After a 25-year ban, the government has made the decision to resume animal testing for makeup ingredients. The change in policy was made to align with EU chemical rules, as confirmed by a ruling from the High Court. Animal rights activists brought a case against the government, but the High Court deemed their actions legal. However, over 80 brands have expressed their dismay at the government's new stance.
Until 1998, the UK had a complete ban on animal testing for makeup and its ingredients. Animal testing was only permitted if the benefits outweighed the animal suffering, such as for medicinal purposes. However, in 2020, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) mandated that some cosmetic ingredients should be tested on animals to ensure the safety of workers involved in manufacturing these ingredients.
During the court case, it was revealed that since 2019, the government had been issuing licenses for animal testing of cosmetic ingredients in accordance with EU chemical regulations, which they continued even after leaving the EU in 2020. This could involve subjecting rats to inhaling or ingesting chemicals commonly found in foundations and concealers.
