Cruelty Free International, an organization working to end animal testing for cosmetics around the world, is celebrating the signing of the New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act by Governor Kathy Hochul, which means that the sale of cosmetics newly tested on animals will be prohibited in the State of New York from January 1, 2023.
New York becomes the 10th state to prohibit the sale of cosmetics tested on animals, after California, Nevada, Illinois, Hawaii, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, Virginia, and Louisiana. Around the world, over 40 countries already prohibit animal testing for cosmetics and the sale of cosmetics tested on animals.
The Act makes it unlawful to sell cosmetics that involve new animal testing to establish its safety. Instead, manufacturers will have to use widely available non-animal testing methods. Cosmetics currently on sale will remain available.
The Act (A5653-B/S4839) was introduced by Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal and State Senator Alessandra Biaggi. In May 2022, it successfully passed the floor of the New York State Assembly with a vote of 143-1 after passing unanimously in the New York State Senate.
Results of a February 2022 poll of New York State-registered voters conducted by the Siena College Research Institute show that New Yorkers across the state are against using animal testing to develop cosmetics and prefer to buy cosmetics not tested on animals. The poll indicated that voters are supportive of a law that would prohibit the sale of new animal tested cosmetics in the state revealed that there is broad agreement on this issue across political affiliation, region, ethnicity, age, and income.
New York State Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan), 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."
State Senator Alessandra 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 40 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 percent 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, head of Public Affairs North America for Cruelty Free International 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.”