California Bans Animal-Tested Cosmetics
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On September 28, 2012 California passed a bill, banning sale of animal-tested cosmetics. In other words, only cruelty-free cosmetic products, including the ingredients they’re manufactured with, will be allowed for sale in California – the home of Reshma Beauty headquarters. Manufacturers have until January 1, 2020 to adapt their operations to this bill.
We at Reshma Beauty® couldn’t be happier. Our company, started by the late Dr. I.K. Jawa, operates on four founding philosophies:
Love for Self
Love for Others
Love for Tradition
Love for Nature
These values entail taking care of, and being gentle towards, Nature and all living beings.
India, where Reshma Beauty® products are produced, had placed a ban on animal testing of cosmetics and their ingredients in 2013. In 2014, India also banned the import of cosmetics tested on animals. It’s wonderful to see California join the list of progressive governments taking this big step forward.
WHY BAN ANIMAL TESTING?
Here are just some reasons to ban animal testing:
It’s inhumane.
Animal testing includes such despicable practices as forcing animals to inhale and swallow chemicals, rubbing the chemicals onto the animals’ skin and dripping them into the animal’s eyes and ears. Most animals are killed after the testing is incomplete.
If we stop and think about all the suffering created just for us to use a cream or a lipstick – is it really worth it? We believe the answers is no.
It’s ineffective.
According to PETA, “The Food and Drug Administration reports that 92 out of every 100 drugs that pass animal tests fail in humans”. In other words, besides being impossibly cruel, the vast majority of animal testing really brings no certainty on how the same chemicals will affect humans.
It is not required by U.S. regulations.
Animals testing is outdated and is no longer required by the FDA.
“The FDA) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) advises cosmetics manufacturers “to employ whatever testing is appropriate and effective for substantiating the safety of their products” and notes that the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act “does not specifically require the use of animals in testing cosmetics for safety.” (Source: PETA.org)
WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES?
Some practices already in existence to replace animal testing are:
Human volunteers
Unlike animals, people can make the educated and conscious choice to participate in the test, making it a more ethical solution.
Computer-based testing
This method allows to use the large amount of already existing data to predict possible reactions to the chemicals and ingredients in question.
In Vitro testing
Sometimes referred to “as tube testing”, this type of research is performed on separate cells to see how they react with a certain ingredient, without inducing harm to the living body.
While all these methods are still in development, they are showing to be effective, according to scientific research institutions. As more organizations and countries are embracing cruelty-free products, we are creating a more positive future together in the worldwide community.
Reshma Beauty® is committed to being Cruelty-Free.
All of Reshma Beauty® products - from Classic Henna Hair Color, to traditional Indian facial care such as Multani Mitti and Turmeric soap, to Sulfate- and Paraben-Free Shampoo & Conditioner – are manufactured without animals testing. We are committed to staying cruelty-free, for good.
What is your opinion on animal testing? Is the product being cruelty-free an important factor when you shop?