Medical aesthetic products. New York goes cruelty free

THE WHAT? The Governor of the State of New York, Kathy Hochul has signed the New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act, prohibiting the sale of cosmetics newly tested on animals in the region, effective immediately.  

THE DETAILS New York is the 10th US State to ban the sale of cosmetics tested on animals. The act, which was introduced in May 2022, passed the floor of the New York State Assembly with a vote of 143-1.

THE WHY? New York State Assembly Member Linda B Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan), Chair of the Committee on Social Services, explains, “More consumers than ever are demanding cruelty-free cosmetics, and I am proud that my legislation banning the sale of cosmetics tested on animals has been signed into law. For decades, animals have suffered painful, cruel. and unnecessary experiments in the development of cosmetics, despite the existence of alternative methods that do not involve animal testing. With this new law, animals will no longer be harmed in the service of humans’ pursuit of beauty. I am proud to have worked with Cruelty Free International in passing this legislation into law and look forward to seeing more states follow in New York’s footsteps.”

Medical aesthetic products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics, which combines medical practices with cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of individuals. These products are typically used under the supervision of trained medical professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or specialized nurses. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or require medical expertise for their application.

Examples of medical aesthetic products include:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to restore volume, fill wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These may include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra.

• Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectable neurotoxins used to temporarily paralyze facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expressions.

• Chemical Peels: Solutions containing chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid, used to improve skin texture, treat acne scars, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Laser and Light Devices: Equipment used for various skin treatments, including hair removal, skin resurfacing, tattoo removal, and treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions.

• Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients such as retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants, designed to address specific dermatological concerns under medical supervision.

• Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and elasticity.

• Cosmeceuticals: High-quality skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing biologically active ingredients with proven efficacy.