Cruelty Free International and The Body Shop Applaud Humane Cosmetics Act

     (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150121/726834 )

Traditionally, cosmetics have been tested on animals to demonstrate efficacy and safety. In 80% of the world, there are no laws banning animal tests for cosmetics products and ingredients. To market a product, a company must demonstrate its safety; this can be done effectively and reliably using approved non-animal tests and combinations of existing ingredients already established as safe for human use.

The European Union - the world's largest cosmetics market - ended the testing of cosmetics products on animals in 2003 and of ingredients in 2009. In 2013, it outlawed the sale in Europe of new cosmetics tested on animals outside the EU, inspiring legislation around the world.

Cruelty Free International Chief Executive, Michelle Thew commented, "We are delighted that this landmark bill has been re-introduced with strong bi-partisan support. Consumers in the U.S. and worldwide want cosmetics produced without the cruel use of animals and without compromising safety or quality. That's why it's time for the Humane Cosmetics Act in the U.S., and for a United Nations global ban to end cosmetics animal testing - everywhere and forever."

Jessie Macneil-Brown, Senior Manager International Campaigns, said, "The Body Shop is campaigning alongside Cruelty Free International to call for a UN global ban on animal testing for cosmetics products and ingredients. We are proud of the part we have played in changing animal testing laws around the world.  The Humane Cosmetics Act, which we support - would help harmonize international laws which is good for animals and business."

Last week, The Body Shop and Cruelty Free International launched a campaign for a global ban on animal testing on cosmetics products and ingredients by 2020, revolutionizing the beauty industry and protecting millions of animals worldwide. The campaign is being taken to the highest authority, the United Nations, to request an international convention banning cosmetics testing on animals.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Cruelty Free International

Cruelty Free International is the leading organisation working to create a world where nobody wants or believes we need to experiment on animals. http://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org

The Body Shop

The Body Shop is a global beauty brand founded in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick. It currently has a range of 1,000 products which it sells in 3,000 franchised stores in over 60 countries. http://www.thebodyshop.com

For more information contact:

UK: Martin Mallon, +44(0)207-619-6978, [email protected]

US: Monica Engebretson, +1-916-800-5735, [email protected]

SOURCE Cruelty Free International