We call for 10th U.S. state law to lead to federal change
In a great end to the year, New York has become the 10th state to prohibit the sale of cosmetics tested on animals after Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law the New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act.
We have worked with Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal and State Senator Alessandra Biaggi as the bill passed the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate with almost unanimous bi-partisan support.
Under the terms of the Act, the sale of cosmetics newly tested on animals will be prohibited in the State of New York from January 1, 2023. Instead, manufacturers will have to use widely available non-animal testing methods. Cosmetics currently on sale will remain available.
New York joins California, Nevada, Illinois, Hawaii, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, Virginia, and Louisiana in passing cruelty-free cosmetics laws.
Assemblymember Rosenthal, Chair of the Committee on Social Services, said, “More consumers than ever are demanding cruelty-free cosmetics, and I am proud that my legislation banning the sale of cosmetics tested on animals has been signed into law. For decades, animals have suffered painful, cruel. and unnecessary experiments in the development of cosmetics, despite the existence of alternative methods that do not involve animal testing. With this new law, animals will no longer be harmed in the service of humans’ pursuit of beauty. I am proud to have worked with Cruelty Free International in passing this legislation into law and look forward to seeing more states follow in New York's footsteps."
Senator Biaggi said, "After decades of activist and public demand to stop companies from using animals to test their products, New York has finally joined the list of forty countries that have taken a stand against this harmful practice. Protecting the safety of humans by testing cosmetics is extremely important, but does not mean that animals must serve at their expense for our wellbeing. Animals serve as a means for unconditional love and support, and should never have to face abuse or unsafe conditions, and New Yorkers have made it clear that we will not tolerate their mistreatment.
“I am proud to sponsor the NY Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act to prevent products tested on animals from being sold in New York State and I extend my deepest gratitude to Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, Cruelty Free International, and many other animal welfare organizations for their partnership in getting this legislation passed."
The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the leading national trade association representing cosmetics and personal care products companies, also supports the New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act. PCPC’s 600 member companies represent more than 90% of the U.S. beauty industry.
Lezlee Westine, President and CEO of the PCPC, said, “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and our member companies are proud of our long-standing commitment to end animal testing for cosmetics and personal care products. Our work with Cruelty Free International and other key stakeholders is critical in our advocacy for legislation that helps us protect animal welfare while supporting modern approaches to assure safe and innovative products that consumers trust and enjoy every day.”
Monica Engebretson, our Head of Public Affairs North America, said, “We are thrilled that the New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act has been signed into law. U.S. history has shown that state activity leads to changes at the federal level. Because of New York’s association with the fashion and beauty industries, passing the New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act could be the tipping point that leads to the passage of a federal Humane Cosmetics Act.”
We will continue to build support and campaign for a national prohibition. You can help by asking your US Representative to support the Humane Cosmetics Act.