In an area where there has been considerable confusion amongst consumers, claims around animal testing should cover both finished product testing and all of the ingredients where the majority of testing takes place. Despite action to end animal testing for cosmetics here in the UK, in recent years there remained issues with ingredients being tested under other legislation.

In 2023, it was reported that licenses for animal testing in the UK had been issued due to new European regulation. Following this report, a new ban was placed to end further licenses. Animal testing is also allowed in other countries outside Europe where companies may choose to sell their products.

Until there is a global end to animal testing on cosmetics, and non-animal methods become widely accepted and implemented worldwide, you need to be vigilant. Supporting companies who have clear stances against animal testing or campaign actively against it is a good start. Also, look out for products that are approved under the Leaping Bunny programme, operated by Cruelty Free International. Brands must meet rigorous criteria which apply globally and extend over and above laws governing animal testing, and only then can they display the Leaping Bunny logo- this means that they are 100% free of new animal testing.