“New methods not only spare animal lives, but they also represent the best that science has to offer and can provide data more relevant to human exposure, ensuring that cosmetics are safe.”

Maine is the latest US state to ban the sale of cosmetics tested on animals, as demand for cruelty-free products continues to rise.

Governor Janet Mills recently signed measure LD 1551 into law, which makes it illegal for a manufacturer to sell or offer to sell a cosmetic product that was developed or manufactured using animal testing on or after 1 November 2021.

The measure will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

Those caught selling the banned cosmetics will face a fine of up to $5,000 for the first day of the violation and an additional fine of $1,000 for each day that the violation continues.

‘Inhumane and unnecessary’

“Not only is the practice of testing cosmetic products on animals inhumane, it is unnecessary,” Representative Vicki Doudera (D-Camden), who sponsored the bill said in a statement.

 “Cosmetics companies have the ability to use existing ingredients with a history of safe use and can choose from a wide range of new, non-animal testing methods.

“These new methods not only spare animal lives, but they also represent the best that science has to offer and can provide data more relevant to human exposure, ensuring that cosmetics are safe.”

Sixth state to pass a law to ban cosmetics tests on animals⁠

Maine has beomce the sixth state to pass a law outlawing this inhuman treatment following in the footsteps of California, Nevada, Maryland, Virginia, and Illinois.

The move has been applauded by several organizations including  The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

Maine state director for the HSUS, Katie Hansberry, said: “Maine has now joined the growing number of states that have acted to end the needless suffering animals endure to test cosmetics.

“With many new methods for product testing, there is simply no need to harm any animals for the sake of lipstick or blush.

“Thank you, Representative Doudera for sponsoring this bill and Governor Mills for signing this important bipartisan legislation.”

Global vegan cosmetics market trend

Demand for cruelty-free cosmetics is spurring the global vegan cosmetics markets as customers become more mindful and aware of the implications of animal testing on animals, the environment and humans.

According to Research firm MarketGlass, the industry is currently worth a whopping $15.1 billion and is expected to cross  $21 billion by the year 2027.

• Read: TRESemmé just stopped testing on animals worldwide

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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