The good news is that many mainstream cosmetics companies now have a selection of Vegan beauty products. Wet n Wild, for example, has a large number of Vegan options available and Lush’s ethical philosophy makes it easy to find animal product-free bath bombs and creams.
However, it is important to note that just because a product is labeled as “vegan” does not necessarily mean it’s natural/organic/non-toxic. Read the ingredients list to be sure!
Cruelty-Free
If you’re shopping for vegan beauty products, it’s important to know what ingredients to look for. Animal-derived products include beeswax, lanolin, collagen, and carmine (which comes from crushed-up beetles). However, many brands will substitute these ingredients with plant-based alternatives.
A vegan and cruelty-free company that specializes in makeup and skincare is Cover FX. Founded by an ex-Sephora product developer, the line uses clean and sustainable ingredients that are good for your skin. They also donate and partner with organizations like Black Lives Matter and Angel City Pits.
Another great option is Milk Makeup, a makeup brand that creates high-performing cosmetics with clean ingredients. Their formulas are tested by dermatologists and come in a variety of colors and finishes. Plus, they use refillable compacts made of Forest Stewardship Certified bamboo and glass. The brand even offers eco-friendly packaging options like seed paper envelopes that grow flowers when planted. Plus, they’re a PETA-approved cruelty-free company. Not to mention, their products are totally affordable!
Eco-Friendly
If you’re concerned about environmental sustainability, vegan beauty products are a great option. Many brands are committed to environmentally sustainable practices including using organic, natural ingredients that won’t harm the environment. They may also choose biodegradable, recycled and/or FSC-certified packaging or offer refill options. Some brands, like Sunday Riley, are pending B-Corp certification and go even further to use eco-friendly soy inks, eco-friendly packaging and carbon offset shipping.
Other brands, like Aether Beauty, offer a zero-waste makeup palette, made with reusable and recyclable materials that’s sealed with a sugar-based biodegradable sticker. They also offer a line of gorgeous, all-natural eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks that are all cruelty free. If you’re a fan of clean skincare, try the brand Nuria Beauty, who offers vegan face and body creams and face and foot masks. The company’s products are formulated to target specific skin concerns like breakouts, aging and dryness. They also use a holistic approach that is inspired by traditional Ayurvedic practices.
Healthy Skin
Besides being cruelty-free, vegan skincare often contains natural ingredients that are gentler on the skin. These products can be a great option for those with sensitive, irritated or allergy-prone skin.
Ayurvedic-inspired brand Odacite carries an array of plant-powered skin must-haves including their nourishing serum concentrates, formulated to target specific concerns like clogged pores and hyperpigmentation. Meanwhile, Naked Poppy carries affordable trend-led skincare, from their bestselling cleansing balm to their regenerating face oil.
Another vegan beauty staple, skyn ICELAND uses natural ingredients from the Arctic—including glacial waters and botanicals—to create skin-boosting skincare that helps you achieve glowing, radiant complexion. And, if you’re looking for a new nail polish, Sparitual is one of the most ethical brands out there, with a range that is vegan and low-waste. This vegan-friendly company supports The Rainforest Coalition and works to lower their environmental footprint. Their nail lacquer is also paraben-free, mineral-based and cruelty-free. Their formulas are also infused with supercharged antioxidants to help heal nails and protect against damage from harsh chemicals.
Save Animals’ Lives
Conventional cosmetic brands use animals like rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and mice to test their products to ensure they’re safe for humans. These animals endure painful and stressful tests before they’re euthanized or killed. By using vegan beauty products, you’re helping to save these animals’ lives and making the world a more compassionate place.
By supporting vegan companies, you’re also showing them that people care about the environment and want to see more eco-friendly products on store shelves. This demand could eventually help shift the industry toward a more sustainable future.
There are many brands that offer vegan cosmetics, from makeup brushes to lipsticks and mascara. Wet n Wild, for example, has an entire line of cruelty-free makeup that’s completely free of animal ingredients. You can also find vegan cosmetics from Lush, another popular brand with a large range of options. Just be sure to check the label for cruelty-free certifications, such as Leaping Bunny or PETA’s Bunny Friendly seal, before you buy.
