The ban of testing makeup on animals in Illinois goes into effect Jan. 1, 2020.
Illinois is the third state to adopt this law, after California and Nevada. The law bars manufacturers from selling all cosmetic products developed using animal testing, with fines starting at $5,000. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the measure into law Aug. 9, 2019.
"An animal shouldn't have to die so that someone can look good," makeup artist Casseita "Missy" Sutton told Windy City Times.
State Sen. Linda Holmes ( D-Aurora ) introduced the bill. Illinois stands with only two other states in the country who has adopted this law. California was the first state, Nevada was the second.
The purpose of animal testing cosmetics is to help companies determine if their products could have dangerous impacts on humans. In doing this, there are some ingredients that may be forcefully given to rats, rabbits, and other small animals. According to the Animal Welfare Institute, these animals experience force feedings, and even are sometimes subject to ingredients being put in their eyes or put into their bare skin for extended periods of time.
"When I think about the fact that an animal has to be harmed to add on to my makeup bag, I get nauseous it's important to me that I use brands and items on my clients that are not in any way involved with animal testing," said Sutton.
Some testing methods could cause serious irritation to the skin and eyes for some small animals. According to the Humane Society of the United States, some of the animals die because of these tests. Therefore, local animal welfare advocates have been calling for this legislation for years.
"I'd just do my research to determine if the product is tested on animals or not," said Sutton. "It's about being a responsible makeup artist. It's honestly just as easy as that. Most websites will share that information, or simply ready the back of the product you're buying. I believe makeup artists should stand for what's rightand animal abuse isn't right. Our job is to make people look good. Not hurt innocent animals."
While several makeup enthusiasts against animal testing on products say it's this easy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have approved many of the testing methods, making it harder for opposers to dispute this issue. Furthermore, famous brands like MAC, L'Oreal, Mary Kay and Lancome are still tested on animals. Several up and coming makeup artists are then responsible for making their own decisions, and Sutton said that she'll always vote for the safety of animals and humans when it comes to her work as a makeup artist.
"I hope other makeup artist really consider the products their using and how those products were tested," said Sutton. "Despite what the law allows, as an artist, I choose to stand for the protection of animals. We can't destroy the food chain for pretty faces."
The new law in Illinois will help companies invest in testing that will not involve animals. Animal welfare advocates have reported that this is less expensive way to test cosmetic products and its healthier for humans. Animal welfare advocates in Illinois appreciate the new law and believes that consumers are taking a stand for what is right. However, advocates know that there is more work to be done around the country. At the very least, consumers and advocates realize that things are moving in the right direction.