Animal testing of cosmetic products and cosmetic ingredients is banned in the UK/EU. Selling cosmetic products tested on animals or containing ingredients tested on animals is also banned. CTPA has information further explaining the animal testing bans on its consumer website, www.thefactsabout.co.uk.

CTPA advises that pursuant to both Article 20 of the EU and UK Cosmetics Regulations and Regulation 655/2013 on Common Criteria for Cosmetic Claims, it is very difficult to be able to claim a product is ‘not tested on animals’ or ‘cruelty-free’.

Competent authorities expect companies to demonstrate that none of the ingredients in the product was ever tested on animals.  This has been found very difficult to prove.

For further clarification please see FAQ - Can I claim my products are not tested on animals?

However, explicit statements relating to a company's philosophy regarding animal testing ought to remain acceptable under the Common Criteria.