Statement by John Hurson, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, Personal Care Products Council on the Humane Cosmetics Act (H.R. 2858)


“We appreciate the intent of Congresswoman Martha McSally (R-AZ), Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Representatives Joe Heck (R-NV) and Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) introducing H.R. 2858 – legislation that would eliminate the need to conduct animal testing for cosmetics and personal care products – a stance that echoes our industry’s longstanding commitment on this issue.  We look forward to our ongoing dialogue with their respective offices about how best to achieve these goals in a way that doesn’t compromise consumer safety or companies’ ability to innovate and make important new products available to consumers.

“As this legislation continues to evolve, it is important for the public and policymakers to understand the following:

  • Cosmetics companies largely stopped animal testing on finished products in the 1980s.
  • Companies now only consider animal testing when mandated by government bodies or for safety evaluations of new ingredients when no viable alternative is available.
  • Our industry has long advocated for government recognition and acceptance of alternative testing methods.  Unfortunately, the Food & Drug Administration has not recognized many alternative tests – we hope removing this obstacle will emerge as a key provision of H.R. 2858.
  • We have been at the forefront in developing alternatives to animal testing.  Our industry has invested hundreds of millions of dollars over the past several decades to develop scientifically valid alternative safety testing methods.  This research began in 1981 with a $1-million industry grant to establish the Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing. We have continued to foster research programs that will eliminate the need for animal testing.

“Consumer and product safety remains a top priority for our industry.  We will continue our commitment to the development of additional alternative testing methodologies that will ensure the safety of new cosmetic ingredients without the use of animal testing.  We look forward to working with Congress to achieve a responsible approach – one that ensures ongoing innovation and the proven track record of safety that consumers enjoy when using our products.”