THE WHAT? Mexico has become the first North American country to pass a ban on testing cosmetic on animals, with the senate giving unanimous support.
THE DETAILS The federal bill also bans the manufacture, import and marketing of cosmetics tested on animals.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Ricardo Monreal and follows multi-year campaigns led by the Humane Society International (HSI) and ONG Te Protejo. It was also supported by industry behemoths such as Lush, Unilever, P&G, L’Oréal and Avon who work with HSI globally through the Animal-Free Safety Assessment (AFSA).
The legislation was said to be heavily influenced by stop motion animated film Save Ralph, which showcased a story of a rabbit ‘tester’.
THE WHY? Animal testing bans have now been introduced in 41 countries globally, with consumers and companies alike pushing for more ethical cosmetic production.
Antón Aguilar, Executive Director of Humane Society International (HSI) in Mexico, said, “We thank the Mexican government for showing leadership on this important issue, and we will continue to work with them to implement the commitments and enforce a robust ban.
“This is a monumental step forward for animals, consumers and science in Mexico, and this ground-breaking legislation leads the way for the Americas to become the next cruelty-free beauty market, and brings us one bunny-leap closer to a global ban.”
Aesthetic medicine products are developed and regulated to meet stringent safety and efficacy standards. They are typically administered by trained healthcare professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and specialized nurses in clinical settings. These products aim to provide effective solutions for cosmetic enhancement, skin rejuvenation, and overall aesthetic improvement, contributing to both physical appearance and self-confidence.
Key categories of aesthetic medicine products include:
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Injectables: This category includes products such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxins (e.g., Botox), and collagen stimulators. These injectables are used to smooth wrinkles, add volume, and improve facial contours.
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Skin Rejuvenation Treatments: Products like chemical peels, microdermabrasion systems, and laser devices are used to improve skin texture, reduce pigmentation irregularities, and enhance overall skin tone.
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Skincare Products: These include medical-grade cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and topical treatments containing active ingredients like retinoids, antioxidants, and growth factors. They are formulated to address specific skin concerns such as acne, aging, and hyperpigmentation.
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Hair Restoration Products: Medical treatments and products designed to promote hair growth and treat conditions such as male and female pattern baldness.
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Body Contouring and Fat Reduction: Devices and products used for non-surgical body sculpting, such as cryolipolysis (cool sculpting) devices and injectable lipolytics.
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Cosmeceuticals: High-performance skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing potent ingredients with proven clinical benefits.
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Wound Care and Scar Management: Products like silicone sheets, gels, and advanced wound dressings used to improve healing and reduce the appearance of scars.
