Press Releases

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Nanette Barragán (D-CA) led a bipartisan delegation in reintroducing the Humane Cosmetics Act. The legislation would end safety testing of cosmetic products on animals and prohibit the sale of products developed using animal testing in the United States.

“Cosmetics testing on animals is cruel, unnecessary, and outdated, and Congress should finally put a stop to it,” said Rep. Beyer, “Much of the cosmetics industry has already moved to more scientifically sound methods that do not result in animal cruelty. The Humane Cosmetics Act would outlaw an obsolete and inhumane practice without damaging American businesses. I thank my colleagues for supporting the Humane Cosmetics Act, which I hope will receive swift consideration.”

“Subjecting animals to painful experiments to test cosmetics is inhumane and entirely unnecessary,” said Rep. Buchanan, who serves as co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus. “Scientific advancements have created viable alternatives to these cruel experiments, while still ensuring that cosmetic products are safe for human use. As countries around the world work to prohibit animal testing in cosmetics, it’s time for the United States to get on board.”

“The Humane Cosmetics Act is bipartisan legislation that will protect animals from being subjected to unnecessary testing by banning the production and sale of animal-tested cosmetics,” said Rep. Calvert. “I have and will continue to advocate for the expanded use of scientific alternatives to animal testing as a way to protect animals as well as lower costs for consumers and taxpayers. I want to thank Rep. Beyer for working on this important bipartisan step to protect animals.”

“Every year in our nation, thousands of animals suffer as a result of cosmetic animal testing. This cruel practice continues even as scientific advancements have created viable alternatives that make animal testing unnecessary,” said Rep. Tonko. “Our Humane Cosmetics Act would institute national restrictions on animal testing for cosmetics, all while supporting the development and implementation of testing alternatives that will ensure the continued growth of the U.S. cosmetics industry. I’m proud to support this legislation that will restore America’s position as a world leader in cruelty-free safety methods that promote the well-being of humans and animals alike.”

“Every animal should be treated humanely. It is time for the United States cosmetics industry to move past cruel and painful tests on animals.” said Rep. Barragán. “Throughout my time in Congress, I have been a champion on efforts that would require organizations to transition away from animal testing in drug and personal product development. I am proud to co-lead this effort to end animal testing and advance efficient, reliable non-animal testing alternatives.”

The Humane Cosmetics Act is supported by a number of animal protection organizations, and by prominent industry leaders.

“Twelve states and 45 countries already slammed the door shut on new animal testing for cosmetics. In fact, the U.S. is essentially the only country in the North America that hasn’t passed legislation to end it.” said Sara Amundson, President of Humane World Action Fund formerly called the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “That is why we are proud to endorse this legislation so America can remain a leader in animal welfare. In this divided Congress, leadership matters and Reps. Beyer and Buchanan should be applauded for protecting consumers and animals while promoting good science.”  

Monica Engebretson, Head of Public Affairs North America, Cruelty Free International, said, “Cruelty Free International applauds this renewed effort to bring an end to animal testing for cosmetics across the United States. This is a unifying issue that has earned bipartisan support and will match the progress we are seeing at the state-level and around the world as consumers, companies, regulators, and advocates come together to achieve a common goal of ensuring that animals won’t suffer for the sake of cosmetics anywhere.”

“We applaud Reps. Don Beyer (D-Va.), Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) for driving a significant bipartisan effort that sets the stage for eliminating new cosmetics animal testing in favor of innovative, scientifically advanced safety assessments. This reintroduction builds on the decades-long effort to promote non-animal alternatives and move closer to eliminating the need for animals in product safety testing,” said Thomas F. Myers, President & CEO, Personal Care Products Council.

Senate companion legislation is expected to follow later in the session.

Text of the Humane Cosmetics Act is available here.