The health record of cosmetics over the past century or more has been exemplary. Nevertheless, this is a subject with which the Commission of the European Communities in Brussels is earnestly and zealously concerned. Rules are being drawn up, ostensibly in the cause of cosmetic safety, that entail systematic and exhausting toxicity testing in animals. It is suggested that this scheme is unrealistic, losing sight of the objective and sacrificing animals needlessly. A more simplified and practically orientated approach is proposed.
Anon. (1983). Notes of Guidance for the Toxicity Testing of Cosmetic Ingredients (Opinion Expressed 28 June 1982). EUR 8794. Luxembourg: Commission of the European Communities.
2.
Anon. (1990). Draft Sixth Amendment to Directive 76/768 (Cosmetics). SPC/004/89-EN (ref. 2). Brussels: Commission of the European Communities.
3.
Anon. (1986). Council Directive of 24 November 1986 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes.Official Journal of the European CommunitiesL358, 29, 1–28.
4.
GouldingR. (1985). International Joural Cosmetics — “a practical approach to safety in use” International Journal of Cosmetic Science7, 181–189.
