US. This caused outrage but also showed how easy these practices can be hidden under contractual and jurisdictional screens, while also passing through many loopholes.

Many companies use tactics such as outsourcing testing to third parties and selling to countries where testing is not banned. They always find a way around these bans, and it's horrifying that companies still do this. However, some companies have stopped testing, but with some still doing it, are we ever going to see the end of it?

Lucy pointed out that it is important to stop these loopholes for companies to stop testing on animals. She said: "Some companies such as Benefit, Bobbi Brown and Maybelline, say they don't conduct tests on animals unless required by law.

"Brands sometimes rely on simply claiming their product is cruelty-free to avoid a rigorous certification process"

Lucy also pointed out that "PETA's aim is to urge companies, institutions and government bodies to embrace cutting-edge, non-animal technologies and make cruel experiments on animals a thing of the past.

Beyond the ethical concerns, many scientists and experts have argued that animal testing is simply old-fashioned and outdated. Reports have suggested that 90-95% of drugs pass animal testing have failed in human trails. So, why are we still testing out ingredients for cosmetic products on animals when they are clearly not safe for humans. The science is not adding up, alternative methods are gaining momentum and hype for testing potentially dangerous ingredients.

From lab-grown human tissues to computer simulations, these types of methods could spare animals and they provide more correct and relevant results. However, in 2025 we are still testing for what.

However, we are seeing a decline in animal testing in the UK in 2023, still testing 2.68 million tests on living animals, it's a 3% decrease from the year before. It has marketed the lowest number since 2001. 95% of these tests were done on mice, fish and rats, yet we have better methods of testing, and these animals are still being used for these products, such as your foundation or lipstick.

The UK government is acting to phase out animal testing and supporting alternative methods, with the hope that we stop relying on animals for research for industries including the beauty sector. Is there enough effort or should they being doing more to combat this issue?

For consumers who approach maybe with an ethical conscience, this issue can be dizzying. A brand might claim they are cruelty-free, but behind the scenes, they are sourcing ingredients from companies that still test on animals. While many will say it's 'required by law' when not taking the blame for still using this outdated method, while still selling products with mandates in place.

However, in some cases, brands will keep separate formulations for different parts of the world, one cruelty free version for Europe and a tested variant for China. This double standard is keeping consumers in the dark and the meaning of the cruelty free claim.

For brands and companies who commit to this type of standard, the public distrusts them as they don't know what to believe anymore. A 2023 Nielsen survey indicates that 73% of worldwide consumers prefer to buy from a cruelty free brand, showing the importance of ethical practices in the cosmetics industry.

The cruelty-free movement has made massive steps forward in raising awareness and shifting public opinion. Victories such as the EU's ban on cosmetic testing and the growing trend of vegan, natural beauty prove that change and using your voice are possible. PETA is one of those organisations fighting this issue and has been doing so for many years, and it looks like they are not stopping. Their 'Beauty Without Bunnies" program lists over 6'000 companies that do not test on animals, providing consumers with the choices and the knowledge that the brands they are buying from do not test on animals.

Lucy says that PETA's aim is to "expose cruelty, campaign for stronger laws and support alternate methods"

"Our other main aim is to create a world where no animal suffers in the name of beauty or science"

Many groups, such as PETA are pushing for stricter rules and punishments for companies that test on animals and international standards that define what 'cruelty free' means. As well as closing the loopholes that companies still use to test on animals behind close doors.

Until change, the suffering still happens to these defenseless animals, quietly, invisibly behind the comforting words on a bottle.