From today animals will no longer be used to test make-up, skin care products and other products in the EU.
Anyone who wishes to sell new cosmetic products and ingredients in the EU must not test them on animals anywhere in the world.
The ban affects all cosmetics including toiletries and beauty products from soap to toothpaste.
The ban has been planned since 2009, but some activists had feared a delay to the decision.
Campaigners have hailed the ban as a truly historic event.