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Virginia is the latest US state to ban cosmetic animal testing, as demand for cruelty-free products continues to soar.
Governor Ralph Northam recently signed the Virginia Humane Cosmetics Act into law, which comes into effect on January 1, 2022.
The legislation will see an end to the testing of new cosmetics as well as the sale of animal-tested cosmetics.
Cosmetic animal testing
The move follows in the footsteps of California, Nevada, and Illinois. It has been commended by several organizations including Humane Society International (HSI).
“This fantastic news illustrates a growing momentum in efforts to end unnecessary testing on animals in the United States and around the world for products like shampoos, mascara, and lipstick,” the organization said.
“Consumers are scanning labels and demanding products free of animal testing. Cosmetics companies are listening to them and changing their practices… Lawmakers are solidifying these changes into a permanent policy.”
HSI also congratulated Governor Northam and the primary bill sponsors, Sen. Jennifer Boysko and Del. Kaye Kory. As well as the residents of Virginia, for ‘taking a compassionate step’.
It then concluded: “We now urge other states to follow suit by working swiftly to end cosmetics animal testing and sales of animal-tested cosmetics on their soil at the earliest.”
Cruelty-free demand
Moreover, a new report predicts the global vegan cosmetics market will exceed $21 billion by the year 2027.
Research firm MarketGlass says the industry, currently worth a staggering $15.1 billion, will grow at a CAGR of 5.1 percent over the next seven years.
It lists China, the United States, Japan, and Canada as key locations that will drive the market’s worth.
Previous reports have cited increasing concerns regarding health and safety, and consumer awareness on animal-testing as key drivers for the growth. Moreover, ’embracing natural substitutes such as plant-based personal care products is working in favor of the market’.
*According to HSI, six other states including New Jersey, Maryland, Rhode Island, Hawaii, New York and Oregon, are now considering similar bills to end cosmetics animal testing
