Illinois bans animal-tested cosmetic products

Illinois has joined California and Nevada in banning animal-tested cosmetic products. 

The ban was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) in August and took effect at the start of the year.

Supporters of the ban say it could save thousands of animal lives each year; however, the ban is not retroactive and applies only to products or ingredients where animal testing was done after Jan. 1.

Violators of the ban could be fined $5,000 for the first day they’re discovered and another $1,000 for every additional day.

The law provides exceptions for when nonanimal testing is not available, when animal testing is needed in connection with a human health problem or when animal testing done to follow federal regulations.

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that more than 500,000 animals die worldwide as a result of testing for cosmetic products.

Updated: 10:22 a.m.