03/24/2026
New Jersey just made a move that could change how beauty products are made and sold across the country.
Governor Phil Murphy signed a law that bans the sale of cosmetics tested on animals. This means if a product was tested on animals after the cutoff date, it cannot be sold in New Jersey. It does not matter if the testing happened in another state or another country. If animal testing was involved, it is not welcome on store shelves in this state.
For decades, animals like rabbits, mice, and guinea pigs have been used in cosmetic testing. Many are restrained and exposed to chemicals that can cause burning, swelling, blindness, and death. These are not rare cases. This has been a standard practice in parts of the industry for years.
What makes this even harder to accept is that these tests are no longer necessary. Scientists now have modern alternatives that are faster, more reliable, and do not involve harming animals. Many companies have already made the switch. Others are now being pushed to follow.
This law is not just about New Jersey. It is part of a bigger shift happening across the United States. More states are stepping in to stop the sale of products tied to animal suffering. Each new law adds pressure on brands to go fully cruelty free if they want access to these markets.
There are still some limits. The law allows exceptions in certain cases, such as when testing is required by regulators. But the overall direction is clear. The door is closing on animal tested cosmetics.
At the end of the day, this is also about everyday choices. When people choose cruelty free products, companies notice. Demand shapes the market.
References:
- People... New Jersey Bans the Sale of Cosmetics Tested on Animals
- NBC New York... New Jersey to Ban Cosmetics Products Tested on Animals in 2022
- Animal Legal Defence Fund... Prohibiting the Sale of Cosmetics Tested on Animals (New Jersey)
- Humane World... Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey among states moving rapidly to end cosmetics testing