The UK banned animal testing for cosmetics in 1998, and for cosmetic ingredients in 1998 as well. But ingredients used in cosmetics can still be tested on animals when they're assessed under chemicals regulation (REACH) rather than as cosmetics, which is the gap this asks about. Licences of that kind have been granted in recent years.
Dear [MP's name],
I am writing as one of your constituents in [your constituency].
The UK is rightly proud of having banned animal testing for cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients. However, I understand that ingredients destined for cosmetics can still be tested on animals when they are assessed for chemical safety under REACH rather than under cosmetics rules, and that licences permitting this have been granted in recent years.
I would like to know what the Government's position is on closing that gap, so that the ban means in practice what the public understands it to mean. I would also welcome your view on the funding and regulatory acceptance of non-animal testing methods, which remain the route to ending these procedures altogether.
The Government's own roadmap for reducing animal testing, backed by £60 million towards non-animal alternatives, already aims to phase out several other forms of animal testing by 2026 and 2027. I'd like to know why cosmetic ingredient testing under REACH isn't included in that same commitment.
I would be grateful if you could let me know your own view, and whether you intend to raise this with the relevant minister.
Thank you for your time.
Yours sincerely,
[your name]
[your address, including postcode]