Nail polish and animal testing. OPI? ESSIE? Read on - this might shock you. (Julie)

I've really thought long and hard about this lately, and if you can believe it - certain NP brands STILL test on animals. I don't think i need to go on a tirade about how inhumane and cruel and awful this practice is....but I will urge you to NOT spend any money on their products. I did a lot of research this evening, and now it's 2am and I'm still up, further weaving myself into this world of animal testing. There is so much we choose to turn the other cheek to, but that's not going to make it go away! It's only going to strengthen the number of companies who still practice this. So next time you see a super cute swatch by one of the culprits, remember that there are plenty of companies out there that make perfect and superior dupes of that swatch that don't torture animals to achieve their product.

I have compiled a list exclusive to companies that produce nail polish. To see full lists which include more beauty products, just check out any of my resources listed at the bottom of this blog post.

Here is an up-to-date list of companies that produce nail polish that
IS tested on animals:

-Aziza

-Elizabeth Arden

-Givenchy

-Lancome

-L'Oreal

-Max Factor

-Maybelline

-Rimmel

-Sally Beauty Supply (Alberto Culver)

-Shisiedo

Aside from that, there are many companies who purchases their ingredients from companies who DO test on animals. There is an official list that must be signed by companies which state they do not test on animals. After they have done so, they can be listed on sites such as PETA. One above most that stands out is Coty (opi, nyc color). While they claim to be cruelty-free (in a very vague statement) they will still not sign the papers which would add them to a list. I have also read from a few resources that they definitely do test on animals. I smell something fishy Coty!

This next list is compiled of cosmetics companies that tend not to test on animals themselves, but continue to buy, use and benefit financially from chemical ingredients that have recently been tested on animals by their suppliers:

- Avon

- Chanel
- Clarins
- Clinique

- Cover Girl (partnered with proctor & gamble)

- Essie (yes, essie! Acquired by L'Oreal in April 2010)

- Estee Lauder
- MAC - after a lot of research I have found that despite their testimonials, they still do
- NYC/New York Color (coty)

- OPI - *"was acquired by Coty LLC at the end of 2010. Coty tests on animals."

- Revlon

And we can argue to the death about "parent companies" - but I say if a company is purchasing the ingredients in which they use for their products from a company who's products are tested on animals, or is funding a company that does test on animals, yet still claim to be cruelty free, then they are freakin' FRAUDS.

Take for instance Coty (who has taken over OPI) I found a statement by a nail polish enthusiast and animal loving woman alike named Brooke on a nail polish, and I wholeheartedly agree with it...

"This is not a personal attack, nor is this an attack on Coty. I am not trying to upset you or disparage Coty. What I would like is for animal testing to end.

Coty's website reads: "We share our consumers' respect for life, and therefore are committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of human safety while eliminating the need for testing on animals." This is almost identical to Proctor & Gamble's statement (P&G is one of the biggest animal testing companies).

Coty is "committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of human safety" (meaning, 'we still need to test products on animals') "while eliminating the need for testing on animals" (meaning, 'we are working on ways to eliminate animal testing'). This is a slick and fancy way to say, "Yes, we test on animals, but conscious consumers should still buy from us because we could be working to eliminate animal testing."

Companies that do not test are very open about it. Consumers avoid companies that test on animals. Companies want consumers to buy from them. When they do not test on animals, they make this clear.

I have a serious problem with animal testing and I think it is important for consumers to be aware and informed"

Just some serious food for thought my friends. And if you still want to go out and get that new shade by Cover Girl tomorrow - please be aware that while most animals used for testing are bred for that specific reason, there are still countless numbers of animals that actually come from the pound. i.e. that lost cat or dog that nobody claimed and was left stranded at the pound, and even stolen pets! That sickens me to the core. If you doubt me on that statement, check out Dealing Dogs, the HBO document.

"Mice, rabbits, dogs, guinea pigs, cats and monkeys are the most commonly used animals for tests. It has been proven that there is already enough existing safety data, as well as in vitro (test tube) alternatives to make animal testing for cosmetics and household products even more unnecessary and unethical."
from http://www.aboutmyplanet.com/science-technology/animal-testing/

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Now that I've probably drained you, here I will move on to companies that do not test on animals, nor do they purchase their ingredients from companies who do:

- Almay

- Barielle

- Barry M (vegan)

- BB Couture

- Bonnie Belle

- China Glaze

- Color Club (vegan)

- Clinique
- Deborah Lippmann (vegan)

- E.L.F. Cosmetics (transitioning to vegan!)

- Hard Candy

- Jane Cosmetics
- Jesse's Girl

- Jordana
- Misa (vegan)
- NFU Oh

- Nubar (vegan)
- Orly
- Rescue Beauty Lounge

- Seche

- Urbay Decay (vegan)
- Wet N' Wild
- Zoya (vegan)

my sources:
peta.org
thevegetariansite.com,
*nevertoomuchglitter.wordpress.com,

polishgalore.com,
www.aboutmyplanet.com
http://www.uncaged.co.uk/animaltesting.htm

ALL LISTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND WILL BE UPDATED ACCORDINGLY. I WILL STRIVE TO HAVE THIS LIST AS CURRENT AS POSSIBLE, AND PROVIDE YOU WITH AS MUCH ACCURATE INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CORRECT ME. I HAVE CONTACTED MANY NP COMPANIES FOR AN ANSWER, AND STILL AWAIT REPLIES.