Cosmetic is any product or substance that is applied superficially to any part of the body in order to improve its general appearance, appearance, color or smell.
The differentiation between a cosmetic and a product that is not, is well defined; both in its purpose and in its form of application. Cosmetics only fulfill an aesthetic function, never curative, and their use is always external, which implies that no product that enters the body by any means can be considered as such.
Cosmetics can include products such as shampoos, all kinds of makeup, tooth whiteners, nail polish, gels, or deodorants.
The cosmetics industry and animal testing
The cosmetic industry moves large amounts of money. As it is a type of product in high demand, laboratories are continually launching new products and brands on the market, which have previously had to pass severe controls.
To investigate these products, the cosmetic industry performs tests with different substances that need to be tested for toxicity.
As a result, every year thousands and thousands of animals are used in these tests, suffering significant damage that causes eye and skin injuries and even death in many cases.
This has led to protests by animal protection organizations that refuse to be used for this purpose, especially when there are alternatives that could replace this practice.
As of 2013, a European regulation came into force that prevented the sale of cosmetics tested on animals, although this has not ended the problem, since many of the components that are used in the production of these cosmetics do continue to be tested. in them.
Hence the emergence of a movement called "Cruelty free" whose seal is the only guarantee that cosmetic products have not been tested on animals, as well as any of the components with which they have been made.
This movement invites consumers to become aware of the problem and only buy cosmetic products under this seal, however, most of the major brands in the cosmetic industry have not embraced it. Although these brands have stopped direct testing of their products on animals, they continue to use components that have followed this process.
Photos: iStock - andresr / benimage
