Japan Heeds Calls For Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Manufacturing

In Japan, the world’s second-largest market for beauty products, politicians, scientists, and animal protection groups are calling for an end to animal testing of new cosmetic products and related ingredients. Humane Society International’s Research and Toxicology Department director Troy Seidle said Europe “set the standard for the rest of the world” after its adoption of “cosmetics cruelty-free” principles in March 2013. Shiseido, one of the country’s leading cosmetics companies, announced in March 2013 its move to stop animal testing on all products, except those for export to China. Other local cosmetics companies also became “cruelty-free”, including Miss Apricot, D-fit, and Seikatsu no Ki. International cosmetics firms, such as The Body Shop and Lush, also declared they comply with cruelty-free standards.