Chinese researchers are finalizing plans for the country's first non-animal test method for cosmetics ingredients, with guidance provided by scientists funded by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
The so-called “3T3” test, which examines chemicals for their potential toxicity when they come into contact with sunlight, is already in widespread use in the U.S. and Europe. It is expected to be accepted in China by late summer. Currently, China requires cosmetics companies to test ingredients and products only on animals. Many cosmetic products sold in the U.S. are made in China.
PETA awarded a grant to scientists at the Institute for In Vitro Sciences after learning that China requires companies Avon, Estée Lauder, and Mary Kay — which are on PETA's list of firms that don't test cosmetics on animals — to pay for animal tests to market their products in China.
"We're delighted that this grant has helped jump-start the acceptance of non-animal tests in China and grateful to Chinese officials for being so open to these discussions," said PETA Vice President of Laboratory Investigations Kathy Guillermo. "We congratulate them for acting swiftly to implement the first of several available non-animal tests."