An estimate by the Humane Society International suggests approximately 100,000 – 200,000 animals suffer and die each year due to cosmetic animal testing around the world. The fundamental question is, why?
 
It’s not necessary to test cosmetics on animals to ensure cosmetics are safe for humans.  
 
Testing on animals provides non-conclusive results as to the safety of specific cosmetics. Animals are a different species to humans with different physiology.  
 
It’s highly expensive to test on animals and tests often end in failure, these costs are then passed onto the consumer.
 
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) claim certain pharmaceutical companies resist the departure from animal testing as it will result in the real toxicity of certain products being realised, which will then prevent them from making certain marketing claims.
https://www.peta.org/about-peta/faq/what-can-be-done-about-animal-tests-that-are-required-by-law/
 
Alternatives to animal testing that offer more reliable results include ‘in vitro,’ which is the testing of chemical substances on human cells and tissues in laboratories, computer modelling and human micro testing on volunteers.
 
The most senior health professionals are now in support of alternatives to animal testing.  Here are the words of the former Director of the US National Institute of Health;
 
“We have moved away from studying human disease in humans. … We all drank the Kool-Aid on that one, me included. … The problem is that [animal testing] hasn’t worked, and it’s time we stopped dancing around the problem. … We need to refocus and adapt new methodologies for use in humans to understand disease biology in humans.” —Dr. Elias Zerhouni
https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-experimentation/alternatives-animal-testing/
 
As creators of natural and organic cosmetics, we feel the best approach is to make cosmetics safe, therefore, no testing is required.  Time and again, the effectiveness of plant oils and extracts are proven as effective, if not superior alternatives to synthetic chemicals for cosmetics use. 
 
Consider the rapid rates of eczema in the last 40 years and check the ingredients of common soaps and moisturisers and you will find many ingredients, including sulphates, parabens and fragrances on the ingredients lists that are also common skin irritants. With a little more investigation, you will also find ingredients listed as eczema treatments from some of the biggest pharmaceutical skin care companies such as phenoxyethonol and hydroxybenzoate which are harsh parabens banned in certain countries due to the detrimental impact on our hormones, plus they are common skin irritants. Yes, these products are cheaper as the ingredients can easily be manufactured in bulk due to their synthetic compounds, although what are the comparative costs?  
 
Prevention is better than cure.  Start with safe, natural cosmetics.  You might pay a little more as they’re ethically sourced, although the long-term benefits on an emotional, physical and economical level are boundless. 
 
At Vatéa, we’re so confident of the safety of our products that we test on loved ones.  Our family, friends and even our pets!  

Here is Austin with his British Bulldog, Jersey who loves the Vatéa Lip and Gentle Baby Balm to soothe the creases on his face, "We use the baby balm to help soothe and heal infectious sores in Jersey's wrinkles.. and he loves it, he gets excited whenever I pull it out!" Sophie, Birchgrove