May 14, 2013

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), which runs the Leaping Bunny Program, has serious concerns about the recently introduced Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act of 2013 (H.R. 1385), legislation that will overhaul the way cosmetic products are regulated in the United States. While this legislation’s intended purpose is to ensure that cosmetic and personal care products are safe, it will likely require a significant number of animals to test and retest finished products and ingredients for safety.

Although the Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act does support the development and use of non-animal test methods, many toxicity testing protocols still rely on the use of animals. CCIC believes this is the wrong approach and the United States should instead harmonize its cosmetics laws with those of the European Union, which prohibit the use of animals to test cosmetics and their component ingredients while ensuring consumer safety.

Since 1996, the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics has been connecting compassionate consumers with cruelty-free companies. The CCIC is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society; Animal Alliance of Canada; Beauty Without Cruelty, USA; Doris Day Animal League; Humane Society of Canada; The Humane Society of the United States; and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC's international partner is the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. On the web at www.LeapingBunny.org.

For more information, contact Vicki Katrinak, CCIC Administrator at (888)546-CCIC or admin@LeapingBunny.org.

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April 9, 2013

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics' Leaping Bunny Program is pleased partner with The Natural Store™ at drugstore.com™ for Earth Month 2013 in a special giveaway.

Leaping Bunny is sponsoring the Natural Sample Bag to offer compassionate consumers the opportunity to try more than 20 products from The Natural Store™, the green and natural division at drugstore.com™. The recycled cotton tote bags are free to the first 5,000 people who spend a minimum of $50 on The Natural Store website. In addition, drugstore.com has pledged to donate $1 from each sale back to The Leaping Bunny Program.

“This tote bag is a fantastic opportunity for shoppers to try cruelty-free products they may not know about,” stated Kim Paschen, Communications Manager for the Leaping Bunny Program. “We are very excited to partner with one of the largest online retailers to get the word out about companies who have pledged to not test on animals.”

Participating Leaping Bunny certified companies include: 100% Pure, Aubrey Organics, Burt’s Bees, Crystal, Eco-Dent, Gud, Method, Mrs. Meyers, Sappo Hill Soap Works, Seventh Generation, and Tom’s of Maine.

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March 11, 2013

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) is pleased to see that the European Union (EU) law to ban the sale of cosmetics tested on animals has officially gone into effect. Our international partner, the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments, has worked on this important issue for over two decades, and starting today, it will be illegal to market, import, or sell animal-tested cosmetics in the 27 countries that make up the EU. The law that passed in 2004 set a series of deadlines to end animal testing and ultimately the sale of cosmetic products and their component ingredients that have been tested on animals.

“We see the new EU law banning the sale of cosmetic products that have been tested on animals as an important milestone,” said CCIC Chair Sue Leary. “We join our partners in the EU in celebrating this momentous occasion.”

However, CCIC, which administers the Leaping Bunny Program for cruelty-free certification in the United States and Canada, warns consumers that this ban does not mean that all companies selling their products in Europe are free from new animal testing. Important questions remain about how the ban will be interpreted in the individual EU member countries tasked with enforcement. Some ingredients that are used in products other than just cosmetics may still be tested or could still be tested for other purposes like environmental toxicity. In addition, other countries such as China have laws that require some animal testing for cosmetic products and ingredients. It is unlikely that brands selling in Europe will be prohibited from carrying out required animal tests to sell in other markets.

CCIC urges compassionate consumers to continue to look to the Leaping Bunny Program to make informed decisions about a company’s animal testing policy. Companies certified by Leaping Bunny cannot test their products or ingredients on animals regardless of international regulatory requirements. The Leaping Bunny Program also certifies companies that make household products, which are unaffected by this new animal testing ban.

Since 1996, the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics has been connecting compassionate consumers with cruelty-free companies. The CCIC is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society; Animal Alliance of Canada; Beauty Without Cruelty, USA; Doris Day Animal League; Humane Society of Canada; The Humane Society of the United States; and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC's international partner is the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments.

For more information, read our Frequently Asked Questions, or contact the CCIC at (888)546-CCIC/ vicki@LeapingBunny.org.

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December 11, 2012

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics' (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program is pleased to announce that it has won the$10,000 grand prize in Alba Botanica's 'Team Do Beautiful' contest.

Alba Botanica, a Leaping Bunny certified company that makes personal care products for the face, hair, and body, sponsored the contest to bring awareness to and raise money for three designated charities chosen by the company. The three charities were CCIC, Healthy Child Healthy World, and The Earth Day Network. CCIC won the grand prize as the charity that garnered the most votes.

"Alba Botanica is thrilled to announce loyal partner Leaping Bunny as the winner of our Team Do Beautiful promotion! We are humbled by a profound respect for all beings and that is why Alba Botanica and all of our ingredients suppliers proudly stand against animal testing of any kind," stated Clair Sidman, Senior Brand Manager at Alba Botanica.

The prize winnings will be used to fund independent audits of Leaping Bunny certified companies as well as promote the Leaping Bunny Program through social media. "We are very excited to have won the grand prize. It is so gratifying to know how many of our supporters value our continued work to end product testing," stated Kim Paschen, Communications Manager of the Leaping Bunny Program. "We look forward to adding new cruelty-free companies to our growing list as well as continually finding new ways to promote cruelty-free shopping. Our thanks go to Alba Botanica for helping to further our mission."

Since 1996, the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics has been connecting compassionate consumers with cruelty-free companies. The CCIC is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society; Animal Alliance of Canada; Beauty Without Cruelty, USA; Doris Day Animal League; Humane Society of Canada; The Humane Society of the United States; and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC's international partner is the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. On the web at www.LeapingBunny.org.

For more information, contact the CCIC at (888)546-CCIC or admin@LeapingBunny.org.

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November 27, 2012

On November 26, 2012, L’Oréal announced its acquisition of Urban Decay, a company certified cruelty-free by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program. Urban Decay was one of the first cosmetics companies to be approved under the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals. This standard, managed by leading animal protection groups in the United States and Canada, is the only true guarantee that a product is free from new animal testing for ingredients, formulations, and finished products.

Urban Decay will maintain its product formulas and be managed as an independent subsidiary. Urban Decay’s policy on animal testing will remain unchanged as will its recent commitment to CCIC that it will not enter foreign markets, such as China, where animal testing on cosmetics is required.

Urban Decay is currently certified under the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals. In order to attain such status a company has to:

- Guarantee that no new animal testing is used for finished products or ingredients in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or suppliers;
- Obtain assurances from their suppliers and manufacturers that no animal testing has been conducted on their behalf after a fixed date; and
- Agree to allow verification of this policy through an independent audit program.

It is our understanding that Urban Decay fully intends to continue meeting the requirements of the Leaping Bunny Program. However, we recognize that there will be many ethical consumers who are concerned about giving their financial support to an overall parent corporation, such as L’Oréal, which has not committed to ending animal testing. Therefore, all versions of our Compassionate Shopping Guide and web listings notate if a listed company is a “Cruelty-free subsidiary of a parent company that does not comply” so that they can make fully informed purchasing decisions.

Since 1996, the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics has been connecting compassionate consumers with cruelty-free companies. The CCIC is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society; Animal Alliance of Canada; Beauty Without Cruelty, USA; Doris Day Animal League; Humane Society of Canada; The Humane Society of the United States; and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC's international partner is the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. On the web at www.LeapingBunny.org.

For more information, contact the CCIC at (888)546-CCIC or admin@LeapingBunny.org. Hide Article

October 8, 2012

Whether her lipstick is labeled “fire-engine red” or “passion flower pink,” one label that matters deeply to today’s beauty consumer is “cruelty-free,” according to a new, nationwide survey of close to 1,300 American women conducted by Vitacost.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: VITC), a leading online retailer of health and wellness products, including organic beauty and personal care items. More than three-quarters of respondents said it was either “extremely important” or “somewhat important” that the cosmetics products they buy are labeled “cruelty-free.” These results closely mirror an internal survey Vitacost conducted simultaneously of 903 of its female customers.

The other label that’s particularly important to today’s beauty shopper is the price tag, the survey found, with affordability listed as the most important factor influencing the decision to purchase a beauty product.

Other key survey findings
Nationwide survey of 1,266 women, aged 18-60+:
- 31.5% purchase cosmetics every 1-2 months
- Overwhelming majority, 74.6%, would purchase a product labeled “cruelty-free” over one without that label if other factors, such as price and quality, were equal
- 45.0% said animal rights are “extremely important” to them; 41.0% said “somewhat important”
- Over 75.0% of respondents owned at least one pet
- 36.7% of respondents said most or all of the beauty products they currently own are cruelty free

Making cruelty-free beauty more affordable
Vitacost, which sells nearly 40,000 health and wellness products at up to 50% off retail, recently launched a new cruelty-free specialty store, www.vitacost.com/cruelty-free, which showcases beauty and personal care products that are not tested on animals and are independently certified by the Leaping Bunny Program, which is operated by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics. Brands listed in Vitacost’s cruelty-free storefront include: Beauty Without Cruelty, Avalon Organics, Jason, Desert Essence, Devita, Tom’s of Maine, Reviva Labs, Kiss My Face and Alba Botanica.

“We are thrilled to team up with Vitacost to provide customers a simple, affordable way to find products from companies that have made a commitment to eliminate animal testing from their product lines,” said Leaping Bunny Administrator Vicki Katrinak. “We hope our relationship makes it even easier for compassionate consumers to shop cruelty-free.”

Vitacost.com’s Chief Marketing Officer, David Zucker, Ph.D., said the company is proud to offer today’s beauty consumer the ethically manufactured, organic products they are seeking, at great prices. “Marrying together the cruelty-free label and the discount price tag gives today’s savvy cosmetics customer the opportunity to look great for less, while upholding personal morals and values.”

About Vitacost.com, Inc.
Vitacost.com, Inc. (Nasdaq:VITC) is a leading online retailer of health and wellness products, including dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs and other botanicals, amino acids and metabolites, as well as cosmetics, organic body and personal care products, pet products, sports nutrition and health foods. Vitacost.com, Inc. sells these products directly to consumers through its website, www.vitacost.com. Vitacost.com, Inc. strives to offer its customers the broadest selection of healthy living products, while providing superior customer service and timely and accurate delivery.

About Leaping Bunny
Since 1996, the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) has been connecting compassionate consumers with cruelty-free companies. The CCIC is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society; Animal Alliance of Canada; Beauty Without Cruelty, USA; Doris Day Animal League; Humane Society of Canada; The Humane Society of the United States; and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC’s international partner is the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. For more information, contact the CCIC at (888) 546-2242 or admin@leapingbunny.org.

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September 18, 2012

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), which operates the Leaping Bunny Program in the U.S. and Canada, regrets to inform compassionate consumers who look for the Leaping Bunny Logo that skin care company Dermalogica is no longer certified as cruelty-free. Following up on reports, CCIC investigated and concluded that Dermalogica has had products approved for sale in The People’s Republic of China (China), which undoubtedly makes the company a party to animal testing.

“It is unfortunate that a company like Dermalogica, which has been on our list for several years, is implicated in cruel and unnecessary animal testing—just to sell in China,” said CCIC Chair Sue Leary. “It seems that they were monitoring their supply chain to guard against animal testing, but not their distribution system.”

“Companies need to understand: it’s your brand; it’s your responsibility,” Leary continued. “Dermalogica profited from sales in China and so they are accountable. That is the heart of the Leaping Bunny Standard.”

It has become known industry-wide that companies selling cosmetic and personal care products in China are required under new, specific guidelines to test (or be a party to testing of) finished cosmetic products and/or ingredients on animals. These requirements have caused other companies such as Mary Kay, to be removed from the Leaping Bunny list due to similar concerns.

Now that the animal testing has been revealed, the company says it will try to rectify the situation, although it may take some time. “Dermalogica does not condone animal testing and is in the process of actively withdrawing our product registrations and undertaking the necessary actions to suspend our distribution to the Chinese market,” according to Dermalogica’s CEO Daniel Ginsberg.

“I don’t doubt that Dermalogica regrets animal testing conducted in its name. But the fact is that consumers rely on us to let them know which companies are cruelty-free, and Dermalogica can no longer be considered in that category,” stated Vicki Katrinak, CCIC Administrator.

The Leaping Bunny Program sets itself apart from other cruelty-free lists by reviewing companies’ adherence to a strict no animal testing standard. All Leaping Bunny companies must be open to independent audits for verification, and pledge commitments are renewed on an annual basis.

For more information, contact Vicki Katrinak at (888)546-CCIC or admin@LeapingBunny.org

Since 1996, the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) has been connecting compassionate consumers with cruelty-free companies. The CCIC is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society; Animal Alliance of Canada; Beauty Without Cruelty, USA; Doris Day Animal League; Humane Society of Canada; The Humane Society of the United States; and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC’s international partner is the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. On the web at www.leapingbunny.org.

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July 6, 2012
The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program is pleased to announce that it has recertified Urban Decay as cruelty-free after the company made the decision to cancel plans to sell its products in China, a country that requires animal testing.

“We are very happy with Urban Decay’s decision and appreciate that they came through with what we needed for recertification,” said CCIC Chair Sue Leary.

The CCIC removed Urban Decay from its list of cruelty-free companies in early June when the company informed them of its intent to enter the Chinese market. Responding to an outpouring of extreme disappointment from compassionate consumers, Urban Decay has reversed its decision and recommitted to the Leaping Bunny Program’s Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals. The company stated that it has no intention of selling products in China until it can do so without the need for animal test data.

“We've decided not to start selling Urban Decay products in China because we did not feel we could comply with current regulations in China and remain true to our core principles,” said Urban Decay Cofounder, Wende Zomnir. “Our hope remains that the adoption of alternatives to animal testing worldwide will enable us to offer Urban Decay products in the future to anyone, including many progressive consumers in China, who value cruelty-free cosmetics.”

Leary added, “This wouldn’t have happened without all the compassionate consumers who protested the company’s move into China. Clearly, there is a substantial market segment that makes buying decisions based on a company’s position on animal testing. Companies ignore that at their peril.”

The Leaping Bunny Program offers the most up-to-date list of companies that have committed to no new animal testing throughout their manufacturing process, from ingredients to finished products. The Leaping Bunny Logo is consistently ranked by third parties as the cruelty-free logo that can be trusted the most.

Since 1996, the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) has been connecting compassionate consumers with cruelty-free companies. The CCIC is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society; Animal Alliance of Canada; Beauty Without Cruelty, USA; Doris Day Animal League; Humane Society of Canada; The Humane Society of the United States; and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC’s international partner is the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. For more information, contact the CCIC at (888) 546-2242 or admin@leapingbunny.org.

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June 6, 2012
The Leaping Bunny Program, administered by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), regrets to inform compassionate consumers who look for the Leaping Bunny Logo that Urban Decay is no longer certified as cruelty-free by the Leaping Bunny Program. The company has notified us that they have elected to sell their products in China, which, due to animal testing requirements in that country, will cause them to be in violation of our Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals.

Concerned individuals may be aware that animal testing requirements implemented last year in China have caused other companies, such as Mary Kay, to be removed from the Leaping Bunny list due to similar concerns. And there may be more, as CCIC continually investigates reports of companies that may be a party to animal testing in order to sell in China.

The Leaping Bunny Program sets itself apart from other cruelty-free lists by reviewing companies’ adherence to a strict no animal testing standard and removing those companies that no longer comply. “The tragedy of this is that testing cosmetic products and ingredients on animals is cruel and unnecessary,” commented Sue Leary, Chair of CCIC. The certification program remains in dialogue with companies and other experts on the issue, and supports efforts to persuade Chinese officials to accept non-animal alternative test methods.

Companies certified through the Leaping Bunny Program pledge to eliminate animal testing from all stages of product development. The company's ingredient suppliers make the same pledge and the result is a product guaranteed to be 100 percent free of new animal testing. All Leaping Bunny companies must be open to independent audits for verification, and pledge commitments are renewed on an annual basis.

Since 1996, the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics has been connecting compassionate consumers with cruelty-free companies. The CCIC is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society; Animal Alliance of Canada; Beauty Without Cruelty, USA; Doris Day Animal League; Humane Society of Canada; The Humane Society of the United States; and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC's international partner is the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. On the web at www.LeapingBunny.org.

For more information, contact:
Vicki Katrinak, CCIC Administrator at (888)546-CCIC or admin@LeapingBunny.org

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May 16, 2012

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics' Leaping Bunny Program is pleased to announce a new partnership with drugstore.com, inc's green and natural department, The Natural Store™ at drugstore.com™. Over 50 Leaping Bunny certified companies sell products on this website, including: 100% Pure, Alba Botanica, Aubrey Organics, Avalon Organics, Beauty Without Cruelty, Biokleen, Burt's Bees, Crazy Rumors, Crystal, Deep Steep, Dr. Bronner's, Earth Friendly Products, Emerita, EO, Giovanni, Hugo Naturals, Jason Natural Cosmetics, Kiss My Face, Martha Stewart Clean, Method, Mrs. Meyer's, Nature's Gate, Seventh Generation, ShiKai, Tom's of Maine, and W.S. Badger Company.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to reach a new audience of over 3 million people and not only educate them about the reality of product testing, which is still occurring on personal care and household products today, but also make them aware that there are so many great companies producing effective, quality products that are cruelty-free," stated Kim Paschen, Communications Manager of the Leaping Bunny Program. "Consumers can make this their one-stop shop for items free of animal testing."

The main page of The Natural Store at drugstore.com features the Leaping Bunny Logo with a link to a page containing a rotating list of special deals on Leaping Bunny certified products: http://bit.ly/HSgYUa in addition to a link to sign Leaping Bunny's Pledge To Go Cruelty-Free.

"From the beginning, we've been committed to helping people live healthier lives. One way we do that is by offering our customers one of the largest and best selection of natural products online. But it's not just about being responsible caretakers of our planet; we're also pet owners and animal lovers. Giving our customers the opportunity to shop for cruelty-free products is important to us, so we are proud to feature products sporting the Leaping Bunny Logo," stated Julie Johnston, VP OTC Merchandising of drugstore.com.

# # #

drugstore.com, inc. is a leading online provider of health, beauty, and vision products. Shop a great assortment of more than 60,000 items ranging from everyday basics to hard-to-find favorites. With competitive prices, unique categories, and free shipping for orders over $25* all in one convenient location, the drugstore.com web store is truly the uncommon drugstore®. The Natural Store at drugstore.com has teamed up with leaders of the natural and green product industries to offer thousands of eco-friendly items to customers at affordable prices.

* Free standard shipping is available only on purchases of $25 or more, and does not apply to contact lenses, gift certificates, magazine subscriptions, bulk orders, or orders over 20 pounds.

Since 1996, the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics has been connecting compassionate consumers with cruelty-free companies. The CCIC is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society; Animal Alliance of Canada; Beauty Without Cruelty, USA; Doris Day Animal League; Humane Society of Canada; The Humane Society of the United States; and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC's international partner is the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments.

For more information, contact the CCIC at (888)546-CCIC or admin@LeapingBunny.org.

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CCIC: Connecting compassionate consumers with cruelty-free companies for 15 years.

November 15, 2011

Fifteen years ago, animal protection organizations launched the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), which administers the Leaping Bunny Program in the United States and Canada, on November 19, 1996. CCIC was created to provide consumers with accurate information on cruelty-free cosmetics, personal care, and household products.

Prior to the inauguration of CCIC, cruelty-free shopping was often confusing and even frustrating for consumers who wanted to make purchases consistent with their beliefs. Many companies at the time were creating their own definition of ‘cruelty-free’ or ‘animal friendly’ without consulting with animal protection groups. CCIC set out to change this with clear standards for cruelty-free certification and participation by all concerned parties.

And consumers are paying attention. According to a poll conducted this past month by the ORC International, 67% of survey participants agree that companies should not test consumer products like cosmetics and dish detergent on animals, and 60% of respondents are more likely to buy a product that has not been tested on animals, whereas only 11% are less likely to buy it.

CCIC’s standard is a voluntary pledge that companies make to remove animal testing from all stages of product development. Their ingredient suppliers make the same pledge, and the result is products guaranteed to be 100% free of new animal testing. In addition, all companies participating in the Leaping Bunny Program must be open to independent audits.

“It's such a positive program,” said Sue Leary, Chair of CCIC and President of the American Anti-Vivisection Society. “We're like matchmakers—we bring together compassionate consumers and cruelty-free companies. And best of all, the animals win."

“I love Leaping Bunny because even my 10-year-old son is turning containers over to look for the ‘happy rabbit,’” said cruelty-free shopper Tamara Castagnaro. “Our children are being raised to know that this bunny is a symbol for what they care about and are not alone in what they feel is the right thing to do. Thank you for that.”

In the last 15 years, CCIC has seen an enormous amount of success in certifying new companies and reaching out to consumers. The growth of the Leaping Bunny Program has been phenomenal, with 395 companies now certified, a 233% increase in the past decade. The Compassionate Shopping Guide is widely available online, and is also available as a pocket-sized booklet with over 230,000 copies distributed annually, and as a free app for iPhone and Android phones.

“The member organizations, certified companies, and consumers who participate in our Leaping Bunny Program drive the success of our goal: to protect animals from the cruelty of research and testing, and to spare humans from the poor, even dangerous, results it yields," said Theodora Capaldo, Ed.D., President of New England Anti-Vivisection Society, a founding member of CCIC.

The future of Leaping Bunny holds still greater growth, as consumers continue to express a desire for products that have not been tested on animals. Consumers in the poll are over three times more likely to trust an independent third party, like the Leaping Bunny Program (67%), than a company’s own claims (21%) about its animal testing policy. At the same time, the Leaping Bunny Program has continued to receive high marks from publications for its integrity and credibility.

“CCIC provides a valuable service to consumers who care that their purchases don’t cause pain and suffering to animals. When they buy personal care and household products listed on the Leaping Bunny list, they know it’s truly cruelty-free,” said Kathleen Conlee, Senior Director of Animal Research Issues at The Humane Society of the United States, a founding member of the CCIC.

"The MSPCA is proud to be a member of the CCIC Leaping Bunny Program because it enables consumers to shop for products that are manufactured without the use of animal testing," said Linda Huebner, Deputy Director of Advocacy at the MSPCA’s Center for Laboratory Animal Welfare.

To celebrate its 15th anniversary, CCIC is working with over 60 Leaping Bunny certified companies to offer a variety of contests to compassionate consumers throughout the month of November. Visit CCIC’s Facebook and Twitter accounts to see daily contests. (www.facebook.com/leapingbunny, www.twitter.com/leapingbunny).

CCIC is made up of leading animal protection organizations in the United States and Canada representing over 10 million members. The current member organizations are: American Anti-Vivisection Society (Chair); Animal Alliance of Canada; Beauty Without Cruelty, USA; Doris Day Animal League; The Humane Society of Canada; The Humane Society of the United States; MSPCA Center for Laboratory Animal Welfare; and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC’s international partner is the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE).

For more information, contact the CCIC at (888)546-CCIC or admin@LeapingBunny.org.

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September 20, 2010
The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), which runs the Leaping Bunny Program, has concerns about the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 (H.R. 5786), legislation that will overhaul the way cosmetic products are regulated in the United States. While this legislation’s intended purpose is to ensure that cosmetic products are safe, it may very well have disastrous consequences for the animals that will be used to test and retest cosmetic products and ingredients for safety.

Although the Safe Cosmetics Act does support the development and use of non-animal test methods, many toxicity testing protocols still rely on the use of animals. CCIC hopes that any action to change cosmetic regulations will require the use of non-animal tests and harmonize U.S. law with the European Union, which prohibits the use of animals to test cosmetics and their component ingredients.

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society; American Humane Association; Animal Alliance of Canada; Beauty Without Cruelty, USA; Doris Day Animal League; The Humane Society of Canada; The Humane Society of the United States; MSPCA’s Center for Laboratory Animal Welfare; and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC’s international partner is the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. On the web at www.LeapingBunny.org.

For more information, contact:
Vicki Katrinak, CCIC Administrator at (888)546-CCIC or admin@LeapingBunny.org

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April 1, 2010
The Leaping Bunny Program, administered by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), is pleased to announce the success of its independent audit process in ensuring that the Leaping Bunny Logo remains the most meaningful cruelty-free label available. The Leaping Bunny Program sets itself apart from other cruelty-free lists by reviewing companies’ adherence to a strict no animal testing standard and removing those companies that no longer comply. Since 1996, Leaping Bunny has provided compassionate consumers with an internationally recognized logo and a cruelty-free list they can truly trust, featuring over 300 cosmetic, personal care, and household companies that have eliminated animal testing from their ingredients, formulations, and finished products.

In a recent review of 16 companies that were subject to independent compliance audits, 14 successfully completed the audit proving their commitment to manufacturing products with compassion. Leaping Bunny commends Allen’s Naturally, Aubrey Organics, Earth Friendly Products, The Good Home Company, The Hain Celestial Group, Hoke2, Jess’ Bee Natural, Kirk’s Natural, Max Green Alchemy, Organix South, Suki, Urban Decay, Well in Hand, and W.S. Badger Company. Regrettably, two companies, Juice Beauty and V’TAE, refused to open their animal testing policies up to scrutiny and denied the audit. Because Leaping Bunny cannot verify their claims, these companies have been removed from its Compassionate Shopping Guide.

“The companies that passed the audit demonstrated their commitment to cruelty-free products and consumers will reward that commitment,” said Sue Leary, Chair of CCIC. “Although we are sorry to remove some companies from the list for noncompliance, we are proud to demonstrate the integrity of our program.” Leary added, “We take seriously our job to provide a meaningful service to caring consumers.”

Companies certified through the Leaping Bunny Program pledge to eliminate animal testing from all stages of product development. The company's ingredient suppliers make the same pledge and the result is a product guaranteed to be 100 percent free of new animal testing. All Leaping Bunny companies must be open to independent audits for verification, and pledge commitments are renewed on an annual basis.

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society; American Humane Association; Animal Alliance of Canada; Beauty Without Cruelty, USA; Doris Day Animal League; The Humane Society of Canada; The Humane Society of the United States; MSPCA’s Center for Laboratory Animal Welfare; and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC’s international partner is the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. On the web at www.LeapingBunny.org.

For more information, contact:
Vicki Katrinak, CCIC Administrator at (888)546-CCIC or admin@LeapingBunny.org

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September 14, 2009
The Leaping Bunny Program, administered by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), is pleased to announce a new partnership with Naturity LLC, a company dedicated to manufacturing products without the use of animal testing.

Last month, Naturity became one of over 250 cosmetic, personal care, and household product companies in the United States and Canada that has pledged to eliminate all new animal testing from its product lines by joining the Leaping Bunny Program, the only cruelty-free certification program that compassionate consumers can truly trust. In addition, Naturity has pledged to donate 10% of the sales of its products purchased through www.LeapingBunny.org.

"We are thrilled to work with companies like Naturity that are going above and beyond to end animal testing," said CCIC Chair Sue Leary. "By becoming a Leaping Bunny partner, Naturity has committed not only to prevent needless animal testing for its own products, but also to help educate consumers and companies alike about the importance of manufacturing products with compassion."

"Naturity is excited about working with the Leaping Bunny Program," remarked Naturity Managing Member Anysia Kiel. "Now consumers can purchase great personal care products and help eliminate animal testing at the same time."

Companies certified through the Leaping Bunny Program make a voluntary pledge to eliminate animal testing from all stages of product development. The company's ingredient suppliers make the same pledge and the result is a product guaranteed to be 100 percent free of new animal testing. All Leaping Bunny companies must be open to independent audits, and commitments are renewed on an annual basis.

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics is comprised of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society; American Humane Association; Animal Alliance of Canada; Beauty Without Cruelty, USA; Doris Day Animal League; MSPCA's Center for Laboratory Animal Welfare; The Humane Society of Canada; The Humane Society of the United States; and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC's international partner is the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. On the web at www.LeapingBunny.org.

Naturity is an organic personal care company offering body-bath, pregnancy, and baby care products. All products are comprised of 99-100% certified organic ingredients. Naturity intends to set a new standard in the personal care industry, while simultaneously educating consumers. Naturity thinks the combination of both will lead to a healthier industry and a consumer base making better choices not only for their own self-preservation but also for that of our planet. On the web at www.naturity.net.

For more information, contact:
Vicki Katrinak, CCIC Administrator at (888)546-CCIC or admin@LeapingBunny.org
Anysia Kiel, Naturity Managing Member at (732)678-7112 or anysia@naturity.net.

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August 20, 2009
The Leaping Bunny Program, administered by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), added two new member organizations to its family this month: The Humane Society of Canada and the Center for Laboratory Animal Welfare, an affiliate of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Their leap on board makes them a part of an internationally-recognized cruelty-free certification program that consumers can truly trust. The Leaping Bunny Program reviews companies’ adherence to a strict no animal testing standard in the United States and Canada, and its list has grown to over 250 companies.

"The Humane Society of Canada and the Center for Laboratory Animal Welfare each bring something special to our coalition with their regional strengths, and we are thrilled that they'll be a part of our growth," said Sue Leary, CCIC Chair. "We know that their inclusion will help to encourage companies and consumers alike to make cruelty-free choices."

Formed in 1996 in response to the number of confusing, and often misleading, claims that companies were making about their no animal testing policies, CCIC promotes a single comprehensive standard and an internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo for cosmetic, personal care, and household products that are free from new animal testing. CCIC works with companies to help make shopping for animal-friendly products easy.

"All too often people feel overwhelmed when they learn about cruelty to animals: 'What can I do?' they ask. Everyone can use their hard earned money to make compassionate choices when they shop. Being a part of CCIC helps us provide them with the choice to make informed humane decisions that help animals," said The Humane Society of Canada Chairman & CEO Michael O'Sullivan whose family shares their lives with a houseful of dogs and cats.

MSPCA Director of Advocacy Kara Holmquist commented, "The Center for Laboratory Animal Welfare and Massachusetts SPCA get inquiries about cruelty-free labeling all the time. People want to do the right thing. We feel good about joining this effort to bring together ethical companies and caring consumers."

Companies certified through the Leaping Bunny Program make a voluntary pledge to eliminate animal testing from all stages of product development. The company's ingredient suppliers make the same pledge and the result is a product guaranteed to be 100 percent free of new animal testing. All Leaping Bunny companies must be open to independent audits, and commitments are renewed on an annual basis.

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics is comprised of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society; American Humane Association; Animal Alliance of Canada; Beauty Without Cruelty, USA; Doris Day Animal League; MSPCA's Center for Laboratory Animal Welfare; The Humane Society of Canada; The Humane Society of the United States; and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC's international partner is the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. On the web at www.LeapingBunny.org.

For more information, contact the CCIC at (888)546-CCIC or admin@LeapingBunny.org.

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December 29, 2008
The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) and the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE), the animal protection organizations who administer the Leaping Bunny Program in the United States (U.S.), Canada, and Europe, join together to celebrate the end of animal testing for cosmetics in the European Union (EU).

As of today, the EU has banned all animal tests for cosmetic ingredients, formulations, and final products. In addition, the sale of cosmetics and ingredients that have been tested on animals, regardless of where the testing occurred, is also prohibited, with the exception of three test areas (repeated-dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and toxicokinetics). The final three test areas will be banned in March 2013.

"This is an historic occasion and a significant step forward for animals in laboratories," said Michelle Thew, Chief Executive of the ECEAE. "We are delighted that this ban has finally come into force. We will now continue our global campaign to seek an end to the appalling suffering inflicted on animals in the name of beauty worldwide."

The EU cosmetic testing law will have an enormous impact on the cosmetics industry both in the EU and abroad as the law sets specific deadlines not just for the production, but also for the sale of products that have been tested on animals or contain animal-tested ingredients. In today's global economy, companies based in the U.S. and Canada depend on profits from their European markets. This dependence will inevitably require these companies to more aggressively pursue non-animal alternatives for product testing.

"We are thrilled that Europe has taken a stand against cosmetic testing on animals," said CCIC Chair Tracie Letterman. "We hope lawmakers in the United States and Canada will pass similar measures and put an end to this unnecessary cruelty."

Companies certified through the Leaping Bunny Program in the U.S., Canada, and Europe make a voluntary pledge to eliminate animal testing from all stages of product development. The company's ingredient suppliers make the same pledge and the result is a product guaranteed to be 100 percent free of new animal testing.

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) was founded in 1996 in an effort to create a single comprehensive standard and an internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo for cosmetic, personal care and household products that are free from new animal testing. CCIC is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society, American Humane Association, Beauty Without Cruelty, USA, Doris Day Animal League, The Humane Society of the United States, and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC’s international partners are Animal Alliance of Canada and European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. On the web at www.LeapingBunny.org.

For more information, contact the CCIC at (888)546-CCIC or admin@LeapingBunny.org; or the ECEAE at +44 (0) 20 7619 6978 or media@eceae.org.

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December 29, 2008
The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics' (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program is urging consumers to make a difference for animals by making a New Year's resolution and pledging to go cruelty-free in 2009. With more than 200 cosmetic, personal care, and household product companies already committed to end all new animal testing of products and ingredients, it is easier than ever to find a wide range of quality, cruelty-free products.

Hundreds of thousands of animals, including rabbits, mice, and rats, suffer in unnecessary experiments to test products like lipstick, lotion, and detergent. CCIC, a coalition of national and international animal protection organizations, works to encourage more companies to sign on to The Leaping Bunny Program and help put an end to inhumane animal product testing. Companies certified by the CCIC are listed in the Compassionate Shopping Guide or bear the internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo.

CCIC notes that the Leaping Bunny Program's success has been a vital part of efforts to end all product testing. It is the only truly cruelty-free certification program. Unlike all other cruelty-free lists, the CCIC's list requires that both the finished products and the ingredients (where most animal use would occur) are free of new animal testing. Consumers who purchase products from Leaping Bunny- approved companies can be certain that they are making compassionate shopping choices and helping animals at the same time.

"We are truly proud of the companies that have made a cruelty-free commitment by joining the Leaping Bunny Program," said Tracie Letterman, chair of CCIC; "however, there are still more companies that need to go cruelty-free. By signing the Leaping Bunny Pledge and making a New Year’s resolution to only support companies that have made this compassionate decision, consumers will help us put an end to the unnecessary use of animals for product testing."

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) was founded in 1996 in an effort to create a single comprehensive standard and an internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo for cosmetic, personal care and household products that are free from new animal testing. CCIC is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society, American Humane Association, Beauty Without Cruelty, USA, Doris Day Animal League, The Humane Society of the United States, and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC’s international partners are Animal Alliance of Canada and European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. On the web at www.LeapingBunny.org.

For more information, contact the CCIC at (888)546-CCIC or admin@LeapingBunny.org.

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September 18, 2008
The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) is eagerly awaiting the upcoming deadline to end animal testing established in 2004, when the European Union (EU) passed the seventh amendment of the Cosmetics Directive. This law sets a series of deadlines for animal testing bans and bans on the sale of cosmetics containing animal tested ingredients.

On March 11, 2009, the EU will:

• Ban animal testing of cosmetic ingredients or formulations in the EU; and


• Ban marketing of cosmetic products and ingredients tested on animals for all but three test areas, repeated-dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and toxicokinetics, regardless of availability of non-animal alternatives.

The EU cosmetic testing law will have an enormous impact on the cosmetics industry both in the EU and abroad as the law sets specific deadlines not just for the production but also for the sale of products that have been tested on animals or contain animal-tested ingredients. In today's global economy, companies based in the United States and Canada depend on profits from their European markets. This dependence will inevitably require these companies to more aggressively pursue non-animal alternatives for product testing.

The CCIC urges companies to join us in committing to end the use of animal tests ahead of this March deadline. Companies certified through the Leaping Bunny Program make a voluntary pledge to eliminate animal testing from all stages of product development. The company's ingredient suppliers make the same pledge and the result is a product guaranteed to be 100 percent free of new animal testing.

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society, American Humane Association, Beauty Without Cruelty, USA, Doris Day Animal League, The Humane Society of the United States, and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC’s international partners are Animal Alliance of Canada and European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. On the web at www.leapingbunny.org.

For more information, contact the CCIC at (888)546-CCIC or admin@leapingbunny.org.

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July 11, 2008
The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) commends New York Governor David Paterson for signing legislation requiring the use of validated non-animal alternatives for product testing into law. This legislation, sponsored by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, prohibits a manufacturer or contract testing facility from using an animal test method for which there is a validated alternative test method that has been recommended by the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM). ICCVAM evaluates new, revised, and alternative test methods, and promotes the validation and regulatory acceptance of test methods that refine, reduce, or replace animal use. New York joins California and New Jersey to become the third state to require the use of federally validated non-animal alternatives for product testing.

Formed in 1996 by leading national animal protection organizations, the CCIC promotes a single comprehensive standard and an internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo for cosmetic, personal care, and household products that are free from new animal testing. Companies who have been approved by the Leaping Bunny Program pledge not to test on animals during any stage of product development. The company's ingredient suppliers make the same pledge and the result is a product guaranteed to be 100 percent free of new animal testing.

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society, American Humane Association, Beauty Without Cruelty, USA, Doris Day Animal League, The Humane Society of the United States, and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC’s international partners are Animal Alliance of Canada and European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. On the web at www.leapingbunny.org.

For more information, contact the CCIC at (888)546-CCIC or admin@leapingbunny.org.

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June 6, 2008
HAPPI Magazine reported new information from Mintel Global New Products Database (GNDP) Cosmetic Research that shows that more and more companies are launching ethical cosmetic and skincare lines. The article reveals "cruelty-free is the most widely made ethical claim in new US beauty products." The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) is happy that the beauty market is responding to consumer's ethical concerns and encourages companies wishing to demonstrate their cruelty-free commitment to join CCIC's Leaping Bunny Program.

Formed in 1996 by leading national animal protection organizations, the CCIC promotes a single comprehensive standard and an internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo for cosmetic, personal care, and household products that are free from new animal testing. Companies who have been approved by the Leaping Bunny Program pledge not to test on animals during any stage of product development. The company's ingredient suppliers make the same pledge and the result is a product guaranteed to be 100 percent free of new animal testing.

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society, American Humane Association, Beauty Without Cruelty, USA, Doris Day Animal League, The Humane Society of the United States, and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC’s international partners are Animal Alliance of Canada and European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. On the web at www.leapingbunny.org.

For more information, contact the CCIC at (888)546-CCIC or admin@leapingbunny.org.

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April 21, 2008
Burt's Bees is the latest company to join the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics' (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program. It will now join the nearly 200 companies that have already committed to eliminating all new animal testing from their products.

The CCIC's Leaping Bunny Program administers a cruelty-free standard and the internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo for companies producing cosmetic, personal care, and household products. The Leaping Bunny Program provides the best assurance that no new animal testing is used in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or suppliers.

Burt's Bees' interest in the Leaping Bunny Program is an indicator of the growing popularity of compassionate shopping. In fact, a 2007 survey conducted by the American Anti-Vivisection Society, found that a majority of respondents were more likely to buy a product labeled 'cruelty-free.' And larger companies, like Burt's Bees, make shopping cruelty-free accessible for consumers across the country.

Burt's Bees has always been a leader in the natural product movement and now it is among the leaders of the cruelty-free product movement. "By joining the Leaping Bunny Program, Burt's Bees has taken a clear stand against animal testing," stated CCIC Chair Tracie Letterman. "We look forward to working with them as we encourage shoppers to 'look for the Leaping Bunny Logo'."

Companies certified through the Leaping Bunny Program make a voluntary pledge to clear animal testing from all stages of product development. The company's ingredient suppliers make the same pledge and the result is a product guaranteed to be 100 percent free of new animal testing. All Leaping Bunny companies must be open to independent audits, and commitments are renewed on an annual basis.

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society, American Humane Association, Beauty Without Cruelty, USA, Doris Day Animal League, The Humane Society of the United States, and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC’s international partners are Animal Alliance of Canada and European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. On the web at www.leapingbunny.org.

For more information, contact the CCIC at (888)546-CCIC or admin@leapingbunny.org.

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December 26, 2007
Today, the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program launches a redesign of its website (www.leapingbunny.org) commemorating its 11-year anniversary of providing compassionate consumers with animal testing information they can truly trust.

Formed in 1996 by leading national animal protection organizations, the CCIC promotes a single comprehensive standard and an internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo for cosmetic, personal care, and household products that are free from new animal testing. Companies who have been approved by the CCIC’s Leaping Bunny Program pledge not to test on animals during any stage of product development. The company's ingredient suppliers make the same pledge and the result is a product guaranteed to be 100 percent free of new animal testing.

The new website will provide greater visibility for the companies who have made this cruelty-free commitment through logo placement and other features. It also allows companies to easily submit paperwork for approval and recommitment online.

“We are confident the new website will generate additional interest in the great cruelty-free products already available and hope that the new design and ease of the online forms will attract even more companies to seek out Leaping Bunny certification,” stated CCIC Chair Tracie Letterman.

Animals used to assess the safety of cosmetic, personal care, and household products and ingredients are subjected to painful testing procedures. However, there is no law that specifically requires that animals be used to test these products and non-animal alternatives already exist. CCIC offers ethical consumers the best assurance that the products they are buying are truly cruelty-free.

The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics is made up of the following organizations: American Anti-Vivisection Society, American Humane Association, Beauty Without Cruelty, USA, Doris Day Animal League, The Humane Society of the United States, and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. CCIC’s international partners are Animal Alliance of Canada and European Coalition to End Animal Experiments. On the web at www.leapingbunny.org.

For more information, contact the CCIC at (888)546-CCIC or admin@leapingbunny.org.

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April 26, 2006 —
On the tails of the recent acquisition of The Body Shop (a UK-headquartered company with a large US distribution and presence) by L’Oreal (a French-based company), the US experienced similar surprise when 84% of Tom’s of Maine was purchased by Colgate-Palmolive. Particular concern has been expressed over the future of Tom’s of Maine’s firm and consistent stance against animal testing.

The groups issuing this statement work together in the United States and form the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) — the Leaping Bunny Program. CCIC is part of a global coalition operating the Corporate Standard of Compassion (US) and Humane Cosmetics Standard (EU), working closely with leading cosmetics companies worldwide to end animal testing.

Compassionate consumers are aware that Tom’s of Maine was one of the first US cosmetics company to be approved under the Corporate Standard of Compassion and thus supported by its sister, the Humane Cosmetics Standard in the EU. This international standard, managed by leading animal groups worldwide, is the only true guarantee for consumers who wish to avoid animal testing when they purchase cosmetics and personal care products.

The groups operating the international standard have, to date, recommended Tom’s of Maine products to consumers and have applauded the company, and founder and CEO Tom Chappell, for the company’s commitment to never test their products or ingredients on animals. In fact, Tom’s of Maine successfully petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to ensure that its fluoride toothpastes would not be tested on animals — a significant commitment because fluoride is considered an “over the counter” drug with actual requirements for animal tests. Tom’s of Maine demonstrated their commitment to drive animal testing out of the cosmetic industry and has set important precedent for corporate challenges to the FDA as it relates to animal testing. Untold animals continue to suffer and die in the development of cosmetic products worldwide. Consumers will continue to look to the international standard to guide their purchasing decisions. It is, therefore, important that issues concerning the future animal testing policy of Tom’s of Maine and Colgate-Polmolive are clarified.

We understand that Tom’s of Maine will maintain its product formulas and be managed as a stand-alone subsidiary. Further it has been announced that Tom Chappell and Kate Chappell remain CEO and Vice President, respectively, with the policies and values continuing unchanged.

The Chappells have indicated in statements announcing the acquisition that Colgate-Polmolive understands and respects Tom’s of Maine’s character and values, and that Tom’s of Maine will continue to make products without animal testing.

Tom’s of Maine is currently accredited under the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals enabling products to be marketed as free from new animal testing in the US and EU (under the Humane Cosmetics Standard). In order to attain such status a company has to:

• Guarantee that no animal testing is used for finished products or ingredients in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories or suppliers;
• Obtain assurances from their suppliers and intermediary agents that no animal testing has been conducted on their behalf after a fixed date;
• Agree to allow independent verification of this policy and its application through an audit program.

It is our understanding, at this time, that Tom’s of Maine will continue to meet the requirements for the international standard. The company will, therefore, remain certified under the international program. We recognize, however, that there will be many ethical consumers who are concerned about giving their financial support to an overall parent corporation, such as Colgate-Palmolive, which has not committed to ending animal testing by joining the international standard. Consumers will be made aware, therefore, that Tom’s of Maine is now partially owned by Colgate-Palmolive, so that consumers can make fully informed purchasing decisions.

We recognize the multinational nature of the cosmetic industry and the need for values-driven companies to expand and gain access to global markets. It is, therefore, inevitable that small, innovative companies will continue to be targets for partnership with larger corporations. Compassionate consumers send a strong message to major corporations when they choose to buy cruelty free products.

We are pleased that Colgate-Palmolive recognizes, in their purchase of Tom’s of Maine, the importance of the growing ethical consumer market and that the production of high quality cosmetic products need not involve animal suffering. We now look to Colgate-Palmolive to learn from Tom’s of Maine and urge Colgate-Palmolive to end involvement with all animal testing across their product range. Animal protection organizations worldwide will continue to monitor the animal testing policy of Tom’s of Maine and Colgate-Palmolive and will challenge those policies as and when necessary to protect the interests of animals used in product testing.

We urge Colgate-Palmolive to commit to meeting the requirements of the international standard as a matter of priority.

We now look to clarify future plans for innovation, product development and data sharing and their impact upon the animal testing policies of both companies. The CCIC headquarters will be looking to work with Colgate-Palmolive and Tom’s of Maine to address remaining issues so that we can continue to offer full and independent advice to consumers worldwide.

The leadership provided by Tom’s of Maine in efforts to drive animal testing out of the cosmetics industry, particularly as it relates to their diligence in challenging the FDA for their fluoride toothpastes, has been important in demonstrating the validity of in vitro testing methods (non-animal tests) and corporate success in saving countless animal lives by perseverance and dedication to this issue. We now look to Colgate-Palmolive to listen to consumers worldwide and join us in our efforts to end, once and for all, the suffering of animals for cosmetics products

Chair, Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics

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April 24, 2006
Animal protection organizations and ethical consumers worldwide have reacted with surprise at the news that L’Oreal will acquire The Body Shop International. Particular concern has been expressed over the future of The Body Shop’s firm and consistent stance against animal testing. The groups issuing this statement work together in a global coalition operating those programs such as the Corporate Standard of Compassion (US) and Humane Cosmetics Standard (EU), working closely with leading cosmetics companies worldwide to end animal testing.

Compassionate consumers are aware that The Body Shop was the first international cosmetic company to be approved under the Corporate Standard of Compassion in the US and its sister, the Humane Cosmetics Standard in the EU. This international standard, managed by leading animal groups worldwide, is the only true guarantee for consumers who wish to avoid animal testing when they purchase cosmetic and personal care products.

The groups operating the international standard (signatories to this statement) have, to date, recommended Body Shop products to consumers and have worked together with The Body Shop in their campaign to drive animal testing out of the cosmetic industry. Untold animals continue to suffer and die in the development of cosmetic products worldwide. Consumers will continue to look to the international standard to guide their purchasing decisions. It is, therefore, important that issues concerning the future animal testing policy of The Body Shop and L’Oreal are clarified.

We understand that L’Oreal has agreed that The Body Shop will continue operating as an independent entity within their total corporation. Further it has been announced that the whole management and executive team will remain in place with the policies and values continuing unchanged.

Dame Anita Roddick has indicated in statements announcing the acquisition that L’Oreal will respect The Body Shop core values and that The Body Shop will continue to be a company Against Animal Testing.

L’Oreal have further stated that The Body Shop’s current animal testing policy will continue to be applied across the product range and that L’Oreal will respect the identity and values of The Body Shop.

The Body Shop is currently accredited under the Humane Cosmetics Standard in the UK enabling products to be marketed as free from new animal testing in the EU and US (under the "leaping bunny" program). In order to attain such status a company has to:

• Guarantee that no animal testing is used for finished products or ingredients in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories or suppliers;
• Obtain assurances from their suppliers and intermediary agents that no animal testing has been conducted on their behalf after a fixed date;
• Agree to allow independent verification of this policy and its application through an audit program.

It is our understanding, at this time, that The Body Shop will continue to meet the requirements for the international standard. The company will, therefore, remain certified under the international program. We recognize, however, that there will be many ethical consumers who are concerned about giving their financial support to an overall parent corporation, such as L’Oreal, which has not committed to ending animal testing by joining the international standard. Consumers will be made aware, therefore, that The Body Shop is now owned by L’Oreal, so that consumers can make fully informed purchasing decisions.

We recognize the multinational nature of the cosmetic industry and the need for values-driven companies to expand and gain access to global markets. It is, therefore, inevitable that small, innovative companies will continue to be targets for partnership with larger corporations. Compassionate consumers send a strong message to major corporations when they choose to buy cruelty free products.

We are pleased that L’Oreal recognizes, in their purchase of The Body Shop, the importance of the growing ethical consumer market and that the production of high quality cosmetic products need not involve animal suffering. We now look to L’Oreal to learn from The Body Shop and urge L’Oreal to end involvement with all animal testing across their product range. Animal protection organizations worldwide will continue to monitor the animal testing policy of The Body Shop and L’Oreal and will challenge those policies as and when necessary to protect the interests of animals used in product testing. We urge L’Oreal to commit to meeting the requirements of the international standard as a matter of priority.

We now look to clarify future plans for innovation, product development and data sharing and their impact upon the animal testing policies of both companies. Delegated representatives from leading animal groups will now be looking to work with L’Oreal and Body Shop management to address remaining issues so that we can continue to offer full and independent advice to consumers worldwide.

The leadership provided by The Body Shop in efforts to drive animal testing out of the cosmetics industry has been important in the success of the campaign in the EU — where a testing and sales ban is due to come into effect. We now look to L’Oreal to listen to consumers worldwide and join us in our efforts to end once and for all the suffering of animals for cosmetic products.

Chair, Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics

Chair, European Coalition to End Animal Experiments

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April 17, 2006
Leaping Bunny approved company, The Good Home Company, was recognized by Cooking with Paula Deen in her May/June 2006 magazine issue. The article profiled Christine Dimmick, the founder of The Good Home Company and her commitment to safe products free of animal testing. The article also offered information on the Leaping Bunny program and helped spread the word about the CCIC Standard and compassionate companies making a difference in the lives of animals.

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April 1, 2006
When it came to “animal lovers,” www.LeapingBunny.org was cited to help shoppers find a complete list of companies that do not test their products on animals! In addition, many CCIC-approved companies are recommended, such as Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, Aubrey Organics, Freeman, Seventh Generation, Planet, Kiss My Face, Avalon Organics, Recycline, Tom’s of Maine, and The Body Shop.

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March 7, 2006
Woman’s Day magazine’s March 7, 2006 issue asked readers to look for the Leaping Bunny as a way to find products that are not tested on animals. Readers were referred to the www.LeapingBunny.org site, and CCIC was happy to receive the flood of new orders for free Compassionate Shopping Guides. CCIC is pleased to see so many new compassionate consumers taking a stand to support those companies that have made this important commitment!

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September 8-11, 2005
While exhibiting at the San Francisco event, the Leaping Bunny team responded to numerous inquiries from the environmental movement on the labeling standards, animal testing requirements, and recommendations of companies for compassionate consumers to turn to when shopping for products free of animal testing. The Leaping Bunny booth was stocked with samples of CCIC-approved products so consumers could see the companies’ branding, labels and lines from a few of the many companies certified by CCIC. CCIC was on hand to answer questions and passed out handfuls of Compassionate Shopping Guides to excited consumers ready to look for the Leaping Bunny. “Being able to help consumers understand their choices and learn about labeling claims was rewarding,” said Rachel Menge, Administrator of the CCIC program. “I help these companies become CCIC certified and I know how hard they work to ensure no testing happens for their products. It was a pleasure to share their success and efforts with so many of the attendees who thought they were already buying products free of animal testing simply because the label said, ‘no animal testing.’ It was nice to provide them a reliable resource when they shop.” The event was a great success for CCIC to help promote our approved companies to conscious shoppers and answer questions about animal testing in the cosmetics industry.

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July 16-18, 2005
The Animal Protection Institute (API), Doris Day Animal League (DDAL), and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) helped sponsor the national Taking Action for Animals three-day conference in Washington, DC. The conference was also supported by CCIC member groups the American Anti-Vivisection Society and the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. All member groups attended and demonstrated a united front on the issue of cosmetic testing on animals and helped promote CCIC by handing out Compassionate Shopping Guides listing Leaping Bunny-approved companies. The CCIC guide was also included in all conference attendees’ goodie bags, which were handed out in the thousands. Speakers and presenters included CCIC Chair Michelle Thew (and CEO of API), and Sara Amundson (of Doris Day Animal League, and former Chair of CCIC), Wayne Pacelle (CEO of HSUS), and Barbara Stagno (of New England Anti-Vivisection Society). Thew and Amundson focused their presentations on Building Coalitions and Corporate Outreach, encouraging attendees to promote those companies certified by the only international Standard for no-animal testing — the Leaping Bunny Program. The feedback was immensely positive and attendees expressed the desire to take steps to seek change in the animal-testing practices of the cosmetics industry by encouraging companies to commit to the Leaping Bunny Program as well as support those companies that have already taken this important stance.

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March 10, 2005
In an article entitled “Leap, Bunny, Leap,” author Melissa Neesham praises CCIC as an organization that is “making a difference.” Readers are offered the reminder that “not all cruelty-free logos are created equal,” and they are encouraged to look for the Leaping Bunny Logo when shopping. Neesham praised those companies that have made the CCIC commitment for their pledge that no animal tests happen for any of their finished products, ingredients, or formulations after a fixed cut-off date. The online article also offers links to a few of the CCIC-approved companies for site browsers to visit, such as The Body Shop, Seventh Generation, Paul Mitchell, W.S. Badger Company, ShiKai, and Jason, to name a few.

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June 1, 2005
CCIC was pleased to be included in Jones’s book as a resource for readers to turn to when they wanted to make a positive difference in this world by choosing products free of animal testing. Jones suggests that to “spare a Guinea pig,” consumers should “look for the Leaping Bunny Logo” or obtain a shopping guide listing those companies approved by CCIC. It is wonderful to have the support of authors that realize the power consumers have in making a difference in the world, particularly how purchases can shape an industry and change the lives of countless animals.

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December 15, 2005
Author Tanya Ha discusses in her book, "Greeniology", the importance of voting with your dollar. In her Green Grooming chapter, she warns some cruelty-free claims may not represent the entire truth. She offers the example of companies that use a contract laboratory to do animal testing for them which could allow them to make a disingenuous claim about the company’s actual practices as it relates to animals. Ha encourages shoppers that before they go shop for personal care products, cosmetics, and household products to view the Leaping Bunny website’s shopping guide to find out the CCIC-approved companies that have made a commitment to not use animal testing in the development of their products.

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March 5-7, 2004
Chair Michelle Thew and Administrator Rachel Menge attended the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California to meet many of the CCIC companies in attendance, and to answer questions from vendors about the Leaping Bunny program. It was reported that there were more than 2,500 exhibitors and 36,000 attendees from 86 countries gathered in the Convention Center to shop for, or exhibit, natural products. NPI Center reported an 18 percent increase in attendance over the previous year’s show, in addition to personal care (cosmetics) products with natural ingredients gaining significant interest. It was a pleasure to meet with many of the companies CCIC works with, to see the Leaping Bunny Logo in many booths, and to sample some of the companies’ wonderful new products.

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January 27, 2003
Brussels, Belgium — The European Union successfully passed a ban on cosmetics animal testing and a ban on the sale of new animal tested cosmetics. The European Commission must now bring the new EU legislation into force, and each Member State must transpose it into national law by a specified deadline.

The legislation includes:

• 1. A complete animal testing ban six years from entry into force (approx. 2009)
• 2. A sale ban from 2009 for the majority of animal tests.
• 3. A sale ban from 2013 - 10 years after entry into force - for the further 3 test areas (toxicokinetics, reproductive toxicity, repeat dose toxicity).

The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) repeated its criticism of the unnecessarily long deadlines; "We've all been campaigning for so long to end cosmetics animal testing in Europe and it must be recognized as a great achievement, but there's just no excuse whatsoever for forcing lab animals in Europe to endure another six years of cosmetics testing before this outrage is finally banned. Even worse, we'll be waiting at least a decade before the vital sales ban takes hold, and it's the sales ban that will ultimately stop the cosmetics industry just moving its animal testing around the globe."

The BUAV is working with animal rights groups across Europe to put pressure on their national governments to bring in animal testing bans as quickly as possible. Some Member States, including the UK, have already ended cosmetics animal testing, but there are still plenty of opportunities to shut down testing in other EU countries before 2009 and so we'll be concentrating much of our effort in that area.

For more information please contact Wendy Higgins at the BUAV at campaigns@buav.org or call 011 44 20 7700 4888.

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September 20, 2002
Waterloo, ON, Canada — The University of Waterloo launched a major research program to focus on more humane ways to test products safely without the use of live animals, particularly rabbits.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the primary federal agency investing in discovery and innovation, is providing $585,000 over five years to "replace the 1944 Draize eye irritancy test where large numbers of rabbits are often subjected to discomfort," explained chairholder Jacob Sivak. Bausch & Lomb Canada as well as Bausch & Lomb USA are jointly contributing $1,267,750.

"Draize results are obtained subjectively and require high concentrations of foreign substances to cause reactions and do not always correlate well to the human eye, with results between different laboratories varying all too frequently," said Sivak. The Draize eye irritancy test is one of the most reviled toxicology animal tests using large numbers of rabbits that are subjected to extreme discomfort.

The results of this research program are expected to be applicable around the world and will allow cosmetic and pharmaceutical producers to streamline their in-house product development while improving customer safety and satisfaction. This program is a great example of how public-private partnerships can benefit animals.

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July 1, 2002
Jersey City, NJ - A group of special education students, ages 11 to 14, under the guidance of teacher Mary Ann Santilli, successfully lobbied their school administration to consider purchasing school supplies from companies that forbid animal testing.

In a presentation to their middle school principal, the students outlined the types of animal tests conducted on products currently purchased by the school, and provided a list of alternative vendors that do not conduct animal testing. The students also created a website to house their research on product testing.

The students became interested in animal testing issues after learning about the types of assays conducted for safety and toxicity assessment. Santilli helped them research the topic and contacted the CCIC for information on participating companies that ban the use of animals for product testing.

After much hard work, the students created a persuasive presentation. According to Santilli, the students will be allowed to preview and approve all future purchase orders before they are sent to the Board of Education.

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March 1, 2001 — The Leaping Bunny Logo, trademark of the CCIC, has become the only independently certified cruelty-free mark ever. Individual audits were commissioned by the CCIC for six of the companies currently licensed to use the internationally trademarked logo. Audits were performed by SGS International Certification Services, a recognized leader in Social Accountability Registration and the ISO-9000 certification program.

The audited companies Clear Conscience, Dr. Bronner's, Eco-Dent, Naturade, New Vision, and Seventh Generation are to date the only manufacturers of cosmetics and household products that have voluntarily submitted to an independent assessment of their animal testing policy. All six companies came through the process squeaky clean, successfully proving that they continue to forbid animal testing on all ingredients, formulations and finished products.

The CCIC's mission to improve the quality of cruelty-free products and raise the bar for companies that claim to be against animal testing is realized with the success of these audits. Today the Leaping Bunny Logo designates the only products that are proven to be cruelty-free. To view the entire list of companies approved by the CCIC, click here.

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