Harmful practices of animal testing

Animal testing has been a staple in businesses for years; such as beauty, fashion, and personal care. Yet, many individuals are not conscious of the animal abuse suffered for the products they consume. 

Harvesting is incredibly common in the makeup and skincare industry. For example, producing tallows from cows, lanolin from sheep, beeswax, honey, and animal hair, sometimes requiring the animals to die. Similarly, creatures are maimed for their fur coats, alligator skin bags, and ivory jewelry. Around 500,000 estimated animals alone die for the sake of cosmetics. This is a global issue responsible for killing millions of animals in all forms of products and endangering species for lucrative businesses.

Animal testing is also a controversial topic that is used in place of humans, although the results may not always be comparable. Former National Cancer Institute Director Dr. Richard Klausner noted that mice have been cured of cancer for decades, yet it never worked in humans. Former National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Elias Zerhouni echoes the same conclusion, acknowledging that animal experimentation has been an ultimate failure. Despite the evidence, animal testing still exists in businesses. 

Additionally, socialites have donned their fur and leather for thousands of years as status symbols. Celebrity figures of centuries past embraced this wear to sport their financial abundance and upper-class standing. This accounts for millions of red and grey foxes, raccoons, rabbits, beavers, otters, wolves, and more killed for these businesses. Mass-produced manufacturing of sweaters, coats, shoes, belts, and pants is responsible for the decline of several species. 

The fashion and makeup industries are one of the largest industries in the world. They are also one of the most polluting industries worldwide. Despite this, some brands go the extra mile to protect these creatures from harm, such as Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Kat Von D, Hourglass cosmetics, and more that alternatively use vegan or cruelty-free practices. Nonetheless, industries continue to harm and endanger various species.

These products have nearly doubled over the last 15 years to meet customers’ demands. While companies have made strides in protecting these fur friends, many brands illegally practice animal testing and harvesting. In the process, more are being injured and killed annually. To avoid it, educating one another about ethical consumerism can help support the proper treatment and sustainability of wildlife. 

Written by Jadyn Bosket | Graphic Designed by Stacey Martinez

Published March 3, 2024 | ePathfinder | Feature