1. United States
Virginia has joined three other states in banning cosmetics testing on animals. Companies often test new cosmetics on rabbits, mice, and other animals to ensure they’re safe for human use. Animal advocates say these methods are cruel and unnecessary, considering all the alternative ways to test the effects of moisturizers, makeup, and other cosmetic items.
The Humane Cosmetics Act, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2022, prohibits cosmetics companies from testing on animals and bans the sale of products tested elsewhere on animals. California, Nevada, and Illinois have similar legislation. Animal testing of cosmetics and the sale of such products are also banned in the European Union, Iceland, India, Israel, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.