Maryland will soon become the 5th state in the nation to ban cosmetics testing on animals and initiate a statewide ban on the sale of cosmetics that were tested on animals.
On Monday night, lawmakers voted to prohibit new tests on animals for cosmetics and all sales of newly-animal-tested cosmetics beginning July 2022 by unanimously passing SB 282/HB 611. The bill now heads to Governor Larry Hogan’s desk where he’s expected to either sign or let the bill pass without signature.
The neighboring state of Virginia passed similar laws just last week, joining California, Nevada and Illinois who all passed similar bans previously. Five additional states—New Jersey, Rhode Island, Hawaii, New York and Oregon—are currently considering similar laws.
In a blog post, The Humane Society of the United States said, “The laws reflect rising consumer opinion in the United States against unnecessary testing on animals for products like shampoos, mascara and lipstick. During these tests, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and rats have substances forced down their throats, dripped into their eyes, or smeared onto their skin before they are killed. Cosmetics companies are listening to consumer concerns and many have joined us to support bills in the states moving to end cosmetics testing sales and production.”
To check whether your own cosmetics products are tested on animals, click here.
