CA Likely To Become First State To Ban Cosmetic Animal Testing

MALIBU, CA – California just became the first state likely to ban beauty products tested on animals. The California State Assembly unanimously passed bill SB 1249, which will make it illegal to sell products – including everything from makeup to deodorant – that have been, or include ingredients that have been, tested on animals, People reported. Now, it's up to Governor Jerry Brown to sign it into law.

The change will go into place on January 1, 2020 if the California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act is signed into law. It would apply to all brands currently selling in California as well as any new brands that enter the market, according to the website.

The bill was introduced back in February by California Senator Cathleen Galgiani (D), according to Glamour. Proponents of the California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act are hopeful it will pass, as Brown's history in office shows he has historically supported animal-welfare issues, the website said.

“I’m proud of California lawmakers for moving science, industry, and ethics forward today. Cruelty-free cosmetics are good for business, safe for humans, and don’t harm animals,” said Senator Galgiani, who authored the bill.

California would join the European Union, Switzerland, India, Israel, Guatemala, and other countries that have banned or restricted animal testing on cosmetics, Business Wire reported. The Golden State has already passed animal welfare bills into law, including in 2000 when it outlawed animal testing when appropriate alternatives are available, and in 2014 it passed the Cruelty Free Cosmetics Resolution, which urged Congress to prohibit animal testing for cosmetics, Glamour reported.

However, many brands based in the United States, like Herbivore, Milk Makeup, Lush and Fenty Beauty voluntarily avoid animal testing entirely.

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