HIGHER EDUCATION AND ANIMAL BIOETHICS: A LOOK AT COSMETICS AND ALTERNATIVE METHODS

Abstract

Advances in technology and quality of life have elevated the cosmetics industry to a strategic position in the global economy. Although Brazilian law does not require animal testing for product safety, it allows companies to conduct tests they deem necessary, while maintaining in vivo studies open to discussion. This study was based on the hypothesis that a lack of consumer information is one of the main obstacles to ethical experimentation, seeking to map public access to and knowledge about cosmetics production. A total of 333 pages, 313 videos, and 230 posts from Google, Facebook, and YouTube were analyzed, as well as online questionnaires administered to young consumers. The most cited problem was animal cruelty, primarily attributed to companies. Alternative methods included in vitro testing, computer simulations, the use of existing databases, and the exclusive use of cruelty-free products. The questionnaire revealed minimal differences between fields of study, although health students demonstrated greater interest in scientific information and digital tools. Despite extensive discussion on social media, government agencies reported little publicity, demonstrating their lack of regulatory authority. Furthermore, although young people reject animal testing because they consider it unnecessary for medicines, the topic is not a priority in consumers' daily lives. The results align with the need for the topic to be embraced by bioethics and its mobilization in higher education to incorporate ethical and humane perspectives into technical training.