An animal-free method has been included in the OECD test guideline (439 In Vitro Skin Irritation: Reconstructed Human Epidermis Test Method) on July, 22. This method now is approved by the authorities and has world-wide validity. With implementation of this in vitro test the amount of rabbits killed is expected to decrease significantly.

Such test systems are available for many years. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) allowed testing of irreversible damages of the skin with skin models since 2004. Now, 6 years later, also reversible skin irritations are allowed to be tested with the same alternative methods. Up to now, substances are tested at not less than three rabbits. The substances are applied to the truncated skin of these animals. If skin irritations occur, painful inflammations can develop.