Robert S. Barazcek is a research and development consultant with many years of experience working in the cosmetics industry, advising on skin care products to treat dermatological conditions as well as sunscreens and moisturizers. Robert S. Baraczek attends cosmetics industry trade meetings in the United States and internationally to keep his knowledge up-to-date on trends such as vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics.

The market for cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics continues to grow steadily. Vegan make-up products are completely free of any animal products. The term cruelty-free cosmetics refers to products that aren’t tested on animals at any stage of the development process. In some countries, animal testing is closely overseen and regulated by law.

However, cruelty-free makeup is a difficult proposition for many companies. Even as some countries create stricter laws to regulate animal testing, other countries prescribe mandatory animal testing for cosmetics sold within their borders.

This puts cosmetics manufacturers at an impasse. If they engage in cruelty-free cosmetics manufacturing, they may risk locking their products out of a profitable market. Conversely, if they do resort to animal testing, they risk alienating those who are against using products that have been tested on animals.