Letter to Revlon Regarding Testing on Animals

Date: 12/13/2013

Revlon, Inc. 237 Park Avenue New York, New York 10017 212-527-4000

Dear Representatives of Revlon Inc.:

I am writing this letter to address the very relevant and controversial topic of animal testing by your company, specifically on rabbits. The public has been made aware, both in the past and very recently, of the use of rabbits for the Draize Test by Revlon Inc. I applaud the efforts on the part of your company to minimize the use of rabbits in cosmetics testing, specifically in the United States. The organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has been acknowledging your efforts for decades, and commending you for the advancements you have made. Recently however, it has been made public that Revlon is continuing to do business in countries such as China, which require animal testing for all cosmetic products that are sold in their country. I do understand the reasoning that backs Revlon’s decisions to use animals in testing. The efforts to make products safer for use by humans is understandable and appreciated because without those efforts, many of us would not have access to some of the products which make our lives easier and more convenient.

Recently however, scientific advancements have developed that would not only eliminate the use of animals for testing by your company, but would also be less costly and would provide a more accurate model to humans. For example, the generation of tissue, very similar to that of humans, has become possible to produce in vitro. This alternative would benefit all parties involved. The animals would no longer suffer, Revlon would have the support of many respected organizations that oppose animal testing, and Revlon could save billions that would be spent in raising and feeding the animals used for testing. For markets such as China’s, where animal testing is required, perhaps a temporary refusal to sell in their markets would change their attitude, and make a change for the better overseas.

Please consider the information introduced in this letter, and thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Erynn Murphy

-http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/eating-health/alternatives-testing-without-torture/

-http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2010-08-26/health/bs-hs-animal-testing-20100826_1_animal-testing-animal-welfare-act-researchers

-http://www.examiner.com/article/the-shameful-truth-about-revlon-and-animal-testing