Look out for this logo on the Cosmetic and Household products you buy.

Humane Cosmetics Standard

The Humane Cosmetics Standard (HCS) is the world's only international criteria for cosmetic or toiletry products that are 'Not Tested on Animals'. The HCS was launched in 1998 by an international coalition of animal protection groups from across the European Union and North America, including the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments.

Statements by many cosmetics companies claiming that products are 'not animal tested' can often be misleading, leading to considerable confusion amongst consumers. For example some companies may claim "This product has not been tested on animals", but the ingredients may well have been animal tested. By offering a single, internationally recognised cruelty-free criteria, the Humane Cosmetics Standard helps ethical consumers boycott animal testing companies by only buying products that are not animal tested. HCS companies must not conduct or commission animal testing, and must introduce a fixed cut-off date for ingredient purchasing.

The Humane Cosmetics Standard is currently run or supported by Coalition groups in the UK, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Italy, Spain, France, Finland, Switzerland, Ireland and the Netherlands. For more information about the Humane Cosmetics Standard and to receive a list of cosmetic products not tested on animals, contact a HCS group in your country.