By Kayla Hallac, Staff Writer
The eyes of a cosmetologist pass over the somber faces of abandoned animals as they wait in a jail-like cell with pure fear and anticipation for what’s to come. A cheap mascara wand is brushed on while the animal attempts to wriggle hopelessly away.
Regardless of the animal’s struggles, the cosmetologist doesn’t give a second thought to the toxic substance dripping into the eyes of the creature — or the creature’s predetermined death.
The entire process of animal testing is disgusting.
According to PETA (people for the ethical treatment of animals), each year more than 100 million animals die from makeup testing and related treatments. That’s 100 million lives. In comparison, that’s about 1.32% of our human population or 7.53 billion lives. All for something that’s not even an equivalent comparison.
Animals have hundreds of diseases and behaviors that differ from humans, so if it’s safe on an animal, it could be deadly or harmful to humans.
The idea that companies are telling themselves it’s alright to dispose of living things through physical torture makes me gag. This insensitivity inside their hearts that disregards these basic ethics is unreal.
And it seems that people are finally starting to agree.
The European Union became the first group of countries to ban animal testing in 2013. Other countries followed suit, with over 40 countries having it banned today. Many have legislative proposals in consideration, the United States included.
Does this mean makeup companies will stop the cruelty? Probably not. They’ll continue claiming it’s convenient and ‘necessary’ proof that their product is valid even when the majority of the world on the green side. They need to come to a realization that beauty should be kind, for everyone involved.
But there are many testing ideas that don’t involve abusing other species. PETA claims good ideas such as ‘in vitro,’ where human cells and tissues are replicated and then tested on. Another alternative is ‘in silico,’ which is just computer modeling of human cell reaction to testing. They also take less time and money.
Instead of hurting animals with our beauty products, we should be helping them.
That’s why I am ready for change. And so are these other trendsetting companies.
- Lush – Lush’s entire stance is cruelty-free, they even have animal shaped bath products to remind people who they’re saving. Not only that, they’ve been fighting animal testing for over 30 years and boycott any suppliers who test on animals. Lush believes there are much better, more humane alternatives, and has become very popular for that and other reasons.
- Wands for Wildlife – This is a volunteer-run organization based in the Appalachian wildlife refuge where you can donate your old mascara wands to help remove fly eggs and larvae from animals that are injured. It’s a great alternative to throwing yet another piece of plastic away, and helps animals rather than hurt them.
- Arbonne – You might know Arbonne from their “makeup parties” or just their unique products. Arbonne is a beauty company dedicated to vegan, cruelty free and gluten free products. Their ingredients are 100% plant based. They have never tested a product on animals and are very eco friendly in both their packaging and product ingredients.
- Bare Minerals – This makeup company is not made of any animal derived products, nor are its products tested on animals. A unique perk to this company is their foundation works as a sunscreen. Not just a drugstore oxybenzone base, this formula has no harsh chemicals or unnecessary additives. It’s pure.
- Kjaer Weis – This company doesn’t just not test on animals, but also has a huge environmental stance. All of their products have stainless steel outsides that are refillable, so they don’t go to waste. The refills are packaged in compostable paper, so the only thing that’s considered waste is the mascara wand, which you can send to the Wands for Wildlife foundation. This company is zero waste.
- Nature’s Gate – Another cruelty free company. Even third parties or suppliers do not use animal testing. All of this company’s products are made from entirely fruit and plant extracts, essential oils and herbs. These products are parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, lanolin, petroleum and phthalates free across the board.
All it takes to be a little more environmentally conscious is to be a little more cautious before you buy makeup. Think of the effects. Has this product killed animals? Has it damaged our environment, bringing it even closer to extinction?
Growing research and makeup consumers seem to be moving upwards for cutting off animal testing and environmentally unfriendly ways. Let’s not let it take a turn for the worse by continuing our mindless purchases.
Sophomore Kayla Hallac can be reached at 22hallacka85@daretolearn.org.
