A lot of companies test their products on animals. In some countries, it's still the law to conduct the LD50 test (even if the product is only an update of a mascara for instance). LD stands for lethal dose, so they cage a group of small animals (bunnies, guinea pigs, cats, dogs, monkeys etc) and force feed them quantities of the cosmetic until it kills 50% of them.

There's also the Draize test where small animals again have their eyes forced open for days and have chemicals, cosmetics etc poured into their eyes to test irritation. And they are only two of the tests.

This is the Choose Cruelty Free website that details cosmetic companies that don't test on animals. Also states which companies use purely vegan products.

http://www.choosecrueltyfree.org.au/

Animal Liberation has more information on animal testing. Click the tab on cosmetic testing, it's not pretty, but that's what life and death is like for millions of animals a year. All in the name of beauty products that have all been tested before and can be tested safely without animals.

http://www.animalliberation.org.au/home.html


I remember a few years ago a substance called hyaluronic acid was touted as the next big thing in moisturising creams. A lot of the big cosmetic companies picked up on it with huge media campaigns etc. I looked into what hyaluronic acid was: rendered roosters' combs from the tops of their heads. Imagine rubbing that into your face morning and night