Medical aesthetic products. Beauty manufacturers – including L’Oréal, Unilever and BASF – call for worldwide ban on animal testing

THE WHAT? More than 35 cosmetics manufacturers and suppliers, industry associations and animal protection organisations, among them BASF, Beiersdorf, Unilever and L’Oréal, are working together to end animal testing for good by launching the International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety (ICCS).  

THE DETAILS The new organisation will focus on advancing the adoption of animal-free safety assessments for cosmetics and their ingredients worldwide through collaboration with existing bodies to evaluate and further develop animal-free safety assessment approaches, share the results of these with regulators and provide education and training materials to accelerate widespread adoption of the latest animal-free safety science.

THE WHY? Erin Hill, president and CEO of ICCS, comments, “We have seen significant scientific advancements in the development, evaluation and use of animal-free methods for safety assessment in recent decades. ICCS brings together scientists from leading organizations around the world to continue this momentum and work toward our shared ambition for a future where no ingredients or products are tested on animals. ICCS is a global collaboration focused on animal-free safety science for cosmetics and ingredients, which currently face unique challenges and inconsistent global regulations. I am honored to lead the organization at such an important time.”

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.