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Macro shot of liquid cosmetic formulation testing and compliance documentation in a modern laboratory under clear clinical daylight.
Macro shot of liquid cosmetic formulation testing and compliance documentation in a modern laboratory under clear clinical daylight.

Cosmetic regulation

The ban of animal testing in the cosmetic sector

The European Union's strict framework guarantees the safety of cosmetic products without the need for animal testing when placing them on the market.

EU Regulation

The obligations of a responsible person and general bans

When placing cosmetic products on the market in the EU, the responsible person must provide information to the Agency regarding any animal testing conducted on the products or on their ingredients. This includes testing performed by authorized parties outside the European Union.

In general, there is a comprehensive ban regarding animal testing in cosmetics involving the following:

  • The placing on the market of products whose final formulation was determined by animal testing.

  • The placing on the market of products containing ingredients whose safety or properties were evaluated using animal testing to meet the requirements of the Cosmetics Regulation.

  • Animal testing carried out on finished cosmetic products to comply with the requirements of the Cosmetics Regulation.

  • Animal testing carried out on cosmetic ingredients to comply with the requirements of the Cosmetics Regulation."

Close-up shot of cosmetic compliance certification reports alongside elegant skincare bottles in cool daylight.
Close-up shot of cosmetic compliance certification reports alongside elegant skincare bottles in cool daylight.

Exceptions

Derogations and decision

These general prohibitions can only be waived in exceptional cases, subject to specific authorization granted exclusively by the Commission. To obtain this, it is essential that the cosmetic ingredient should not be replacable by an alternative component, and that testing the product on animals is necessary to address a specific human health concern.

Consequently, the likelihood that a cosmetic product we use has been tested on animals is quite low. However, if you want to be completely certain, look for the logos or labels shown in the image, or similar ones.