Hop away little bunny before the big bad lab catches you
Last week I mentioned CK Escape and was pondering whether this former favourite perfume of mine was still being tested on animals.
Well, after getting a few tips from Alexia over at Fish and Chimps, the Peta UK blog, who I had mailed to ask if she knew what the deal was, I discovered that Calvin Klein is now under the Coty stable, and it is very unclear what Coty’s policies on testing are.
Over at the Peta forum, a discussion has been going on regarding Coty’s policies, and the standard response by Coty includes the following vague statements:
Coty Inc. does not conduct animal testing of any type. This is accomplished by selecting raw materials of the highest quality with well-established safety records and using extensive ingredient databases, in-vitro testing, computer modeling and studies with human volunteers. In fact, to ensure human safety all our products are clinically tested as needed on humans before they are sold in the marketplace.
There are rare occurrences when a government or regulatory agency indicates that an animal study is necessary in order to ensure consumer protection for a component of our products and where no validated alternative exists. In these cases, the need for testing is carefully examined by our suppliers and if the test must be performed, it is strictly controlled. Our research and development team has pioneered safety tests and alternative testing methods in order to eliminate the need for animal testing.
Yes but no but maybe, basically. The problem with this ballgame is that cosmetic companies can easily claim that they don’t test, when they just outsource the testing to another company. Also, they can claim that the product is not tested on animals, but then it turns out that the ingredients are. The less clear their policies, the less informed the masses are – and this obviously suits companies just fine.
Anyway, I mailed someone in Coty’s consumer department asking for clear info on animal testing policies, for ingredients and outsourced testing… now just have to wait and see if they feed me the same statement or if they have anything good to tell me.
Quite honestly, I would rather just not bother with Escape. Much as I loved that fragrance, even the slightest confusion or doubt about it being cruelty-free has put me off totally, and I would rather find something yummy AND ethical, like Clarins Par Amour Toujours or my current favourite perfume Estee Lauder’s Beyond Paradise.
If you’re unsure about the perfume or cosmetics you use, do a quick check on the Caring Consumer website – it takes less than a minute or two, and is well worth the effort to ensure that you’re living cruelty-free.
i’m pleased to see some of my favourites have been green lighted.
I was pretty relieved to see the Beyond Paradise in the good list too.
Even though I was raised to be an activist tree and bunny hugger, even I had a battle of conscience years ago just before I really discovered Peta and got into my own animal rights vibe.
I still remember when I discovered the Escape was tested on animals, I wanted to be sure so I cross-checked and that was how I found the Peta website. That moment of ‘eish, what I am going to do with this info’ was pretty profound but once I got past that, it was much easier.
The worst thing is that it can be so hard to find decent cruelty-free product ranges in South Africa – in the US and Europe there are lot more options but here it’s somewhat limited. Still, once you know more about what NOT to get, it’s easier to find alternatives.
Run little bunny rabbit, run!
Good point, I will check out the site, no point me being squeamish about cutting up animals if I allow other people to!
I think you’ll have a bit more options on your side of the world, we’re still a bit backward here regarding stuff like this, hehe.