LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Nevada will begin 2020 as the second state in the country to ban animal testing for cosmetics. California came first. The Nevada Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act goes into effect January first. Contact 13 shows us how the transition is already underway.
"Slowly but surely companies are coming around," says Stephanie Ammar.
She's excited to see a growth in cruelty free and environmentally friendly products. As a vegan she says using eco-friendly brands is extremely important to her. But it's not easy.
THERE WASN'T ANYONE WHO UNDERSTOOD
"It was very difficult. I only had one lady before and she left. Moved out of state. So there wasn't really anyone who understood that products could be cruelty free," says Stephanie.
She eventually found Nails Envie providing vegan friendly, non-toxic, tin free nail polish. Manicurist Karen Aguirre says a good 85% of their clients, especially young mothers, are looking for a healthy alternative.
"They basically love the concept; what they're putting in their bodies is not going to be harmful for them or for their children," says Karen.
I WANTED ECO-FRIENDLY
"I think a lot of the typical nail salon culture is very chemical heavy... I wanted to be as eco-friendly as possible. While still being able to be beautiful and have manicures and pedicures," says Stephanie.
Erika Kimble is a local Dermatology Nurse Practitioner who says, many of her patients are also looking for alternatives.
"Cruelty free, vegan and paraben free," says Kimble.
VEGAN COSMETICS MARKET IS BOOMING
According to market research group Mintel, the vegan cosmetics market is booming: with 175% growth between July 2013 and June 2018. Kimble is part of that surge.
"I watched my patients come in with bags of products. I look at what they're bringing me, I'm like these are really all the same thing," says Kimble.
CRUELTY FREE OPTIONS
That's why she's creating her own brand. Currently called Beaute Lab, she's expanding into more cruelty free options and relaunching under the new name: Parasol Dermaceuticals.
"The feedback has been really great," says Kimble.
Kimble says she finds many of her patients suffering adverse effects due to the ingredients found in a lot of traditional products.
"Some chemicals like talc and parabens and fragrances and colors that people may be allergic to or bothered their skin," says Kimble.
In the end, it's potential customers like Stephanie, who are fueling a major change in the cosmetics industry.
"I want to support businesses that do cruelty free products and aware of their impact with the products that they choose," says Stephanie.
