Animal Testing of Cosmetics and the Growing Trend Toward Change
Poster Number
057
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Mass Communication
Faculty Mentor
William Schulte, Ph.D.
Abstract
The purpose of this enterprise-multimedia work was to investigate the necessity of animal testing in the cosmetics industry and the use of alternative methods. The need for this work was precipitated by the far-reaching effects animal testing has on cosmetics, the consumer, and the global economic impact of the cosmetics industry. Investigative journalism techniques were used throughout the study to gather and analyze evidence. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests were filed to two government agencies, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW). In-depth interviews were conducted with experts in the field, as well as a makeup artist and the owner of a diagnostic testing lab. Research was also collected from scientific journals. The Depository Library Program was used to find other supporting evidence and government literature. Although more research is necessary for this study, data collected show that government agencies like the FDA and National Institutes of Health (NIH) have strict policies companies must follow when testing their products. Furthermore, evidence suggests that there is a growing trend toward increased use of alternative methods because of the costs, regulations, and consumer consciousness associated with animal testing.
Course Assignment
MCOM 441 – Schulte
Start Date
12-4-2019 2:15 PM
End Date
April 2019
Animal Testing of Cosmetics and the Growing Trend Toward Change
Richardson Ballroom – DiGiorgio Campus Center
The purpose of this enterprise-multimedia work was to investigate the necessity of animal testing in the cosmetics industry and the use of alternative methods. The need for this work was precipitated by the far-reaching effects animal testing has on cosmetics, the consumer, and the global economic impact of the cosmetics industry. Investigative journalism techniques were used throughout the study to gather and analyze evidence. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests were filed to two government agencies, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW). In-depth interviews were conducted with experts in the field, as well as a makeup artist and the owner of a diagnostic testing lab. Research was also collected from scientific journals. The Depository Library Program was used to find other supporting evidence and government literature. Although more research is necessary for this study, data collected show that government agencies like the FDA and National Institutes of Health (NIH) have strict policies companies must follow when testing their products. Furthermore, evidence suggests that there is a growing trend toward increased use of alternative methods because of the costs, regulations, and consumer consciousness associated with animal testing.
