Animals need not suffer for humans to have firm neck skin

Many socially-conscious companies today develop their neck creams, serums and potions without testing their product on animals, a practice that is becoming more common.

Researchers at Lund University in Sweden are working to develop laboratory-grown human cells to be used by pharmaceutical or cosmetic companies in order to create the most effective products without having to use test animals.

Authors of the study noted that the cells are already able to provide clues as to whether skin will be sensitive to a cosmetic or medication, or if the product is likely to cause an allergic response.

"Our lab-based alternative to animal testing, although in an early stage of production, is faster, out-performs present alternatives, and, because the cells are human in origin, is more relevant," said researcher Carl Borrebaeck, Ph.D.

The scientists noted that their method is also likely to identify whether a product will trigger a reaction from eczema.

Women seeking firm neck skin may want to check the labels of creams and lotions to be sure that the company that manufactures the cosmetics does not practice animal testing.