#SaveRalph : Beware of the cosmetic brands you choose to endorse

You may really like that moisturiser or shampoo you’re using, but do you know what could potentially lurk beneath the dark recesses of its surface level production methods?

On 6 April, a short film highlighting the rather overlooked practice of testing cosmetic products on animals was released.

Save Ralph, an animated stop-motion short film that highlights the suffering tester animals endure in cosmetic testing labs, is part of Humane Society International’s campaign to ban testing around the globe.

Ralph, the spokes-bunny that represents the campaign.

The #SaveRalph campaign aims to deal with the issue of animal testing, and the short film accomplishes this by framing Ralph’s story, and shedding light on the horrifying plight of endless other rabbits and animals suffering around the globe.

“It’s laws that need to be changed, and industry leaders like Lush, Unilever, P&G, L’Oréal and Avon are working with us to secure meaningful animal testing bans in many of the world’s most influential beauty markets.

We’ve recruited Ralph as our spokesbunny to help get these laws over the finish line,” HSI’s vice president for research and toxicology, Troy Seidle stated in a press release.

The film combines empathetic storytelling with captivating stop-motion animation, and riveting performances by an A-list cast of celebrities like Taika Waititi, Ricky Gervais, Zac Efron and more.

“The short film that I saw was so heartbreaking and looking at how these animals were used to get tested for makeup products that we use on a daily basis broke my heart,” says Sohana Ramesh, a 21-year-old student from Taylor’s University.

The short film clearly has already begun to make an impact on the younger generation, having garnered millions of views on the extremely popular application, TikTok.

“After the video, and watching other views; it has inspired me to not use brands that have animal testing and to switch up.

This is very important and we should be mindful of what products we use and the story behind it. I have been reading up a lot on natural products and other alternatives,” she continues.

Save Ralph director, Spencer Susser says: “Animals in cosmetic testing labs don’t have a choice and it’s our responsibility to do something about it.

“I hope that audiences fall in love with Ralph and want to fight for him and other animals like him, so we can ban animal testing once and for all.”

Watch the film now on YouTube.

An example of how rabbits are tested being portrayed in the film.