UK could allow animal tests for cosmetic ingredients for first time since 1998

Exclusive: campaigners say aligning with EU ruling on chemical testing will blow a hole' in UK leadership on cruelty-free cosmetics

Ministers have opened the door to expanding the use of animal testing to ingredients used in cosmetic products for the first time in 23 years, an animal welfare charity has said.

Cruelty Free International (CFI) said animal testing on ingredients exclusively used in cosmetics - which was banned in the UK in 1998 - could be required, after being told by the Home Office that the government had reconsidered its policy."