It has been a big controversy for decades and has been questioned all over the world: animal testing for cosmetic uses.

The Humane Society International stated,” It is estimated that between 100,000 and 300,000 rabbits, guinea-pigs, mice and other animals have, until now, been used to test cosmetics in China every year.”

The Humane Society International is one of the only international animal protection organizations in the world working to protect all animals—including animals in laboratories, farm animals, companion animals, and wildlife—and our record of achievement demonstrates our dedication and effectiveness. HSI: Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty, as well as a program to replace labs rats with lab robots. Using today’s technology to help end animal abuse.

China is the only country that requires animal testing on products. During cosmetics testing, animals can have chemicals dripped in their eyes, spread on their skin or force-fed to them in massive, lethal doses. Cosmetic companies such as Estee Lauder, MAC, Clean and Clear, L’oreal, Maybelline, and Revlon have been questioning their cruelty against animal testing.

Because MAC and other companies are sold in China, where animal testing is required, MAC isn’t a cruelty-free company.China remains to be one of the last country that requires cosmetics to be tested on animals.Compassionate consumers were thrilled to hear that China finally made some changes to their animal testing requirements.

• Elephant-room.org, a blog created by Vicky Ly, posted some facts for consideration:
  “China cosmetics animal testing after 30 June:
  • Foreign imported ordinary cosmetics – still require animal testing
  • Domestically produced ordinary* cosmetics – animal testing no longer an absolute requirement
  • Both foreign imported and domestically produced ‘special use’** cosmetics – still require animal testing
  • Domestically produced ordinary cosmetics for foreign export only – have never required animal testing
  • Any cosmetic bought in China via a foreign e-commerce website – has never required animal testing.”

With these changes, 10,000 animals will be saved per year. What requirements are needed for China to test on animals? If they are products that make a functional claim known as “special use” cosmetics, like sunscreen deodorants, skin-whitening cream, hair dyes, perms and hair growth products.If it is ordinary cosmetics such as make up, perfumes, hair/skin/nail products. Along with if it is sold in China, Animal Testing is required by China’s laws (except Hong Kong).

Peter Li, PhD, HSI’s China policy adviser, said: “This is an important first step for China in moving away from cruel and unreliable animal testing for cosmetics. Our Be Cruelty-Free campaign has worked hard to achieve this milestone, but we know much work remains before we eliminate all cosmetics animal testing in China, so we are not resting on our laurels. In making this rule change, China is acknowledging the global trend towards cruelty-free cosmetics, and that’s hugely significant.”

The HSI offers worldwide donations towards changing animal testing. Technology taking over, or taking care of problems?