Common Products Tested on Animals
Once your eyes finally open up to the cruelty of animal testing, you’ll be surprised by the number of common day-to-day products that industrial laboratories test on animals first. We discuss some of them in detail here.
Cosmetic Products
Make up and perfumes are commonly tested on animals before they leave the lab. Companies claim this is done to measure skin irritancy levels, toxicity, and eye tissue damage that the various ingredients in the cosmetics cause.
One example is the Draize test where the caustic ingredient in question is put into conscious rabbits eyes to evaluate the extent of damage it will cause to eye tissues that are sensitive. This is very painful for the rabbit. They frequently scream on application of the substance. Sometimes, they break their backs or necks in attempts to escape restraints. Opt for companies like Avon, Mary Kay, and The Body Shop instead. They use non-animal methods of testing that are humane to ensure their cosmetics’ safety instead.
Household Products
Household products such as washing liquid, detergent, bleach, solvents, polish for furniture, air fresheners, and pesticides are all common items tested on animals. These products are tested on animals as part of ‘safety tests’ to protect the customers and environment. In fact, even Clorox, the bleaching agent used in removing tough stains and cleaning bathrooms is tested on animals. On the other hand, companies like Marks & Spencer already claim to be using only non-animal testing methods.
Animals are put through horrible tests in testing phases of novel products for the household. New brands of agricultural chemicals and food additives are continuously being introduced. This just means more animal testing. Yet, at the same time, many thousands of existing safe, effective and tested chemicals are already available. How much more do they need?
Do your bit and eliminate those items that have been tested on animals from your homes. Opt for those companies that spend the extra money and make the extra effort to remain cruelty-free even if it means paying a few extra cents for your detergent.