The California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act
UPDATE: 9/29/2018 – Governor Jerry Brown has signed the bill. The bill will be in effect as of Jan 1st 2020!
California legislators recently passed a new bill, SB-1249 which will stop the sale of beauty products that have been tested on animals from being sold in California as of January 1, 2020. The bill applies to cosmetic manufacturers, their labs, and any third parties who have a hand in the creation of the products. While this sounds like a huge win against animal cruelty in cosmetics, the truth is the impact may not be as big as we all had hoped.
Here’s Why:
1) It’s Not a Done Deal
SB-1249 has only been passed by Congress and still needs to be passed by the Governor of California, Jerry Brown, to be put into effect.
2) It Requires “Validated Test Alternatives”
The bill will only stop animal testing in California if there is an alternative test method that has been scientifically validated and recommended by the ICCVAM (Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods).
“Existing law prohibits manufacturers and contract testing facilities from using traditional animal testing methods within this state when an appropriate alternative test method has been scientifically validated and recommended by the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) or other specified agencies.”
3) It Won’t Make All Beauty Products Cruelty-Free
Even if the bill passes, all beauty products sold in California will not be Cruelty-Free by default. Walking in to a completely cruelty-free Sephora or ULTA store is not going to happen because of this bill.
4) It Has Been Amended
Amendments have been made to the original bill that will allow companies to conduct animal testing where required by law, in both the United States and foreign countries such as China.
5) It Only Applies to California
The bill will only apply to cosmetic brands that are created and tested in California. If a brand tests their products on animals outside of California they can still be sold in California.
Common Questions Regarding SB-1249
Q: Why were amendments added to the original bill?
There is a lot of speculation that big-name cosmetic brands fought against the bill and were able to get the amendments added as a result, in fear of putting money and time into new ingredients and procedures. There’s also speculation that SB-1249 could cause American jobs to be eliminated and moved to China, where animal testing is not only legal but required.
Q: How likely is Jerry Brown to pass the bill?
It’s hard to say whether he will pass the bill or not, as his stance on animal cruelty is not well known. It’s important that we reach out and let him know how important this bill is to us, whether we live in California or not.
Q: Will SB-1249 make ALL beauty products sold in California cruelty-free?
Nope, it will only end animal testing done in California that isn’t required by law. Brands are still free to test on animals outside of California and their products will not be pulled off the shelves for doing so.
Q: What is the penalty for brands that don’t abide by SB-1249?
If put into effect, SB-1249 will allow brands to be fined up to $5,000 for testing their products on animals (within California and where not required by law), plus an additional $1,000 for each additional day it continues.
“The bill would specify that a violation of its provisions is punishable by an initial fine of $5,000 and an additional fine of $1,000 for each day the violation continues, and may be enforced by the district attorney or city attorney in the county or city in which the violation occurred, as specified.”
Q: In what instances is animal testing required by law?
Animal Testing is not required in the United States, however, if an American product is sold in China is has to go through mandatory animal testing, per Chinese law. Because the animal testing is done in China many brands feel it’s ok to “wash their hands” of the process, however, cosmetic brands have full control over where they sell their product. Many other countries have already banned animal testing completely.
Q: What can we do to get the SB-1249 passed?
Use your voice! Even if you don’t live in California you can still send an email (or letter) to Governor Jerry Brown letting him know you support SB-1249 and that it should be put into effect. You can also let your favorite brands know how important it is for them to be cruelty-free by sending an email or speaking out on social media.
Governor Edmund G. Brown
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 445-2841
Fax: (916) 558-3160
The Silver Lining
Even though SB-1249 is a bit disappointing, it’s still a major step in the right direction and is bringing awareness to the cruelty-free movement. Don’t be afraid to use your voice to help get the bill passed!
This post is not sponsored but may contain affiliate links from which we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Nothing stated in this article should be used in place of professional medical advice. All opinions are our own.
