In 1920, there was a disaster involving cosmetics for women. A new product just came out which claimed would make women's eyelashes darker. Many women went to the solon to get this treatment done. The dye, called Lash Lure, did what it said but sadly it didn't end there. What happened was that the dye caused mild eye irritation, blindness, and even death to some women.
This horrible cosmetic incident led to the main cosmetic animal test used today, the Draize tests. The Draize tests are made basically for white albino rabbits mainly, but other animals are sometimes used. They are used to test for potential cell damage or irritation to the beauty porducts. For products used near the eyes, the white rabbits are an ideal subject due to the fact that their eyes have a hard time naturally washing away irritating substances. The rabbits are held by metal bands and then drops of a cosmetic product are placed in the eyes. The researchers then check the rabbit’s eyes regularly for damage. What happend is that because the rabbits are held down, they cannot even move while this product burns away at their eye. It is an increadably painful process.
The Draize skin test is a similar concept where the hair of rabbits, mice, or rats is shaved in a small area. The cosmetic products are then rubbed directly into the exposed skin. The area is than check regulary to inspect for damage or irritation.
Lethal Dosage (LD) tests are used to determine the amount of a substance that will kill a ratio of animals. With products that involve a spray action, like hair spray or some perfumes thhis test is often performed. An animal, like a rabbit, is placed in a close container and forced to breathe the cosmetic product through a mask. The animal is then monitored untill they die. Common reactions to LD tests include convulsions, vomiting, paralysis and bleeding from the eyes, nose, mouth or rectum.
Every year, cosmetics companies kill millions of animals to test their products. These companies claim they test on animals to establish the safety of their products and ingredients for consumers. However, the FDA does not require animal testing for cosmetics. Alternative testing methods are available and lead to more reliable results. Hundreds of companies including Avon, The Body Shop and Mary Kay already use non-animal testing methods to ensure the safety of their cosmetics. L'Oréal and Cover Girl are just two of the main selling cosmetic companies that perform such tests. Please check this list and see if any of your make up products are on here.
This horrible cosmetic incident led to the main cosmetic animal test used today, the Draize tests. The Draize tests are made basically for white albino rabbits mainly, but other animals are sometimes used. They are used to test for potential cell damage or irritation to the beauty porducts. For products used near the eyes, the white rabbits are an ideal subject due to the fact that their eyes have a hard time naturally washing away irritating substances. The rabbits are held by metal bands and then drops of a cosmetic product are placed in the eyes. The researchers then check the rabbit’s eyes regularly for damage. What happend is that because the rabbits are held down, they cannot even move while this product burns away at their eye. It is an increadably painful process.
The Draize skin test is a similar concept where the hair of rabbits, mice, or rats is shaved in a small area. The cosmetic products are then rubbed directly into the exposed skin. The area is than check regulary to inspect for damage or irritation.
Lethal Dosage (LD) tests are used to determine the amount of a substance that will kill a ratio of animals. With products that involve a spray action, like hair spray or some perfumes thhis test is often performed. An animal, like a rabbit, is placed in a close container and forced to breathe the cosmetic product through a mask. The animal is then monitored untill they die. Common reactions to LD tests include convulsions, vomiting, paralysis and bleeding from the eyes, nose, mouth or rectum.
Every year, cosmetics companies kill millions of animals to test their products. These companies claim they test on animals to establish the safety of their products and ingredients for consumers. However, the FDA does not require animal testing for cosmetics. Alternative testing methods are available and lead to more reliable results. Hundreds of companies including Avon, The Body Shop and Mary Kay already use non-animal testing methods to ensure the safety of their cosmetics. L'Oréal and Cover Girl are just two of the main selling cosmetic companies that perform such tests. Please check this list and see if any of your make up products are on here.
3 comments:
Hey! Im Doing a problem/solution essay on Animal Cruelty [Cosmetic testing] and your site seemed helpful. Can you post a bibliogaphy or tell me some cites you used so i can use them? Thanks!
-Please e-mail me at cotton.candy38@gmail.com
hi I also am doing a project on animal cruelty by testing. It would be great if I could use some of your information and your url.
please post your answer,
thanks
Between this and the things that happen to animals on some farms is absolutely horrible. Animals can't seem to catch a break, can they?
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