Foreign Exchange: How Consumers Are Challenging China’s Animal Testing Policies
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by Stella Rose Saint Clair
Published Sep 02, 2012
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136
Cruelty Free. A phrase we makeup aficionados are hearing now more than ever—not to mention reading on the backs of our favorite products. If we had a nickel for every bunny-shaped “no animal testing” logo we’ve found printed on the labels in our cosmetics collections, we could, well... buy ourselves a real pet bunny. And that’s great news. Love them or hate them, animal rights organizations such as PETA and The Humane Society have shed ample light on the often harrowing world of animal testing, leading many consumers worldwide to say no more.
As more animal-loving beauty connoisseurs voice their opinions on the often unnecessary testing of cosmetics on our furry friends, countless companies have taken drastic steps toward a more cruelty-free way of business, while brands including Sugarpill and Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics have made vegan-friendly products one of their main points of sale—something that pleases both customers and creatures alike.
However, one such company has caused a bit of an upset in the cruelty-free arena for considering dropping their no animal testing policy in favor of global expansion. Urban Decay—a brand who have long dedicated themselves to “not testing on animals, how could anyone?” as their slogan states, recently made agreements to expand their line to China—a decision that would boost sales by at least 10%. What does this have to do with animal testing? China, a country known for having little to no animal welfare laws, requires all cosmetics sold within the country to undergo poisoning tests on animals in Chinese labs before hitting the market. That means all products currently sold in China have been tested on animals—even those that are still considered “cruelty-free” in the States.
Urban Decay has since revoked their decision to expand to China with thanks to the backlash of their loyal customers who were heartbroken to hear the news. It was the voice of consumers like you who pushed Urban Decay to stand against the laws in China, even if it meant missing out on key sales. If more animal-friendly companies stand with their customers against testing, we may see future Chinese policies against cosmetic testing on animals go into effect sooner than we think. Urban Decay may have caused a media scare that some people are calling a PR scandal to up sales, but if anything, their slip-up has opened our eyes, allowing us as consumers to make more informed decisions about the companies we support—and that’s a change we can all get behind.
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Oct 04, 2012
Shelley W.
If a company starts as a cruelty free brand then they need to stay one even if it means losing out on expansion.
Sep 06, 2012
peppy g.
the Chinese government isn't exactly known to be very "cruel-free" to humans either, so i'm really not surprised that they're not-so-concerned about furry welfare. i'm still upset that Urban Decay even considered this. it's like watching The Body Shop launch whitening products after L'Oreal purchased them all over again (i don't think Anita Roddick would have liked that). i don't feel all warm and fuzzy inside that Urban Decay changed their mind. doesn't mean they suddenly care again. it just means they've realized that they'd be better off letting the extra 10% go to maintain it's current customer-base.
my only concern is that now that Urban Decay isn't marketed in China, Chinese counterfeit manufacturers will begin producing counterfeit Urban Decay make-up. and you know just how safe that is! the Chinese would have been better off if they didn't reserve the right to test, letting US/EU-regulated products into their market. because, really, it's the safety of their own home-brewed make-up they should be worried about.
Sep 05, 2012
Rita B.
Stella, great article....Major Kudos. Has anyone read the article in the NYT this week on the slaughtering of elephants for the ivory. Again the major culprits are the Chinese who have an insatiable appetite for ivory...and now that many have entered the monied class they too want a piece. This is reprehensible and should be publicized...maybe the only way to stop this senseless slaughter and cruelty is to sanction the African governments who turn a blind eye and the Chinese who buy into cruelty to animals...
We are no longer in the middle ages...these cruel barbaric and senseless practices must end whether it is testing animals for make up or killing animals for their tusks and skins.
The fashion industry is to blame for so many fur coats....one day they're anti fur and the next season it's de rigeur....
Sep 06, 2012
peppy g.
Sep 04, 2012
Bec S.
It's so good to see that individuals can make a difference. I became a vegetarian 20 years ago, and a classmate told me that it wouldn't matter because I'm just one person. Now, so many years later, being vegetarian is so common that there are loads of products made for people who don't eat meat (that wasn't the case when I started). I may have just been one person, but lots of other individuals had the same beliefs and now it's a movement. The same is true for something like animal testing. If you make your preferences known by how you purchase, it absolutely makes a difference.
Sep 03, 2012
Tea G.
I love animals! <3 But I can't stand when others test on animals and conduct cruelty! I'm glad Urban decay went back to their original slogo!
Sep 02, 2012
Mai L.
Just to clarify, China doesn't test all the products that are currently sold in the market but they reserve the right to test them. It's all semantics really because who can really be sure whether they do or do not choose to exercise the right. I was rightfully mad at Urban Decay for going back on their original stance and am glad they changed their minds but I couldn't help but be mad that they even considered the option in the first place.
Sep 04, 2012
Rikki P.