Animal Testing Forbidden: EU Regulations and What Nail Technicians Need to Know
Animal Testing Forbidden: EU Regulations and What Nail Technicians Need to Know
Nail technicians must understand that in the European Union, all cosmetic products are subject to strict regulations, including a complete ban on animal testing. This prohibition applies not only to the final products but also to every individual ingredient.
Why Can't Cosmetic Products Be Tested on Animals?
Since 2004, it has been prohibited to test any cosmetic end products on animals in the EU. This regulation was tightened in 2009 when the ban was extended to ingredients, except for certain particularly hazardous substances such as carcinogens, mutagens, or substances toxic to reproduction. However, as of April 12, 2022, EU regulations state that it is forbidden to market and sell any cosmetic product (including nail enhancement materials) in the EU that has been tested on animals, even if only one ingredient was tested. From this date, all animal testing for cosmetics available on the market is completely prohibited in the EU.
Why Is This Important for Nail Technicians?
Professionals frequently encounter various nail enhancement materials, including gel polishes and gels, which can contain many ingredients. If even a single ingredient of a product has been tested on animals, it cannot be legally marketed in the European Union. It's essential to check that the products used are registered in the CPNP (Cosmetic Products Notification Portal), which ensures compliance with EU regulations. What is the CPNP system? You can find detailed information here.
How Can You Check If a Product Is Cruelty-Free?
The most reliable way to ensure a product is cruelty-free is if it is registered in the CPNP. This registration process includes declaring all ingredients, their concentration ranges, and the product's safety assessment, including data on its cruelty-free status. Products not registered in the CPNP do not meet these strict requirements and are unverifiable, so their cruelty-free status cannot be guaranteed.
Which Products Should You Choose?
It is vital to always use nail enhancement materials that are guaranteed cruelty-free and registered in the CPNP. Mystic Nails products meet all these stringent requirements, ensuring you use safe and ethical products for your clients, with 96% of our products being vegan, thus containing no animal ingredients!
What Does It Mean If a Product Is Not Registered?
Products not registered in the CPNP system may not meet EU regulations. It's possible that these products were tested on animals or contain ingredients that may be permitted in other countries but are banned in the EU, including carcinogens, mutagens, or substances toxic to reproduction. Additionally, these ingredients can partly be absorbed through the nail plate, as demonstrated by a 2024 study by an international Organization of Toxicology and Pharmacology. If you are uncertain about a product's origin, always check if it is listed in the CPNP registry. We can assist you with CPNP registration verification! Learn more here.
Summary
The complete ban on animal testing in the European Union ensures that cosmetic products, including nail enhancement materials, are ethical and safe. To comply with regulations and ensure the health of your clients, always choose products that are registered in the CPNP and are cruelty-free. We can assist you with CPNP registration verification! Learn more here.
If you are interested in regulations regarding animal testing, be sure to check out Laci's short video on the topic!
