cosmetics: "no animal testing" and "dermatologist tested" (painful, skin)

[timlee]

Some cosmetics claim "no animal testing" and some "dermatologist tested". I was wondering what these two terms really mean?

For the former, if there is no testing on animals including humans, how can customers trust their safety and effectiveness?

For the latter, is there a standard for a cosmetic product to meet in order to claim it is "dermatologist tested"?

Thanks!

[fusion2]

I think when they refer to no animal testing they are referring to the non-human animal...dermatologist tested means that a dermatologist(s) have tested it. Probably to confirm it doesn't clog pores or cause irritation. I could be wrong and it is scary but i don't think there is any standard to support the dermatologist claim and really what does it prove- the product is effective for what??

Originally Posted by timlee

Some cosmetics claim "no animal testing" and some "dermatologist tested". I was wondering what these two terms really mean?

For the former, if there is no testing on animals including humans, how can customers trust their safety and effectiveness?

For the latter, is there a standard for a cosmetic product to meet in order to claim it is "dermatologist tested"?

Thanks!

[Crashj007]

Some animal testing involves covering a rabbit's eyes with the stuff to see if it is irritating. From idausa.org:
"In the Draize test, caustic substances are placed in the eyes of conscious rabbits to evaluate damage to sensitive eye tissues. This is extremely painful for the rabbits, who often scream when the substances are applied and sometimes break their necks or backs trying to escape the restraints."
As for dermatologist tested, from personalcare.com:
"The definition of this term invariably means nothing, but is used to give credence to the claims of the product and to provide credibility to those who are selling the latest in their skincare invention. . . The term creates an illusion in the customers mind that a medical panel of dermatologists somewhere, has investigated the products thoroughly, and perhaps tried it over a period of time before coming to the conclusion of their endorsement. However, literally all that may take place or is needed to state this claim, is a single dermatologist tests the product on their own skin or perhaps a patients skin, and if they don’t have a reaction, they may endorse the product."