Pamela Anderson criticises MAC Cosmetics

Published: 1-Sep-2015

PETA spokesperson writes letter about animal testing in China

Honourary Director of PETA and former MAC Cosmetics model Pamela Anderson has written to Estée Lauder, criticising the company for testing its products on animals.

Anderson said she was “proud to be a Viva Glam MAC girl in 2004” but was disappointed that some Estée Lauder products are still tested on animals. MAC Cosmetics are currently sold in China, were animal testing is compulsory for cosmetic products.

In a letter addressed to John Demsey she said: "I was very disturbed to learn from PETA that MAC, under your direction at Estée Lauder, is selling products in China where the company funds painful tests on animals in order to meet the country's archaic regulations. This has tainted the brand and alienated many of the company's longtime allies." She concluded: “I urge you to pull out of the Chinese market until the country’s testing methods are modernised like those of much of the rest of the world. Corporate leaders can make this happen.”

Estée Lauder has responded with a statement, admitting its obligation to comply with global laws. It said: "Before we are able to import any of our products to China, the Chinese government requires all importers of cosmetics, including us, to pay for animal testing that is conducted by a government-mandated laboratory in China. As a global company, we are committed to providing our products and services to our consumers where they live, and we must comply with all legal requirements in the countries where we do business"

However, the company reiterated its commitment to fighting against animal testing across the world. It said: “As a company, we conduct or commission only in vitro and human volunteer testing to establish the safety and efficacy of our products and we will continue to diligently advance the acceptance of the existing alternatives to animal testing everywhere we sell our products.”

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