Recent market trends had seen a growth in demand for paraben-free cosmetics in relation to intensive campaigns for the use of cruelty-free cosmetics. A perfect example of this is the cosmetics market of the European Union.
Makeups are used daily to reinforce physical appearance. Often as long as the final product is attractive and presentable, it is enough for us that we tend to forget to read the fine print. We do not verify the ingredients in the formulation of our favorite eyelash enhancer or lip conditioner. We don’t bother to check the product history. We just do not care. It is recommended that we choose paraben-free and cruelty-free cosmetics.
Cruel and harmful cosmetics
Many cosmetic companies use potentially dangerous chemicals to preserve the life of their products. One identified chemical class that is frequently used in cosmetic products is parabens. The US Food and Drug Administration defines parabens as “p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters” that can appear as methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben in toiletries and cosmetics sold worldwide.
To learn the potency and safety of a chemical compound, some laboratory rats had used the unethical, expensive, and outdated method of animal testing. Animals are subjected to harsh tests and experiment with utter disregard for their well-being. The end result always points to the horrendous death of a rabbit, a guinea pig, and other innocent animals.
These cruel methods had drawn the ire of animal rights activist groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), American Anti-Vivisection Society, Animal Alliance of Canada, Beauty Without Cruelty, and many more. They called for the creation of paraben-free cosmetics, therefore cruelty-free cosmetics.
European Union: a perfect example
The European Union is a political and economic union of 28 member states of the European continent. The entity had established a single market with standardized laws and regulations. It includes highly developed nations with large and profitable markets among their ranks.
On this large entity, various animal rights groups have focused their barrage of public protests and intense lobbying for cruelty-free and paraben-free cosmetics perpetuating the Union to ban the sale and consumption of cosmetic products other than cosmetics. cruelty free and paraben free. .
With the ban issued in March 2013, only cruelty-free cosmetics will be allowed on the EU market. No company will be allowed to retest with animals and they can only use previously tested and proven safe ingredients.
On a similar note, in order to have paraben-free cosmetics, the European Union had banned the use of five parabens (4-hydroxybenzoic isopropyl, isobutyl, pentyl and benzyl esters and their salts). In addition, they are lowering the maximum allowed concentration level for butyl and propyl paraben.
The groups behind the EU paradigm shift are working hard to replicate their efforts in promoting paraben-free cosmetics and cruelty around the world. They are slowing down, gaining traction and massive support. They have started campaigns in India, China and many other nations. Soon the market will be free of those unhealthy products and will be inundated with paraben-free and cruelty-free cosmetics.