After scouring the internet for a number of hours, I have compiled what I believe is a pretty complete list of companies that still test their products on animals.  Many of us shop for cosmetics and personal/household products without realizing that we’re supporting animal cruelty.  It disturbs me that, before switching to all-organic products, my skincare and beauty regime contributed to the pain, suffering, and death of countless animals, because I didn’t know any better.

While most people couldn’t stand to watch their neighbour abuse a dog, they continue to buy products from companies that do exactly that.  Just because the cruelty is happening somewhere else, doesn’t mean it’s not happening.  Earlier this year the BC SPCA made a huge enquiry into the massacre of sled dogs in Whistler.  There was a public outcry, but many people don’t realize that animal massacre on this scale is happening in labs all over the world every day.

Every year, more than 100 million animals suffer and die at the hands of animal testing by companies that resist progress.  Instead of using human-relevant non-animal tests, they choose to continue testing on animals because their results can be manipulated.  I think this is shameful.

Although animal testing of pharmaceutical products and certain chemicals is still mandated by law, the arguments against using animals in cosmetics testing are strong.  Only six  percent of animal testing is done for medical research, leaving the other ninety-four percent for cosmetics and household products.  It has been proven that there is already enough existing data, as well as test tube alternatives to make animal testing for cosmetics and household products unnecessary and unethical.

Most of the animals that are used in testing are bred for just that purpose, and never know what life outside a windowless lab is like.  Many others come from the pound. Mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, guinea pigs, and cats are the most commonly used animals for tests.

While doing some research, I have read horrible accounts of what is done to animals in the name of research.  I won’t write the details here, or show the images I came across, but part of me does believe that in order to fully grasp the cruelty inflicted on test animals, we need to be aware of what’s being done by the companies we support. The most common test is called the Draize Test where products are put directly into the animals’ eyes and technicians record the effects.  The Lethal Dose Test measures the amount of a product it takes to kill part of a group of animals forced to eat it.

How aware you want to be, is up to you.  A simple google search will offer you many accounts of extreme animal cruelty in test labs, with equally horrifying photos.  I think that because many people are unable to stomach reading about it, ignorance allows them to continue purchasing products that are tested on animals.  Most of us don’t want to believe it’s true, because we want to continue to use that shampoo we  love.  Finding alternative products is time-consuming.  Ignorance is easier, right?

Just like with chemicals, there are no specific laws regarding the cruelty-free labeling of products, so companies can and do take liberties in order to deceive the consumer.  Many companies that do test on animals also have cruelty-free products, but they have not eliminated animal testing from their entire line. In order to pressure them to stop animal testing, we must boycott all the products made by these companies.

For example, Clairol’s Herbal Essence shampoo label clearly states: not tested on animals. Meanwhile, according to PETA, the company continues to conduct animal testing on its other products.

Some companies place cruelty-free labeling on products that are in fact, not cruelty-free at all.  Are you wondering how they can get away with this? Well, the label could mean that the company itself does not test on animals, but instead hires a laboratory to do their dirty work.  Or, testing is done by the suppliers of the individual product ingredients, and a company may purchase them with a don’t ask, don’t tell philosophy.

If we start boycotting the companies listed below, we will send a message to them that we do not support animal testing.  It’s time for people to open their eyes and take some action.  Just because a company makes it easy for us to forget about its cruel practices with fancy language and inviting packaging, doesn’t mean its acceptable.

A List of Companies That DO Test on Animals