Kat Von D's Powerful Words About Animal Testing Might Make You Tear Up

By Emily Orofino

$236,000.00!!! That's how much @katvondbeauty was able to raise+donate to @ProjectChimps thanks to all of you who purchased the limited edition #ProjectChimps lipstick! Not only will this donation help raise awareness to the cruel + unnecessary animal testing industry, but it will help give 300 chimps [who for the last 3 decades have lived an unatural life in testing labs] rehabilitation, and a safe haven to live out the comfortable life they deserve. I know there are some people that question WHY SHOULD WE EVEN CARE ABOUT ANIMAL TESTING? Whether or not you agree with me that animal testing is an act of cruelty to innocent animals, #vivasection is still something that you should be against. HERE'S WHY: •There is no such evidence that shows animal testing benefits humans. •92% of all drugs that pass animal tests FAIL in human trials. •Each year 197,000 people die from adverse drug reactions in the EU and 106,000 in the US - even though these drugs passed animal testing. •In the US alone, the vivisection industry spends over $18 BILLION dollars annually on animal testing - not to mention, more than $16 BILLION dollars of US taxpayer money goes to animal testing every year, despite its ineffectiveness. •Scientists have already developed humane methods that are far more reliable [and not to mention, a hell of a lot cheaper!] such as: DNA chips, stem cell, autopsy, MRI, CAT and PET scans, computer modell, microdosing in humans, epidemiology, microfluidics chipsi, human DNA, cells, and donated organs+tissues. •…and lastly, scientific fraud is a crime. I just want to thank all of you who support #crueltyfree beauty. I don't care if you buy my lipstick or not…but if you support #crueltyfree beauty, you're my homie and I love you!❤️ Here are just a few cruelty-free brands out there right now that are ruling the makeup world: @anastasiabeverlyhills @beautyblender @besamecosmetics @blackmooncosmetics @crispybrows @crypticcosmetics @ellisfaascosmetics @furlesscosmetics @josiemarancosmetics @meltcosmetics @narsissist @noir.lash.co @occmakeup @sugarpill @toofaced @urbandecaycosmetics

A photo posted by Kat Von D (@thekatvond) on

For many animal-lovers, using products exclusively from cruelty-free cosmetics brands is nonnegotiable. Resources like PETA and Leaping Bunny helpfully provide information on which beauty companies shun animal testing, but certain labels go one step further and make the cruelty-free cause a major part of their brand identity.

Not too long ago, Kat Von D promised to donate 20 percent of the proceeds of its special Project Chimps liquid lipstick to the the Project Chimps organization, which provides sanctuary to retired research chimpanzees. Kat Von D herself took to Instagram to announce that the brand raised $236,000 for the cause but also took the opportunity to deliver an impassioned statement explaining why everyone should care about animal testing.

"Whether or not you agree with me that animal testing is an act of cruelty to innocent animals, #vivasection [sic] is still something that you should be against," she declared. (Vivisection is the practice of cutting into or using invasive techniques on live animals.)

She went on to share that 92 percent of drugs that pass animal tests fail in human trials and that hundreds of thousands of people die after taking medications that have passed animal testing.

"More than $16 BILLION dollars of US taxpayer money goes to animal testing every year, despite its ineffectiveness," stated Kat, citing an infographic from PETA. She also pointed out that there are more humane and reliable options to test formulas, including the use of donated organs and tissues.

However, what we thought was the coolest part about Kat's Instagram post is that she chose to spotlight some of her cosmetic brand colleagues that are dedicated to staying cruelty-free. This list (of course!) included Too Faced, owned by the tattoo artist's friend Jerrod Blandino, but also featured big brands Anastasia Beverly Hills, BeautyBlender, Nars, and Urban Decay, and indie companies Melt Cosmetics, Bésame Cosmetics, and Cryptic Cosmetics.

If you're interested in shopping animal-friendly beauty, discover some of our favorite cruelty-free brands here.