Government PROHIBITS the use of animals in cosmetic testing; understand the resolution

At the beginning of March this year, the National Council for the Control of Animal Experimentation (Concea), of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), published a resolution that prohibits the use of animals in testing, research, development and control of cosmetics, personal hygiene products and perfumes.

Now, testing can only take place in cases where the product’s ingredients and compounds are proven to be safe and effective.

According to the resolution, in the case of new formulas without evidence of safety and efficacy, it is mandatory to use alternative methods to animal testing. These methods are listed in a resolution by Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency).

This determination applies to cosmetics, health products, cleaning products and medicines that are recognized by Concea.

Alternative methods to the use of animals in testing

Product testing is generally necessary to anticipate adverse or expected reactions in humans. So, if the use of animals in testing is prohibited, how can we know if such products are effective and safe?

Alternative methods available to manufacturers include using pre-existing information in the scientific literature – such as data from in vitro tests, animal experiments or even human cases – obtained in the past and recorded in the scientific literature. These strategies eliminate the need to repeat some tests.

Another option is the method in silicowhich are mathematical or computational software models. They are capable of estimating the potential risk of new substances.

Plus there’s the technology in vitrowhich is capable of cultivating cells, tissues and organs outside the organism (in a laboratory) in order to obtain the same response that would be obtained through tests on animal tissue.

From society to the market

These changes in the use of animals in testing are the result of strong pressure from consumers, who have been practicing more conscious consumption.

In 1998, the United Kingdom banned the testing of cosmetics and their formula components on animals. Since 2013, the European Union has banned the sale of any cosmetic product that has been tested on animals.

According to a survey by Grand View Researchby 2030, the global market for vegan cosmetics (without testing or components of animal origin) should reach US$ 20.8 billion.

IN short, it is estimated that this market should flow with an annual growth rate of 6.3%.