Cosmetic Companies Test Their Products on Animals
Types of tests done by cosmetic companies.
Before cosmetic products are available in the market, they are subjected to various tests. It’s an ugly truth that most of these tests are conducted on animals. It is better you know what are these tests and how they affect the animals.
Skin advice is always available on the net. The aim of animal testing is to make sure that ultimately when women use a product, it will be safe for them. After testing on animals, most of them are killed. NAVS reports that the test on animals is inhumane but also very costly.
Cosmetics companies and animal testing continue to go together, in spite of protests and campaigns against them. Given below are a few primary tests which are done on animals:-
Draize Test
In 1944, FDA toxicologist John H. Draize devised this test. It is used to determine dermal irritation mostly on sensitive skin. Albino rats are used for this test, their fur is shaved and several layers of the skin are removed before the substance under study is applied. The abraded area is covered with plastic sheeting. The readings are taken at 24 and 72 hours.
Eye Irritancy Test
This is to check the effect of cosmetics on the eyes. The eyelids of Albino rabbits are held open with clips to prevent them from blinking away the test solution. This is very painful and readings are taken at 24, 48, 72 hours and can go up to 7 days.
Guinea Pig Maximization Test
The above test is used to measure the sensitizing potential of an ingredient. This is done by injecting the compound under the skin and applying the same on its surface.
Many companies publish claims of not doing animal testing but the truth cannot be ascertained easily. Manufacturers claim that as no alternative types of test are available they cannot stop animal testing. Their products have to be tested as human lives are more important than animals. Trials for other methods of testing are under way, and will hopefully soon put an end to this cruelty!
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