More and more of us are concerned about the consequences of our consumption on biodiversity and the animal world. From animal testing to the impact on wild fauna, what is the cosmetic sector doing? Between encouraging progress and lingering challenges, let's delve into this thorny issue to discover the persistent problems, as well as inspiring initiatives for beauty that preserves living things.

Current Situation of Animal Testing in Cosmetics

For several years, we have seen "not tested on animals" labels and pictograms appearing on our hygiene and beauty products. Animal suffering is a concern for many consumers. But what does the regulation say about cosmetic animal testing?

French legislation on animal testing in cosmetics

Regulation No. 1223/2009 of November 30, 2009, reinforced by Regulation No. 655/2013 of July 10, 2013 concerning cosmetic products, marked a historic turning point for animal welfare.

They prohibit "the placing on the market of cosmetic products whose final formulation [...] or whose ingredients or combinations of ingredients [...] have been subject to animal testing."

Since July 2013, European law has therefore prohibited both the testing of cosmetics and their ingredients on animals, as well as the marketing and import of such products.

While many brands continue to promote the "not tested on animals" claim, the government is warning about this misleading claim. We can question the sincerity of these companies' communication. Indeed, this claim should no longer appear on cosmetics, as claims relating to characteristics that are actually imposed by regulation are prohibited. the government warns about this misleading claim.

However, substances that are not strictly for cosmetic use can be subjected to animal testing. Many ingredients used in cosmetic products are also used in other sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, detergents, or foodstuffs. Hence the relevance of certain labels such as cruelty-free, which guarantees the complete absence of testing, regardless of the ingredient.

Animal law and cosmetics worldwide

Unfortunately, the issue of animal rights in the global cosmetic sector has not been resolved. In countries such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Japan, current legislation does not prohibit animal testing.

Some countries, like China until 2021, even mandate animal testing for imported cosmetics. The major advance of 2013 should not obscure the fact that major French and European brands continued animal testing to export their products to this market.

The relationship between the cosmetic sector and wildlife is therefore far from ideal. Respect for animal rights still needs to be improved and defended.

Margerie’s Commitments to Animals

Margerie has made the preservation of life its priority. As a cosmetic company rooted in the social and solidarity economy, it places animal protection at the heart of its missions. social and solidarity economy, it places animal protection at the heart of its missions.

Cosmetics with a positive impact on the animal world

Of course, Margerie respects the regulations in force, but it advocates for their maintenance and improvement. The main goal of its creation is the defense of biodiversity. It aims not only to develop an activity without harmful repercussions on the environment and health. But the brand intends to go further and reverse the impact of cosmetics on animals by participating in the restoration of wildlife. It is involved in the rehabilitation and protection of threatened ecosystems. The NGO We Are Nature, a shareholder of Margerie, distributes its entire share of profits to local environmental associations in France and around the world.

The protection of the spectacled bear in Peru

The Chiappari ecological reserve is a conservation project for the spectacled bear. This endangered animal is threatened by habitat destruction and hunted for the damage it allegedly causes to crops. The sanctuary was created on the foothills of the Peruvian Andes, one of the last places where the spectacled bear has been able to survive. In this isolated and difficult-to-access area, wild fauna has been somewhat preserved. The program rescues and rehabilitates injured animals. It thus contributes to the reproduction and survival of the species. The guardians of Chiappari regenerate the flora and fauna of the entire ecosystem, notably through the reintroduction of local plants. The development of agro-ecology and fair trade avocado with local residents helps raise awareness and support the entire community. Transformed into virgin oil, they are integrated into the formula of Margerie's gentle and moisturizing shampoo.

The preservation of Lemurs in Madagascar

Margerie also supports a local association for the protection of lemurs in Madagascar. Antongil Conservation works to protect the biodiversity of Antongil Bay. This very isolated area is home to one of the last primary humid tropical forests on the red island. It harbors remarkable endemic fauna and flora. These natural areas and their inhabitants are threatened by the exploitation of natural resources (slash-and-burn agriculture, looting of precious wood, etc.). This leads to significant pressure on the entire ecosystem, especially lemurs. This program is managed in collaboration with 10 neighboring villages to ensure it is sustainable and beneficial to all. The teams raise awareness among residents about the importance of protecting the forest's riches, while also implementing actions to improve the living conditions of communities (agro-ecology, fair trade, etc.). Vanilla cultivated as part of this project is incorporated as an oily macerate into Margerie's exfoliating shower cream.

The relationship between the cosmetic sector and animals remains problematic in many respects. Despite many advances, the lack of transparency and commitment calls for improvements. That's why Margerie works for cosmetics that preserve and defend biodiversity. By choosing our products, you support this change and contribute to animal protection.