California Bans the Sale of Animal Tested Cosmetics – A Win for Animals & the Environment

Governor Jerry Brown signed the California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act on Sept 28, making California the first state in the US to ban the sale of cosmetics that have been tested on animals. Senate Bill 1249 makes it illegal for a company to import for profit or sell cosmetic items that have been produced using any animal test, including the use of sentient animals in experimentations that test skin sensitization, eye irritation and oral toxicity if the test occurs after the law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

This is an amazing win for animal activists and environmentalists alike. Animal tests that are given in the cosmetic industry are the reason why more than 100 million animals currently endure immense amounts of pain like inhaling toxic fumes, being incapacitated by restraints, etc. Some animals in these horrific experiments include but are not limited to mice, rats, rabbits and guinea pigs. This act being passed in California is an opportunity to inspire other companies to make a change in the nation. Not just to help our animals, but the environment too.

Many people are under the impression that cruelty free only means cruelty against animals, when in reality there is harm affecting to our planet as well. Most cruelty free products use less chemicals, specifically leaving out the toxic ones like triclosan﹣ a registered pesticide with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Toxic chemicals like this directly contaminate our nation’s waterways and the ecosystems that inhabit them.

Cruelty free brands are also known to package their products with sustainable and recyclable materials. Some of these materials for packaging are made from aluminum, cardboard and glass. As plastic pollution in the oceans grow, it is necessary that we take the right steps towards a healthier and happier planet. This change can start by simply choosing more ethical and eco friendly makeup/skincare products to use in daily life.

Another way certain ethical beauty brands maintain their eco friendly image is by giving back to communities in need or partnering up with organizations that have missions aligned with them. For example, Raw Sugar donates a bar of soap for every bottle of body wash that is sold and Love Beauty, and Planet is partnered with Ashoka to support young environmental activists studying climate change.

Since this ban does not take effect until 2020, try purchasing products from already cruelty free brands you can find at your nearest Target or Rite Aid. Here is a list of some daily products I use that are cruelty free and environmentally conscious.

Acure makes some of my favorite products for skincare. Their blue tansy skin oil has been a game changer in my beauty routine. It’s not super heavy and smells like blue jasmine. You can find it at Target for a little over $10.

Love Beauty, and Planet sandalwood body wash has been my go to body wash for the last year and not only does it nourish and replenish my skin but their bottles are made from 100 percent recycled plastic.

Raw Sugar is a great drugstore brand with multiple body care products that use natural ingredients and sustainable packaging. Their scrubs are my favorite from the line, specifically the mango scent. Not only are their bamboo caps aesthetically pleasing, but they are eco-friendly too!

The holy grail of vegan mascaras! Definitely check Pacifica out for more vegan/cruelty free makeup and skincare products. Pacifica also has a recycling program & partnered with Preserve where you can send back empty products with their free shipping label so they can recycle and reuse the bottles!