How to shop cruelty free at Target!

Since I posted the article THE BEST CRUELTY FREE MAKE UP AND COSMETIC I have received a lot of responses from readers, other bloggers or even friends or acquaintances and I like to go further in detail. Here are 10 common responses I have received:

"They only use little animals like mice, rats and rabbits for animal testing." 

Answer: WRONG!

While mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits are most commonly used- animal testing is also done on cats, dogs, monkeys and other animals.

In  fact: Beagles are the dog breed most often used in animal testing, due to their size and passive nature. More than 75,000 dogs, including thousands of homeless animals from animal shelters, are tormented in U.S. laboratories every year. Dogs are a favored species in toxicology studies. In these studies, large doses of a test substance like household cleansers are pumped into animals' bodies, slowly poisoning them until they die.

Every year in the U.S., more than 125,000 primates are imprisoned in laboratories, where they are abused and killed in invasive, painful, and terrifying experiments. Read more: http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-experimentation/primates-laboratories/#ixzz32ppUhUkT

A stray in our neighborhood

"They don´t have an alternative to animal testing yet."

 

Answer: WRONG!

Scientists developed methods for studying diseases and testing products that replace animals and are actually relevant to human health. These modern methods include sophisticated tests using human cells and tissues (also known as in vitro methods), advanced computer-modeling techniques (often referred to as in silico models), and studies with human volunteers. Read more: http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-experimentation/alternatives-animal-testing/#ixzz32pqDbmIi

My Schmusie (Schmoochie)

"Cosmetics have to be tested on animals to make sure people don´t react allergic to them."

 

Answer: WRONG!

Obvious and subtle differences between humans and animals in terms of our physiology, anatomy, and metabolism make it difficult to apply data derived from animal studies to human conditions. Animal studies do not reliably predict human outcomes. Nine out of ten drugs that appear promising in animal studies go on to fail in human clinical trials. Read more: http://www.aavs.org/site/c.bkLTKfOSLhK6E/b.6456997/k.3D74/Problems_with_Animal_Research.htm#.U4NbsHb1gaM

Schmusie! Not on the table! :-)

"It is the US law to test cosmetics to make sure the products are safe."

 

Answer: WRONG!

The US does not require animal testing on cosmetics! (China does!)  Manufacturers of cosmetics do have the option of using non-animal methods to produce safety data. But as animal testing has become a standard, accepted practice, manufacturers use it as a convenient way to make sure they have the appropriate data to present in court in case of a lawsuit. In these litigious times, many companies continue to rely on animal testing as a legal safety net, even though it is not required by law.

Schmusie looking outside a window

"It is OK if they test cosmetic on animals because a lipstick or shampoo can not hurt, right?"

 

Answer: WRONG!

I have gotten quite similar responses a lot and it makes me almost sick to my stomach to hear. But then I have to remind myself that the person who says this simply does not know better!

The most frequently used animal tests for cosmetics include various versions of the Draize eye and skin irritancy tests, and the LD-50 test. All of these tests were designed in the mid-1900s and have long been criticized for their cruelty and subjectivity.

The Draize tests attempt to measure the potential harmfulness of chemicals to humans by observing the damage they cause to the eyes and skin of animals. In the Draize test for eye irritancy, various concentrations of products are applied directly into the animals’ eyes, which can cause intense burning, itching and pain.

In the Draize tests for skin irritancy, test substances are applied to shaved and abraded skin, which is then covered with plastic sheeting. (Skin is abraded by firmly pressing adhesive tape onto the animal's body and repeatedly stripping it off until several layers of skin have been removed.)

The LD-50 test is used to measure the acute toxicity levels of certain ingredients on live animals. LD-50 stands for Lethal Dose 50 Percent-the amount of concentration of a substance that will kill half of a test group of animals within a specified time period when that substance is forcibly ingested, inhaled or otherwise exposed to an animal.

The Internet is an easy place to find every information you are interested in and I found extensive data about how for example Wella is force feeding hair color to animals (yes- hair dye!!!) to determine if they get cancer. Tests are horrifying and absolutely absurd.

 I know that Shampoo hurts in my eyes and I certainly won´t eat my hair dye! Why all this waste of tests? And who are those people who have no problem doing all these experiments on animals?

My Schmusie

"Every ingredient got tested at some point, so at the end it´s impossible to buy any cosmetic that has not been tested."

 

Answer: CORRECT! BUT...

While this might be a correct statement I like to remind you that we are not talking about what happened in the past. What happened, happened. It is about NOW AND THE FUTURE! We do have thousands of safe ingredients and do not need any more ingredients! I find it is OK to purchase products which have been tested in the past but I do not want any NEW ingredients which involves new animal testing!

Schmusie taking a walk

"Unfortunately I can not give up my favorite Make up."

 

Answer: THIS IS ULTIMATELY UP TO YOU!

I got this also quite a lot. Really? If you really know what absurd, cruel and horrible tests companies do on animals I can not imagine that you still think it is worth having that lipstick or that Mascara. I just can´t. But of course- the choice is ultimately yours.

And I admit: some products might be hard to find a cruelty free option for. I have a hard time myself finding a deodorant that really works, a toothpaste that does not taste like pure salt, a laundry detergent that does not cost $17.99.

But honestly: for Make up or Skin Care I do not see a problem at all. There is fantastic choices out there. Please check again my list for Cruelty Free Brands and you will be surprised how easy this can be done.

In the beginning of the year I raved about my Rimmel Scandaleyes in nude because it opens up my eyes so beautifully and also has a fantastic staying power. But honestly: even though I love this product- I do love animals much more. My conscience does not allow me to forget what is happening in their laboratories! As long as Rimmel does animal testing I will not repurchase this for sure (but I will use it up).

It is absolutely unnecessary to buy Make up from brands that still test on animals. I do understand that certain medical conditions (for example super sensitive skin, acne or contact lense solutions) might require certain products. But a lipstick or mascara? Sorry. I can not understand it. But I know I must ACCEPT if you DO think this is necessary for your life...

Another stray cat in our neighborhood

"There is not enough cruelty free options out there that I can afford/ or not enough options in the high end range."

 

Answer: WRONG!

C`mon! There is super affordable options like Elf, Wet n Wild, Jane, Milani, Jordana, Essence, LA colors, Nyx etc and also High End options like Too Faced, Nars, Tarte, Bare Essentials, Hourglass, It Cosmetics , Kat von D, Urban Decay etc. If you WANT to switch to cruelty free cosmetic, the options are endless!

Also: I like to mention that I was a self proclaimed Nivea and Loreal girl! I loved those brands for many, many years. And it is not that I did not know that they do animal testing. I knew that. But what I did not know was, how many cruelty free options we have now! I am no longer buying any Loreal or Nivea products- even though I really loved all their products! (I am very happy that I already found a fantastic dupe for my beloved Nivea Creme: Argan Oil works fantastic and is such a wonderful organic, all natural product without any chemicals).

Schmusie is waiting for Santa

"I have sensitive skin or acne and can only use certain brands that are not cruelty free."

 

Answer: YOUR DECISION!

Like I mentioned before. I do understand those circumstances. But you can still TRY if another brand works. If it does not work- yes- do what is best for your skin.

Let me add that I am sure Paula´s choice has options for every skin concern you might have (from very sensitive to rosacea, acne or mature skin). I also understand that these brands might be too expensive for you. Maybe Burt´s Bee or Yes to Carrots are cheaper alternatives to try?

Dirty little stray hehe!

"In Europe they could end animal testing for cosmetics because the people demonstrate against things but we don´t do that here."

 

 

Answer: WRONG!

A dear blogger friend actually said this to me (I will not mention names!). One of the reasons why European countries have moved more quickly than the U.S. in banning product testing on animals is that they have issued laws that companies are required to follow.

But the FDA continues to accept the results of animal tests to substantiate safety, and gives companies control over the decision as to whether or not to use animals. Thus, companies have no incentive to change their practices.

In fact: one reason why animal testing in Europe got banned last year is by collecting signatures!

And we can do  right now the same here in the US! Don´t think that your signature does not count! It really does! Show that you care and support Legislation to End Animal Testing for Cosmetics! Please sign this!!! We can do this! I believe in YOU! :-)

Please support Legislation to End Cosmetics Testing on Animals! CLICK HERE!!

Take more Action:

Stop Air France from Transporting Primates to Laboratories! CLICK HERE!

Urge ABX Air to Stop Shipping Monkeys to Laboratories CLICK HERE!


Thank you so much for listening!

You might also like:

THE BEST CRUELTY FREE MAKE UP AND COSMETIC 2014
 

How to shop cruelty free at Target!

 Have a great day,

Sissi 

My opinions and experiences. Contains affiliate links.