Cologne Animal Testing: Cruelty Behind The Fragrance

Cologne, like other perfumes, is often tested on animals to determine its safety for human use. Animal testing is highly controversial and seen as inhumane by many, including PETA. To determine if a perfume could irritate the skin, scientists perform the Draize Eye/Skin test, which involves smearing the product on the skin and into the eyes of rabbits. These tests are often unnecessary, thanks to newer alternative testing methods.

Fortunately, there are many cruelty-free cologne options available that have not been tested on animals and do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Some popular cruelty-free cologne brands include Aesop, By Rosie Jane, Clean Perfume, and Molton Brown. It is important to note that some companies may only test certain products on animals, so it is always good to do your research before purchasing.

Animal testing methods

Another method involves testing for toxicity by force-feeding large doses of the ingredient to rodents or making them inhale it.

It is worth noting that most animals are euthanized after testing using methods considered humane by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The Draize Eye/Skin test

The Draize test is an acute toxicity test devised in 1944 by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) toxicologists John H. Draize and Jacob M. Spines. It is a procedure that involves applying a test substance to the eye or skin of a conscious, restrained animal and observing it for signs of irritation. The test is highly controversial and is viewed as cruel and unscientific by critics.

The Draize test was initially used for testing cosmetics but has since been adopted to screen many other compounds, including sunscreens and insecticides. The test substance is applied to the eye or skin of the animal, typically a rabbit, and left for a set amount of time before being rinsed out. The animal is then observed for up to 14 days for signs of irritation such as redness, swelling, discharge, ulceration, and hemorrhaging. If the test causes irreversible damage to the eye or skin, the animal is euthanized. Otherwise, it may be reused for testing after a "wash-out" period.

The Draize test has been modified over the years to reduce animal suffering, with the use of anaesthetics and lower doses of test substances. However, it remains controversial due to differences between animal and human eyes and the subjective nature of the visual evaluations. Efforts are being made to develop alternative, animal-free testing methods.

Toxicity tests

The Draize Eye/Skin test is another test used to determine if a particular cologne could irritate the skin. This is done by dropping or smearing some of the product onto the skin of rabbits. Potential harm to human eyes is detected by dripping some of the chemical into the rabbits' eyes.

Some of the toxic chemicals found in colognes include styrene, phthalates, musk ketone, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, camphor, ethyl acetate, limonene, linalool, and methylene chloride. These chemicals can cause a range of health issues, including nervous system damage, kidney damage, respiratory failure, ataxia, intestinal inflammation, dizziness, and fatigue.

Animal ingredients in perfumes

Civet

Civet is a cat-like animal native to Asia and Africa. The paste is the potent secretion produced by the perineal glands of both male and female civets. Pure civet is a crude, buttery-yellow paste that turns darker with age. At full strength, the tincture smells fecal and nauseating, but when diluted, it has a radiant, velvety, floral scent.

Ambergris

Ambergris is a wax-like pathological growth found in the stomach and intestines of about one in a hundred sperm whales and also in pygmy sperm whales. Its exact causes are still uncertain, but its growth may be spurred by the irritation created by indigestible elements in the foods eaten by the whales, such as the beaks of cuttlefish. Sometimes the whale will sicken and die before the condition can remedy itself, but usually, the "raw" ambergris is expelled as a stinking fecal mass.

Musk

Musk is an animal anal secretion with a sweet, generous, aromatic intensity and longevity, bringing an elegance and radiance to any perfume composition. The mature male musk deer produces musk, which is stored in a hairy pouch just the size of a golf ball, in front of the penis. To render musk for use in perfumery, the dried gland is chopped into small pieces and left in high-strength alcohol to mature for many months, or even better, for years.

Honey

Honey is a bee secretion.

Milk

Milk is an animal mammary secretion composed of pus, fat, and proteins.

Castoreum

Castoreum is a beaver anal secretion. In perfumery, castoreum has been used as the ultimate leather scent, evocative of fine leather upholstery, in classic leather-themed perfumes.

Artificial Vanilla

Also called castoreum.

Hyraceum

Hyraceum, also called "Africa stone," is the petrified and rock-like excreta of the rock hyrax, a medium-size mammal that looks like a big guinea pig and whose closest living relative is the elephant.

Cruelty-free alternatives

There are many cruelty-free alternatives to cologne that can be purchased at various price points, from affordable to high-end. Here are some options:

Affordable options (under $30)

• Coastal Classic Creations
• Flower Beauty (by Drew Barrymore)
• International Beauty Brands

Mid-range options ($30 to $70)

• Arbonne International
• C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries

Premium options ($70 and up)

• JOSÉE Organic Beauty & Perfume
• Billie Eilish Fragrances
• Abbott NYC
• Auphorie
• Tsi~La
• Skylar
• Phlur
• Pacifica
• NEST Fragrances
• Abbott NYC
• Lolita Lempicka
• My Daughter Fragrances
• Honoré des Prés
• Wit & West
• Ecco Bella

Frequently asked questions