A COSMETIC testing company based in Daresbury which shuns the use of animals, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

XCellR8 was founded by Dr Carol Treasure and Bushra Sim in 2008 to provide scientifically advanced testing services to the cosmetics industry, without the use of animals or animal products.

Their services are used by world leading chemical and cosmetic companies and their ingredient suppliers.

The labs test products for human health issues such as skin corrosion and irritation.

Carol said: “We help companies move on from animal testing to alternative, safe methods. Animal testing is not ethical, but we need to replace it with better science.”

A team of 15 people currently operate XCellR8 based on the Sci-Tech Daresbury campus.

Training in a pharmaceutical company, Carol’s scientific background allowed her to utilise the skills in developing human cell systems to promote non-animal technologies in her research.

Carol now spends her days running in the commercial side of the business rather than in the labs.

Reflecting on her early career, Carol said: “I could see that there was a lot of animal testing taking place and there were always problems.

“From a young age I knew there has to be a better way of testing these products.”

The company has a close relationship with leading cosmetics brand Lush, who are at the forefront of campaigns against the use of animal testing.

A European-wide ban on animal testing was introduced 2013 and while the majority of companies are complying with the regulations, there is still a small amount of testing going on.

Carol says XCellR8’S scientific developments allow the ban to come into force effectively.

She added: “Consumers still want to buy ethical products but ones that are safe. There are questions about where these products are going to be tested if it is not on animals.

“It is about making sure we have safe scientific testing.”