Illinois, California, & Nevada Ban On Cosmetic Testing Goes Into Effect At The Same Time

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As of January 1st, 2020 three states put their cruelty-free cosmetics laws into effect banning the sales of cosmetics tested on animals in each state. 

The Nevada Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act (SB 197), The Illinois Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act (SB0241), and The California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act (SB 1249) all went into effect at the same time in a huge victory to start the new year out with.

All three acts ban and prohibit retailers from selling any cosmetics which have been tested on animals.

The California law was sponsored by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Social Compassion in Legislation with the founder of the latter saying:

“We are proud to have led the effort to pass this monumental law. Animal testing is not needed to prove the safety of cosmetics and personal hygiene products, and this new law codifies that scientific fact.” 

“We must modernize and get rid of these antiquated protocols and stop torturing poor innocent animals. Once again, our great state of California is a leader on such important smart and compassionate animal rights issues.”

“I’m proud of California lawmakers for moving science, industry, and ethics forward today,” Galgiani said in a statement, according to Refinery29. “Cruelty-free cosmetics are good for business, safe for humans, and don’t harm animals.”

On June 2, 2019, Gov. Steve Sisolak approved The Nevada Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act (SB 197), which was introduced to state legislators in February 2019 by Sen. Melanie Scheible.

“The time has come to make cruel cosmetics a thing of the past and I am proud that Nevada is leading the way,” said Scheible.

Like the California act, it contains exemptions for products tested on animals to meet the regulatory requirements of federal, state, or foreign jurisdictions. In other words, products tested on animals in countries like China are not subject to the ban and can still be sold in Nevada.

The Illinois Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act (SB0241) law incentivizes companies to invest in non-animal testing alternatives, which are less expensive and more applicable to humans.

“Cosmetics testing on animals is inhumane, expensive and at odds with the laws and regulations of many countries throughout the world,” said AWI President Cathy Liss in a statement. “We appreciate that the Illinois legislature, Governor Pritzker and consumers are taking a stand against these archaic tests that cause immeasurable suffering.”

The new Illinois legislation, introduced by state Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, states that violations may be enforced by the state’s attorney or municipal attorney of the county or city in which the violation occurred.

“Consumers’ expectations are moving toward products that are not tested on animals, and big personal product brands are changing their practices,” Holmes said in a statement. “There are alternative testing methods that are good for business, safe for consumers and certainly move us forward to a humane approach by eliminating the cruel practices of the past.”

Let’s hope that we get a law on the federal level so this no longer has to be a state by state process. In the meantime, consumers should be learning what cosmetics companies are already vegan and cruelty-free like e.l.f., Wet and Wild, and Bare Minerals.