Cosmetics without animal testing. It’s beautiful.
We innovate with the purpose of making the world a healthier place.
We don’t conduct animal testing in the research or development of our cosmetics unless required to do so to meet regulatory requirements. In fact, for more than 30 years, we have been working to help bring an end to cosmetic animal testing globally. We’ve invested in science to advance alternative testing methods and promote education and advocacy in support of greater use of non-animal alternatives. We’re also working with organizations that share our ambition to eliminate cosmetic animal testing around the world.
We know there’s still work to be done—as some countries still require animal testing data to meet their own regulatory requirements—but we believe in a future where cosmetic testing is always animal free, and that makes us more dedicated than ever.
In the world
As a member of the Animal Free Safety Assessment (AFSA) Collaboration, we stand with Humane Society International and other non-profit and industry leaders to promote greater use of non-animal methods around the world. We are also proud supporters of the #BeCrueltyFree campaign, calling for a global ban on cosmetic animal testing by 2023.
Our long-standing support for the Institute for In-Vitro Sciences (IIVS) has made the development of and technical training on non-animal methods for cosmetics globally possible for over 25 years.
Our long-standing support for the Institute for In-Vitro Sciences (IIVS) has made the development of and technical training on non-animal methods for cosmetics globally possible for over 25 years.
In the lab
Our cosmetic products can be validated as safe and effective without compromising animal welfare. As part of our development process, we formulate to ensure the safety of our cosmetic products without any animal testing using the latest non-animal methods as well as choosing ingredients we believe can be scientifically validated without new animal data.
Our commitment to this issue dates back decades, to when our scientists were among the first to stop testing on animal eyes and incorporate non-animal methods into our Johnson’s® No More Tears® claim substantiation.
Our commitment to this issue dates back decades, to when our scientists were among the first to stop testing on animal eyes and incorporate non-animal methods into our Johnson’s® No More Tears® claim substantiation.
In the industry
For many years, we have been a leading voice as part of industry advocacy efforts. We were instrumental in the development of industry principles to inform legislative bans on cosmetic animal testing globally as well as on-going regulatory engagement to advance the acceptance of non-animal methods for cosmetics.
We have also supported industry-backed science programs focused on the development of new non-animal alternatives.
We have also supported industry-backed science programs focused on the development of new non-animal alternatives.
Working to make cosmetic testing animal free — for decades
For more than 30 years, we have advanced the discovery and acceptance of non-animal testing methods for cosmetics globally.
1990s
Began developing effective alternatives to animal testing
Our scientists introduced the in-vitro trans-epithelial permeability (TEP) assay and were among the first to replace the Draize eye irritancy test, which relied on animal testing.
1997
One of the first five companies to sponsor the Institute for In-Vitro Sciences (IIVS)
Our safety, stewardship, raw material, regulatory affairs and quality groups ensure that our ingredients’ quality, purity and manufacturing meet government regulations, industry standards and our internal policies.
2004
The Center for Alternative to Animal Testing partner
Having high-quality ingredients is a good start, but it’s equally important to bring out the best of each ingredient. Our formulators are a crucial part of this process to anticipate potential issues, likely or unlikely, before finalizing the formula.
2006
Founding partner of the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA)
This public-private partnership accelerates the development, validation and acceptance of alternative approaches to animal testing.
2008
Developed a new model to assess skin reactions without animal testing
Our medical teams focus on reproducing personal use of our products before they go to stores and into your homes. Our products must pass our laboratory simulated use test and our home use test, which rely on real users.
2011
Presented research on animal alternatives as a sponsor of the 8th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences in Montreal
Our scientists shared research on a number of key topics, including an alternative method to animal testing for skin pharrmacology studies and a human skin explant model for translational research in skin care.
2012
Founding member of the Industry Council for Advancement of Regulatory Acceptance of Alternatives (ICARAA)
To expand the use and acceptance of in-vitro methods, the Council focuses on educational programs that include lectures, laboratory demos, hands-on training and data interpretation.
2014
Incorporated the Epithelial Irritation Test (EIT) as another non-animal testing method
EIT was our advancement of TEP, which improved the sensitivity for eye irritation and increased the range of product forms that could be tested during product development.
2015
Supported efforts to identify 3D ocular models in China
In partnership with IIVS and ICARAA, we supported efforts to identify a local manufacturer of 3D ocular models used for hands-on training with Chinese regulators.
2016
Joined the Long Range Science Strategy (LRSS) Research Program
This program is supported by Cosmetics Europe members and brings together their expertise to evaluate the safety of cosmetic ingredients. The data and outcomes generated in each of the five research areas have already allowed us to develop several robust safety assessment approaches based on alternative methods.
2018
China FDA and IIVS opened a training lab for animal testing
Thanks to resources and support from our team and other industry partners, China FDA opened a lab with IIVS to train their scientists to shift from testing on animals to testing using reconstructed human skin cells.
2019
Partnered to develop global industry principles and reduce animal testing in China
Our team was instrumental in the development of industry principles to inform legislative bans on cosmetic animal testing globally and partnered with others in the industry to drive the inclusion of globally recognized in-vitro and toxicology read-across methods in China’s Safety Assessment Guidance.
2020
Worked with regional regulators in China to develop in-vitro standards
Our team worked with provincial regulators to develop, approve and publish group standards for in-vitro methods that can be used to screen for potential irritation in cosmetic products.
2021
Joint efforts by our team and industry partners led to long-awaited changes in Chinese regulations
China announced it will allow imported “normal” adult cosmetic products to be exempt from animal testing, similar to those locally made. This wouldn’t apply to special-use products like sunscreens, but allows shampoo, body wash and lotions to avoid testing if there is sufficient safety data and manufacturing plant quality certifications.
2022
Joined the Animal-Free Safety Assessment (AFSA) Collaboration
As part of AFSA, we are working collectively with Humane Society International and other non-profit and industry leaders in support of education and advocacy to help eliminate the need for cosmetic animal testing globally.