Draize

The Draize test is a safety evaluation method developed in 1944 by Food and Drug Administration toxicologist John Draize. The test was originally designed to assess the eye and skin irritation potential of cosmetic and chemical products by applying substances to the eyes or skin of live rabbits.

In the standard Draize eye test, a measured amount of the test substance is placed directly into one eye of a restrained rabbit, while the other eye serves as a control. Animals are observed for up to 21 days for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, and other indicators of irritation or damage. The Draize skin test follows a similar protocol, with substances applied to shaved skin areas.

The test has been widely criticized by animal rights organizations and some scientists due to concerns about animal welfare and scientific validity. Critics argue that rabbits experience significant pain and distress during testing, and that results may not reliably predict human reactions due to biological differences between species.

In response to these concerns, many companies and regulatory bodies have moved toward alternative testing methods. These include in vitro approaches using human cell cultures, computer modeling, and reconstructed human tissue systems. The European Union banned animal testing for cosmetics in 2013, accelerating the development and adoption of alternative methods.

Despite controversy, the Draize test remained a regulatory standard for decades and continues to be used in some contexts, particularly for industrial chemical safety assessment. However, the scientific community increasingly emphasizes the "3Rs" principle of reducing, refining, and replacing animal testing where possible. Modern toxicology increasingly relies on mechanistic approaches that can provide more relevant human safety data while minimizing animal use.