Thank you for all of those who contacted me about the testing of cosmetics on animals.

I want to assure you that the Government acknowledges and understands the public's concern surrounding the testing of chemicals used as ingredients in cosmetics on animals. I am pleased to inform you that no new licences will now be granted for animal testing of chemicals that are exclusively intended for use in cosmetic products.

Alongside this, the Government is actively taking steps to explore alternatives to animal testing, particularly in relation to the safety of workers and the environment when it comes to chemicals used exclusively as cosmetic ingredients. This reflects the broader goal of reducing the use of animals in scientific research whenever viable. The Government is confident in the talent within the UK science sector and industry to provide the necessary solutions needed here.

It is important to note that the regulatory framework around cosmetics has long required manufacturers to demonstrate the safety of their products for consumer use. Animal testing for this purpose has been banned in the UK since 1998, and this ban remains in effect.

Under chemical regulations, manufacturers and importers are obliged to rigorously assess and mitigate the hazards to human health and the environment posed by the chemicals they place on the market, including those used as ingredients in cosmetics. In certain cases, where the alternatives are unavailable, animal testing has been reluctantly used as a last resort.

It is crucial to understand that these regulations operate separately from consumer cosmetics regulations, which is why it had been possible that a chemical used in cosmetics could have been required to be tested on animals. Consequently, a limited number of time-limited licenses were issued between 2019 and 2022. However, a ban on new licenses has now been implemented with immediate effect, and the Government is urgently engaging with relevant companies to determine the way forward for the few remaining existing licenses.

Additionally, the Government is committed to swiftly reviewing the effective administration of the ban over the long term. This review will take into consideration the needs of the science industry, the importance of ensuring worker and environmental safety, and the safeguarding animals from unnecessary harm.

In 2015, the Government introduced an additional ban on animal testing of finished household products, along with a qualified ban on household product ingredients. This demonstrates the UK's commitment to animal welfare.

Furthermore, the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 already prohibit deceptive commercial practices and empower consumers to make informed choices about the products they wish to purchase. These regulations cover situations where goods are directly sold to consumers and the omission of material information that could impact the average consumer's decision. The advertising industry in the UK is also subject to controls that require all forms of advertising to be legal, decent, honest, truthful, and created with a sense of responsibility toward both consumers and society.

Thank you again for those who raised this issue of importance.