Did you know that more than 100 million animals—including dogs, cats, and rabbits, are killed in laboratories every year? One reason is due to cosmetic testing. Animals do not have the same genetic makeup as humans. Testing on them is an outdated, cruel, and useless practice. Continue reading for why this happens and what we as consumers can do about it. 

The main reason companies allow their products to be tested on animals is because they have chosen profit over ethics by entering the mainland Chinese market.

China’s government mandates that for any cosmetic to be sold in the county, it must be tested on an animal.

The life for these animals in laboratories is heartbreaking. They are blinded, burned, injected, and skinned before being electrocuted to death.

You may be thinking, “but what can I do to help?” Follow these 3 steps to make a difference.

1. Our wallet – Only purchase cruelty-free products. Supply and demand go hand-in-hand, and the biggest way to cast our vote is through our dollar.

2. Research – There are many useful guides to determine what products are cruelty-free such as Choose Cruelty Free (CCF), Leaping Bunny, Beauty Without Bunnies, Cruelty-Free Kitty, and Logical Harmony.

3. Use your voice – If you find yourself passionate about this subject, share with friends and family. If you want to go further, donate to animal causes, write to companies, and political representatives. 

Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures.

The Dalai Lama