Should Animal Testing For Cosmetics Be Globally Outlawed?

The debate on whether animal testing for cosmetics should be globally outlawed traces its roots to the mid-20th century, when public awareness of animal welfare began to rise alongside advancements in science and technology. Animal testing, in this context, refers to the use of animals to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of cosmetic products or their ingredients. This practice gained prominence during the early 1900s as regulatory frameworks for consumer safety developed. The term "cosmetics" encompasses a broad range of products, including makeup, skincare, haircare, and personal hygiene items. Historically, animal testing was seen as a necessary step to ensure that these products would not harm human users. However, as awareness of animal rights grew, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, opposition to such practices intensified, leading to calls for humane alternatives.