Do you know that every time you use soap, you are making a choice?
As a consumer of cosmetics, personal care or household products, you can direct your dollars toward products that have not been tested on animals. Or you can wash your hands of the issue. Please join in supporting the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals, the most rigorous standard for companies that pledge to manufacture products with compassion. The choice is in your hands!
What is the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals?
Launched in 1996 by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics,* the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals is an internationally recognized non-animal testing standard. Companies that adopt the standard pledge not to conduct or commission animal tests, and not to use any ingredient or formulation that is tested on animals. While many ingredients, formulations and finished products have been tested on animals in the past, the standard is designed to prevent future animal testing.
How is this standard different from other labels?
Some products carry claims such as "not tested on animals" or "cruelty-free." These labels can be confusing to consumers. That's because while many companies no longer test their products on animals, some may use outside contract laboratories that do. Also, companies may not monitor the testing practices of their suppliers. The Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals provides the best assurance that no animal testing is used in any phase of product development—by the company, its laboratories or suppliers.
Are products not tested on animals safe?
In the past, animals were used to test everything from lipstick to furniture polish. However, a number of companies have successfully replaced animal tests with non-animal test methods, including cell cultures, chemical assays, human volunteer testing, literature searches and other sophisticated techniques. One advantage of some "alternative" tests is their speed and accuracy. Non-animal tests may be more easily reproduced, an important requirement in safety testing, and may be more cost-effective over time.
Isn't animal testing of cosmetics, personal care and household products required by law?
No. Neither the U.S. Food and Drug Administration nor the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requires companies to test these products on animals.
Does the standard only apply to cosmetics and personal care products?
No. The Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals also applies to household products such as cleaning supplies, bleach, laundry and dish detergents, floor polish and wax, ink, correction fluid, glue and even toys.
Which companies have adopted the standard?
Hundreds of companies all over the world have already adopted the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals. You can find their products in many supermarkets, drugstores, department stores, salons, natural food stores and specialty shops. A current list of companies that have adopted the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals can be found on the CCIC web site. You can also check the CCIC member web sites below.
What can I do?
As a consumer, your purchasing decisions are the driving force behind the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals. If your favorite products are manufactured by a company that has not adopted the standard, urge it to do so! You can generally find the company's address or telephone number on the back of the product. Also, talk with store managers where you shop and let them know you'd like them to carry more products from companies that have adopted the standard. Finally, be sure to thank the companies already in compliance.
*Members of the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics
The American Anti-Vivisection Society
American Humane Association
Beauty Without Cruelty, U.S.A.
Doris Day Animal League
The Humane Society of the United States
New England Anti-Vivisection Society
