PETA. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals shares how more than 100 million animals every year suffer and die in cruel cosmetic tests. Hundreds of thousands of animals are poisoned, blinded and killed every year by cruel corporations.

The FDA defines cosmetics as “articles intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body’s structures or functions.” Most people when they think of cosmetic products think of girl’s makeup, but cosmetic products are a large variety of different products. This includes skin cream, perfume, cologne, lipstick, nail polish, eye and facial makeup, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner and hair dye.

The type of animals tested on can vary from test to test. The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), says the animals mostly tested on are mice and rabbits. Other animals include guinea pigs, rats, birds, amphibians, reptiles and other mammals. These terrified animals have substances forced down their throats, dripped into their eyes, or smeared onto their skin before they are killed through a variety of tests. One of the many gruesome tests conducted on the animals includes the acute toxicity test. This is where animals are force-fed or forced to inhale massive doses of chemical ingredients. This can result in severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, convulsions, paralysis, seizures and bleeding before their death. Another test includes the eye and skin corrosion tests. This is where chemical substances are dripped into the animal’s eyes or rubbed into their shaved skin. This creates ulcers, scabs, swelling, and/or blindness.

So why should we ban animal testing? Besides the most obvious factor--the cruelty of innocent animals, these tests done on animals are known to be unreliable, expensive and time consuming. Animal testing can predict a human reaction approximately with a 65 percent accuracy. As well, scientists have already developed the technology to transition over to alternative testing. They have been able to use human blood, cell and tissue, and advanced computer technology to test the safety of cosmetic products. Lastly, these tests are not required by law. The only country in the world that requires animal testing is China.

Until the United States decides to ban animal testing on animals, we can all take steps to start using cosmetic products that do not test on animals to help these poor, innocent animals.