5 Surprising Products That Are Tested On Animals

When you think of animal testing, what comes to mind? Common items like makeup, pharmaceuticals, or personal care products often spring to mind. However, the reality is that animal testing is prevalent in many everyday products you might not suspect.

Here are 5 surprising examples of products that are often tested on animals, highlighting the need for cruelty-free alternatives.

1. Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are a medical device and therefore regulated by the FDA. According to the FDA, all articles are classified as Class I, Class II, or Class III, and ALL Class III medical devices MUST be tested on animal subjects before being allowed for human use. Contact lenses are a Class II medical device, so most of them are tested on animals, usually in rabbits’ eyes.  All the major brands do tests on animals.  The saline solution used for contacts is also tested on animals.  Don’t worry, there are cruelty–free options out there! I was able to find out that there is a lens brand called DaySoft which is NOT tested on animals, and a saline solution called Clear Conscience which is not tested on animals, and works well for those with sensitivities to some of the other brands!

By choosing cruelty-free brands, consumers can advocate for humane treatment of animals in the medical device industry.

2. Pet Food (and I do not mean just taste-tested)

Recent studies show that nearly 60% of major pet food brands engage in animal testing, raising ethical concerns among pet owners. Also, over 70% of consumers prefer cruelty-free products, highlighting a growing demand for ethical choices in beauty, food, and household items.

This is an unfortunate find.  The very companies that make the food that nourishes your pet may be running cruel tests on similar animals. I found a lot of info on inhumane animal testing involving pet food makers Iams, Eukanuba, and Hills (which is endorsed by many vets because they receive a BONUS for selling it). These companies are owned by parent companies Colgate/Palmolive and Proctor & Gamble, both of which are notorious for animal testing.  I found horrible stories published regarding Iams. They used to work with Sinclair Research Center and they were cited for over 40 violations of the Animal Welfare Act in 2003. Iams severed ties with Sinclair after this, but still conducts 30% of their animal testing in labs is noncompliant with allowing PETA to investigate the in-lab studies, and refuses to release information regarding these tests and another university research trial which involved inducing disease in otherwise healthy dogs.

Since 2023, several countries have moved towards banning animal testing for cosmetics, including the European Union and India. However, the U.S. still lacks comprehensive regulations, leading to ongoing debates about Animal rights in product testing.

There are healthy cruelty-free options for dogs and cats, such as Wellness and Fromm’s, and several others available on the PETA website.

3. Diapers

Pampers is owned by Proctor & Gamble. Enough said.

Diapers are tested against the skin of animals to detect possible allergic reaction, and also tested by having an animal ingest ingredients used in the diapers.

The best option in terms of cruelty-free are cloth diapers.  While cloth diapers are a cruelty-free option, they also contribute less to landfill waste compared to disposable diapers, making them a sustainable choice. Cloth diapers can now be found to be made to look more like disposables, (I found a brand, Kushies, to be like this)  and are a little more user-friendly than they used to be.  The Honest Co. also makes a disposable cruelty-free and better-for-the-environment diaper.

Advancements in technology have led to the development of alternatives to animal testing, such as in vitro testing and computer modeling, which can reduce the reliance on animal subjects.

4. Splenda

This is absolutely horrifying.  In 2000, a series of reports were published by Permagon press on the details of animal testing for Sucralose at Huntington Life Sciences.  Splenda is owned by McNeil Laboratories, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson, who regularly use animal testing in their products. McNeil Laboratories used animals including beagles in extensive testing of its product. The 32 beagles were fed sucralose (Splenda) in their feed, and over this 52-week test, they were kept in cages and their blood and urine were drawn and tested. When the tests were concluded, the beagles were killed by slitting their throats so their blood could be drained to make subsequent testing of their organs easier.

In addition to domestic animals, animal testing can also affect wildlife, as some testing practices involve capturing and testing on wild species, which raises ethical concerns about biodiversity and ecosystem health.

For those seeking a sweetener without animal testing implications, consider alternatives like Stevia or monk fruit extract.

5. “Green” Cleaning Products

Many of the conventional “green” cleaning products such as Green Works and Nature’s Source are owned by parent companies such as Clorox, which test on animals. So even if the finished product claims to not be tested on animals, you can almost be sure that the ingredients at some point are.

Cruelty-free cleaning products, such as Method, are listed on Leapingbunny.org.

More everyday products than we realize are subjected to animal testing. By being informed and seeking cruelty-free alternatives, we can make conscious choices that protect Animal rights. Sources such as Leapingbunny.org and PETA.org have lists of both cruelty-free and those who test on animals. Buycott is an app that can be downloaded to smartphones and has similar lists that can be accessed, and items can be scanned at the store and identified as cruelty-free or not.

Always research cleaning products before buying; many brands that claim to be ‘green’ may still be tested on animals. Look for labels such as ‘Leaping Bunny Certified’ or ‘PETA Approved’ when shopping. These certifications ensure that the products you choose have not been tested on animals.

Sharing personal stories or case studies about animals affected by testing can evoke empathy and reinforce the importance of choosing cruelty-free options.