The issue of animal testing of beauty products has been a sore point for the cosmetics industry for many years. While a ban has been in place in the European Union since last year there are still some finer points to work out. One of these is the ban on marketing of products that have been tested on animals.

At the core of the issue is the testing for certain effects of cosmetics use. Tests for skin sensitivity and cancer risks have yet to be replaced by other methods. The ban on these tests should take effect by 2013. However, replacement tests are not expected for a few years yet. The issue is being guided by the Cosmetics Directive.