In 1959, The Principles of Human Experimental Technique was released, introducing for the first time the concept of the three R's:
 

Replacement:
    This method suggests using cell and tissue cultures,  in-vitro methods, human volunteers, and computer simulations as substitutes for entire animals.  The cell and tissue cultures are easily grown and created, and are a more humane and morally correct way of going about the experimenting, while human volunteers and computer simulations provide more accurate data.  There are a variety of tests already created in this fashion.

Reduction:
    This method implies reducing the number of animals used in the experimentation to the smallest possible amount.

Refinement:
    This last method, while still using animals, means that everything possible is done to ensure the animal's comfort during the actual testing phase, from something as simple as providing adequate food and water to treating the animal with a painkiller.

   Of these three methods, only the first, replacement, is considered morally right.  However, the remaining two, when used together, dramatically improve the quality of animal care and can reduce, although unfortunately, do not eradicate the total amount of suffering.

    As a consumer, you have control over which companies profit.  The first way to show your dissatisfaction with animal testing is to start buying products from "cruelty-free" companies only.  Read the package in which the product comes -- if the product is cruelty-free, the companies usually aren't afraid to show it.  Over 550 major companies have become cruelty-free, with Revlon and Avon Cosmetics being the first in 1989.  For an extensive list of cruelty-free companies, click here.  For a list of alternative products from cruelty free companies, click here. Feel free to write to companies that test on animals, like Proctor & Gamble, to show your distaste for them.