Los Angeles Backs California Legislation that Would Prohibit Sale of Animal-Tested Cosmetics

LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield has issued a resolution in support of the California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act, SB 1249, a bill that would prohibit the sale of animal-tested cosmetics in the state. The resolution was seconded by Councilmembers Mitch O'Farrell, Monica Rodriguez, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, and Paul Koretz, and will be heard in Council President Herb Wesson's Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee at a special meeting in March.

SB 1249 was introduced in the California State Legislature on February 15 by Senator Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton), is sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL) and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, and is supported by Cruelty Free International and Lush Cosmetics.

The bill would make it unlawful for any cosmetic manufacturer to knowingly import or sell any cosmetic (including personal hygiene products such as deodorant, shampoo, or conditioner) in California if the final product, or any component of the product, was tested on animals after Jan. 1, 2020. A violation would result in an initial fine of up to $500 and fines of up to $1,000 for each subsequent violation.

Nonanimal cosmetic testing methods, including bioengineered human skin tissues, other types of 3-D cells, and sophisticated computer models, are more affordable, faster, and can better predict human-specific outcomes. Additionally, there are hundreds of thousands of ingredients for which safety data is already available.

“Los Angeles’ support for SB 1249 will be welcomed by health advocates and animal lovers alike,” says Kristie Sullivan, M.P.H., vice president of research policy with the Physicians Committee. “Passage of the California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act will benefit the safety of all Californians.”

“Los Angeles has long been a leader for animal welfare,” says Judie Mancuso, founder and president of Social Compassion in Legislation. "This resolution only strengthens their reputation as a forward-thinking, modern city."

The European Union ended importation and sale of any new cosmetics that have been tested on animals in 2013. In 2000, California became the first state to make it unlawful to use animals for testing when an appropriate alternative method is available. In 2014, the California State Legislature passed the Cruelty Free Cosmetics Resolution urging Congress to prohibit animal testing for cosmetics and to phase out marketing animal-tested cosmetics.

To speak to Ms. Sullivan, please contact Reina Pohl at rpohl [at] pcrm.org or 202-527-7326.