Alternative Methods to Animal Testing and Cosmetic Safety: An Update on Regulations and Ethical Considerations in Brazil

Consumers of personal care and cosmetic products have been protected for many years by regulatory organizations, always providing the most advanced science in order to ensure a better safety evaluation of products and ingredients. Since the middle of the 20th century, ethical considerations have been emerging concerning animal experimentation. The cosmetic industry was the first to have restrictions on animal experimentation. Bans were implemented for animal experimentation with regard to ingredients and finished product evaluation in Europe in 2013. As a result, a lot of recent changeovers have been observed in the field of toxicology and in the consideration of alternative methods. This article aims to sum up the evolution of ethical considerations and the establishment of specific regulations worldwide, focusing on alternative methods. At the present day, and as the third market leader of cosmetics at this time, and considering its promising future, a special attention will be given to Brazil.