Frequently Asked Questions about Animal Testing

Q: What is the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals®?

A: Launched in 1996 by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals® is an internationally recognized non-animal testing standard. Companies that adopt this standard pledge, as of the date of compliance, not to conduct or commission animal tests, and not to use any ingredient or formulation that is tested on animals. While many ingredients, formulations and finished products have been tested on animals in the past, the standard is designed to prevent future animal testing.

Q: What is the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics?

A: The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics -- made up of nine animal advocacy organizations, including IDA -- has created a uniform labeling standard for cosmetics and household products that have not been tested on animals.

A manufacturer or distributor may sign on to the coalition's Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals if its production, manufacturing, ingredient supply stream, and all other aspects of product development meet or exceed the standards established by the coalition.

Beginning on or before a date set by the cosmetic, personal care or household product company, the company agrees it shall not conduct nor commission animal testing of any of its products, formulations, and/or ingredients, and that it shall not purchase same from suppliers who conducted or commissioned animal testing on them.

Launched on November 19, 1996, the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals is expected to be widely adopted in this country. European protection groups, however, have agreed to the language of the standard for cosmetics only.

See our Procter & Gamble Fact Sheet and our Cosmetic Testing Fact Sheet for additional information not included in this FAQ.

Do you have any questions about Procter & Gamble, animal experimentation or cruelty-free living? Send them to us and we'll answer them on this page.