AAP
May 06, 2013
MAJOR cosmetic brands are failing to inform customers that their beauty products are tested on animals in China.
Consumer watchdog Choice said it will refer the brands to the consumer commission.
A Choice investigation has found that many manufacturers’ websites, packaging, and sales staff are failing to inform Australian customers that their beauty products are tested on animals in China.
Skin and eye irritation tests must be conducted on animals in order for cosmetic products to be sold in China, which are paid for by manufacturers.
In order to break into booming Chinese cosmetic markets, many companies have gone back on their anti-animal testing policies without informing consumers, says Choice researcher Zoya Sheftalovich.
She said some brand websites say their products are not tested on animals “except where required to be by law”.
Other brands’ websites directly claimed that their products weren’t tested on animals when they were, Ms Sheftalovich said.
“I don’t know why they think they can get away with that, because that’s incorrect, and that’s why Choice is referring certain manufacturers to the (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission),” she told AAP.
“We think that’s misleading to consumers who are seeking out this information, because a lot of consumers really do care whether their cosmetics are tested on animals.”
A list of the worst offenders would be sent to the ACCC this week, she said.
At David Jones and Myer in Sydney, Choice found staff at the counters of major cosmetic brands did not know whether their companies were testing on animals, and were ignorant of current Chinese legislation regarding the testing of cosmetics.
Staff selling SK-II, Lancome, Dior, and M.A.C all claimed their products weren’t tested on animals when they were, while those selling Clarins said animal testing was illegal around the world.
The ACCC can take the companies to court, ask them to change their advertising material, or impose a penalty notice on them.
In the meantime, Choice says consumers should check third-party certification bodies like PETA, The Leaping Bunny, and Choose Cruelty Free.
“Those bodies don’t certify companies that sell their products in China, and they’re constantly checking to see whether there’s been any changes,” Ms Sheftalovich said.
Companies that test on animals:
Avon
Biotherm
Bobbi Brown
Bumble and Bumble
Chanel
Carefree
Chapstick
Clairol
Clean and Clear
Clinique
Clearasil
Dove
Donna Karan
Elizabeth Arden
Estee Lauder
Garnier
Giorgio Armani
Head & Shoulders
Helena Rubinstein
Herbal Essences
Jurlique
Kerastase
Kiehl’s
La Mer
L’Oreal
L’Occitane
Lancome
M.A.C
Max Factor
Maybelline
Michael Kors
Missoni
Nair
Neutrogena
Olay
Old Spice
Pantene
Ponds
Redken
Revlon
Shiseido
SK-II
Sunsilk
Vee
Vidal Sassoon
(NB: This list is not comprehensive) (SOURCE: Choice Magazine, May 2013)
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