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Superdrug face backlash against Botox treatment from animal rights groups

The botox treatments recently available in stores of Superdrug have created much discussion this week, as animal rights groups complain of animal testing - PA
The botox treatments recently available in stores of Superdrug have created much discussion this week, as animal rights groups complain of animal testing - PA

Superdrug is facing a backlash from animal rights groups for selling botox injections tested on animals.

The high street retailer said it would provide the injections at one of its London stores from as little as £99, following feedback from thousands of its beauty conscious customers.

However, Superdrug, has come under fierce criticism from animal welfare organisations who highlight the cruelty that can be involved in animal testing of these types of products.

Barney Reed, Senior Scientific Manager at the RSPCA said: “Most people having these injections are probably unaware of the animal suffering the testing of these types of products can cause. They would no doubt be horrified to find out that their desire for a wrinkle free face may lead to lab animals experiencing suffering.”

The RSPCA added: “We are extremely disappointed to hear that Superdrug will be offering Botox-type injections as an anti-wrinkle product. Many people shop at Superdrug due to its ‘cruelty-free’ ethos which makes this all the more disappointing.”

PETA, the animal rights group, urged “consumers to choose from the many compassionate brands that use only vegan ingredients.”

Superdrug has said, Allergan, the company they are working with, is aiming towards using methods which do not cause animals to suffer.

Because Botox is classed as a ‘medicine’ that is used to treat certain eye disorders and muscle conditions, companies are required to undertake tests to ensure their products comply with safety standards.

Superdrug plans to roll out the Skin Renew Service if it is successful at its flagship store in the Strand, London - Credit: Clive Gee/PA Wire
Superdrug plans to roll out the Skin Renew Service if it is successful at its flagship store in the Strand, London Credit: Clive Gee/PA Wire

 Products containing botulinum toxin are also routinely used as cosmetic anti-wrinkle treatments to tackle frown lines, rejuvenate skin and combat other visible signs of ageing.

There are fears that the widespread availability of the product, offered at an affordable high street price,  will encourage the public to view the treatment too casually.

Experts have linked the surge in demand to the popularity of Love Island, a reality TV show which featured several contestants who admitted to undergoing plastic surgery.

However, surgeons have warned of the dangers of Botox and reminded the public not to see the procedures as comparable to getting a wax.

Gerard Lambe, a top plastic surgeon and spokesman for the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, said that administering any injection is a “very serious procedure” as there is always a risk of infection or even paralysis.

Superdrug is launching its Skin Renew Service at its flagship store in the Strand, London, before rolling it out nationally if it proves to be a success.

It was set up to ‘help people feel more confident about how they look within a safe and trusted environment.’

Superdrug said its services will only be available to those who are over 25, have filled out a medical questionnaire, and have gone through a consultation with a qualified nurse first.

A spokesman said: “Botox is a medicine and as a medicine it is highly regulated. The regulations set out by the MHRA require medicines to be tested at an early stage on animals.

“We have chosen to work with market leaders Allergan, who are developing a cruelty free test for their products. Their aim is to have 100% cruelty free products ahead of the rest of the market.”