Cruelty-free cosmetics

Created in 1996, the Leaping Bunny label or Human Cosmetic Standard (HCS) is one of the European pioneers in cruelty free cosmetics.[11] This logo, valid in Europe and North America, certifies:

• the brand in its totality is cruelty free
• the absence of animal testing of the ingredients
• the absence of animal testing of finished products
• the absence of animal testing in foreign markets

The label does not certify the absence of material of animal origin such as honey.

Each cosmetic is subject to strict control by independent inspection bodies chosen by the Coalition for Consumer Information in Cosmetics (CCIC), which is an NGO founded by 8 international animal protection groups such as: American Anti-Vivisection Society, Animal Alliance of Canada, Doris Day Animal League, etc.

This logo applies to several areas: cosmetics, medicines and hygiene products and home. It certifies that:

• all brands in the group are cruelty free
• the brand in its entirety only offers cruelty free products
• the absence of animal testing of finished products
• the absence of animal testing of the ingredients
• the absence of animal testing in foreign markets

The label does not certify the absence of material of animal origin but does certify that the mark does not have the right to sell its cosmetics in countries where the law authorizes the tests on the animals.

A non-profit association created in the United States has set up two cruelty free labels. The first named "cruelty free" and the second called "cruelty free and vegan". A single criterion separates these two labels: that of the presence or absence of matter of animal origin in the composition of cosmetics.

French non-profit association, the association One Voice is a law association of 1908 under Alsacian-Mosellan law, founded in 1995 militant for the "absolute right of animals to respect". It certifies:

• the absence of animal testing of finished products
• the absence of animal testing of the ingredients
• the presence of organic natural ingredients (orange logo)
• the absence of material of animal origin except honey, pollen and beeswax

This label was created by the International Association of Manufacturers against animal testing in cosmetics (IHTN). It certifies:

• the absence of animal testing of finished products
• the absence of animal testing of the ingredients
• the raw materials of animal origin (egg, milk, honey) come from organic farming. This label prohibits materials of dead animal origin or obtained by ill-treatment. Finally, it also certifies the mark in its entirety. 

Thanks to the development of the media, information and images showing the treatment of animals in laboratories have been disclosed around the world.[12] The methods used to perform the tests have shocked the public and a collective desire to stop the treatment of animals, for the benefit of alternative experiments, such as in vitro tests, in silicon that requires no animal presence are now relevant.

Faced with this plague, the authorities of several nations have reviewed their legislation to limit the use of animal testing in the cosmetics sector.[12]

China has become one of the largest market in the world,[15] so it represents an opportunity for companies to expand their market and sales.

There has been a progression of the Chinese legislation. Thanks to the mobilization of communities and consumers boycotting brands, and the European law banning testing, has had a snowball effect, especially India, which was the first Asian country to ban testing on animals in July 2013. Chinese legislation has therefore evolved by allowing certain brands to gain access to the Chinese market.

Chinese legislation separate cosmetics into two categories:

• Non special use cosmetics: these are all the products that won’t deeply change the aspect of one's body or have a therapeutic aspect, such as makeup, body and face skincare, perfume, toothpaste, nail care.
• Special use cosmetics: these cosmetics change one's aspect in the long term, e.g, slimming products, re-sculpting cream (breast, body, wrinkle...), depilatory products, hair products (coloring hair, permanent hair, Brazilian smooth…) solar protection and deodorants.

Non tested products:

Non special use products manufactured and sold in China

•  Non special use products manufactured but not sold in China
• All products sold on the internet on Chinese or not website

Tested products :

• Special use products manufactured and sold in China
• All products imported and sold in stores in China

Animal testing is therefore mandatory for only a few products, but this change only affects companies that manufacture their products in the country. Companies that have foreign manufacture still need to test on animals but no requirement is imposed on cosmetics purchased on foreign e-commerce sites and delivered in China. [15]