Our beauty routines are making animals suffer. Every year, countless rabbits, mice and dogs are subjected to toxic chemical tests so companies can sell new makeup products. These animals are burned, poisoned or blinded, then discarded when no longer “useful.” This cruelty continues even though safe, effective, non-animal testing alternatives already exist. We cannot pretend this isn’t happening.

Animal testing in cosmetics persists because consumers keep buying products from brands that still use it. According to Humane Society International, over 500,000 animals are used in cosmetic testing annually worldwide. Many of the most popular makeup companies still rely on outdated tests, even while claiming to be “clean” or “responsible.” Buying from them directly fuels the suffering happening behind closed laboratory doors.

But we can do something about this. We can stop purchasing makeup that is tested on animals and choose cruelty-free brands instead. There are hundreds of affordable, accessible options at local stores and online, no sacrifice needed. Today, I pledge to switch entirely to cruelty-free cosmetics and to help educate others. I ask everyone to join me. If we don’t change our buying habits now, more animals will continue to endure needless pain for the sake of mascara.

Olivia Omensky
York High School student
York