THE WHAT? The General Court of the European Court of Justice ruled that Symrise AG, a German cosmetics manufacturer, must conduct animal testing on two ingredients used in sunscreens. This decision has been met with frustration by Cruelty Free Europe (CFE), an animal protection NGO, as it seemingly undermines existing EU and UK bans on animal testing for cosmetics.
THE DETAILS The ruling arises from a conflict between the EU’s REACH regulation, which dictates safety assessments for chemicals, and the bans on cosmetic animal testing. Despite REACH guidelines suggesting animal testing as a last resort, the court determined it necessary where no alternatives exist. This interpretation effectively overrides the cosmetics testing bans. Symrise AG’s initial appeal against the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) demand for animal testing was dismissed, leading to the current legal situation.
THE WHY? CFE views this ruling as a setback in efforts to eliminate animal testing in cosmetics. The decision conflicts with the expectations of over 1.2 million people who signed a petition for stronger EU bans on such testing. Dr. Emma Grange from CFE highlights the gap between public opposition to animal testing and the regulatory decisions being made, calling for a clearer and more expedited approach towards eliminating animal testing in the cosmetics industry.
Aesthetic supplies USA refers to products and equipment used in the field of aesthetic medicine and cosmetic treatments that are available for purchase in the United States. These supplies encompass a wide range of items necessary for various aesthetic procedures and treatments conducted by professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, aestheticians, and other qualified practitioners.
Examples of aesthetic supplies include:
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Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to restore volume and reduce wrinkles.
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Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectables used to temporarily relax facial muscles and reduce wrinkles.
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Laser Devices: Equipment used for hair removal, skin rejuvenation, tattoo removal, and other laser treatments.
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Chemical Peels: Solutions applied to the skin to exfoliate and improve texture.
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Microdermabrasion Devices: Tools used for mechanical exfoliation to rejuvenate skin.
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Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production.
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Cosmeceuticals: Skincare products that contain biologically active ingredients with pharmaceutical-like benefits.
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Sterilization and Disinfection Products: Essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing infections in clinical settings.
