Animals being used to test cosmetics is a topic near and dear to many hearts. Both sides of this debate are firmly entrenched in their beliefs, making it increasingly difficult to come to an agreement of any sort. There are positives and negatives on each side of the argument, so let’s take a closer look at these pros and cons.
The Pros of Animal Testing on Cosmetics
1. Aids Research
Without being able to test products on animals before releasing them to the public, it is difficult for researchers to make an educated guess about their safety. Animal testing allows the developers of products to conduct trial and error and learn more about how to provide the consumer with the best possible goods and services.
2. Improves Our Health
By testing on animals, we are assured of never being exposed to any harmful chemicals or toxins. This leads to a decrease in health risks for the consumer. Scientists have argued that testing cosmetics on animals before releasing them to the public is a necessary part of the process. Otherwise, people would be exposed to potentially harmful products.
3. Animals Are A Close Match
While animals are not completely similar to humans, their composition is enough like our own that scientists can use them as a viable test subject to see how the cosmetic products will work on a human. There are certain inherent limitations with this method as animals are not a perfect match, but until medical technology advances further, animal testing for cosmetics is the best method.
The Cons of Animal Testing on Cosmetics
1. Death Of Animals
While some trials are painless and the animals are able to return to wherever they came from afterwards, this is not true for every trial. Some animals are killed immediately following the trials, while others may suffer from injuries or chemical poisoning, which forces them to live out the rest of their natural life in captivity.
2. Some Tests Are Not Necessary
An unfortunate aspect of animal testing on cosmetics is that not every test will lead to the release of new cosmetics. In many cases, the testing is done and the product is never actually put into use. Animals are suffering and dying in vain by being used in dangerous tests that do not directly lead to any human benefits. Unless the product being tested is made for public consumption, detractors do not see the need for animal testing.
3. It Costs Money
Animal testing is not done on the cheap. Providing food, shelter and care for the animals is costly. Animal testing also usually takes place over the course of several months, which leads to higher costs for the companies who rely on it. The animals themselves often have to be purchased, which is another considerable expense.
