VEGAN X CRUELTY FREE
When buying cosmetics, I make sure they are not only vegan but also cruelty-free. A company is not necessarily cruelty-free just because it is vegan. The products themselves might not contain substances sourced from animals, but they might have been tested on animals. Conversely, an animal-derived product may be found in a cruelty-free brand. When both criteria are met, I then ask: is it good for me and my skin?
Cruelty-Free Cosmetics: Ingredients to Avoid
When it comes to choosing cruelty-free cosmetics, it’s essential to be aware of certain ingredients that are commonly derived from animals. To ensure your makeup routine aligns with a vegan lifestyle, here are some key ingredients to avoid and alternatives to look for:
1. Lanolin: This moisturizing agent is derived from sheep’s wool. Opt for plant-based emollients instead.
2. Glycerine and Squalene: Typically used as humectants and moisturizers, these can come from animal fats. However, vegan options made from soy, wheat, and other vegetables are available.
3. Collagen, Keratin, and Elastin: These proteins are animal-derived but have vegan alternatives. Ensure to check for plant-based versions.
4. Beeswax: Common in balms and some mascaras, beeswax is not vegan. Seek out products with waxes derived from plants.
5. Carmine: This red coloring, also known as E120, is extracted from bugs. For vegan makeup, look for products with synthetic or plant-based red pigments.
6. Shellac: Made from the secretions of the lac bug, shellac should be avoided in vegan cosmetics. Look for alternatives like plant-based resins.
By choosing products from fully vegan brands like Milk Makeup, Jeffree Star Cosmetics, Lime Crime, e.l.f. Cosmetics, KVD Beauty, and Hourglass, you can ensure your makeup collection is entirely cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. Always check the ingredient list to confirm the absence of animal-derived substances and make informed choices for a compassionate beauty routine.
vegan and cruelty free brands
Luckily, there are more and more vegan and cruelty-free brands, and animal testing is prohibited in more countries. These companies are not only vegan and cruelty-free but are also involved in various efforts, such as donating to animal charities, partnering with animal rights organizations or campaigning against animal testing.
- Pacifica: Supports animal welfare organizations, avoids animal testing, and ensures all products are vegan.
- e.l.f. Cosmetics: Donates to animal welfare organizations and advocates for cruelty-free practices industry-wide.
- Milk Makeup: Partners with animal rights organizations and promotes cruelty-free and vegan products.
- Tarte Cosmetics: Regularly donates to animal welfare causes and ensures products are cruelty-free and vegan.
- Cover FX: Partners with animal protection groups and maintains a cruelty-free and vegan product line.
- Lush: Actively campaigns against animal testing, supports animal rescue efforts, and creates all-vegan products.
- Urban Decay: Partners with PETA, supports animal rights campaigns, and ensures cruelty-free testing policies.
- Kat Von D Beauty (KVD Vegan Beauty): Donates to animal rights organizations and ensures all products are vegan and cruelty-free.
- Too Faced: Supports animal welfare organizations and maintains cruelty-free products with a vegan range.
- Charlotte Tilbury: Collaborates with animal rights organizations and ensures products are cruelty-free.
- 100% Pure: Donates a portion of profits to animal rescue organizations and ensures products are vegan and cruelty-free.
- Herbivore Botanicals: Supports animal welfare initiatives and offers cruelty-free, vegan products.
- Biossance: Collaborates with wildlife preservation groups and ensures products are cruelty-free and vegan.
- Youth to the People: Donates to animal protection organizations and promotes cruelty-free, vegan skincare.
- Aether Beauty: Partners with animal rights groups and creates all-vegan, cruelty-free cosmetics.
- Bite Beauty: Supports animal welfare initiatives and ensures all products are vegan and cruelty-free.
- Anastasia Beverly Hills: Promotes cruelty-free practices and offers a range of vegan products.
- Hourglass Cosmetics: Donates 1% of profits to animal welfare organizations and aims to be fully vegan by 2020.
- Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC): Advocates for animal rights, offers 100% vegan products, and supports various animal protection causes.
- Sugarpill: Partners with animal welfare organizations and ensures products are cruelty-free and vegan.
non-toxic or free from harmful ingredients
Vegan and cruelty-free products don’t automatically mean they are non-toxic or free from harmful ingredients. When looking for safe and non-toxic cosmetics, here are some key factors to consider:
Ingredient List: Read the ingredient list carefully. Look for natural and organic ingredients, and avoid known harmful substances like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.
Certifications: Look for certifications from reputable organizations that verify non-toxic claims, such as EWG Verified, USDA Organic, or Made Safe.
Transparency: Choose brands that are transparent about their ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and overall safety standards.
Patch Testing: Even natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions. Perform a patch test to ensure the product is safe for your skin.
Research: Use resources like the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep Database or the Think Dirty app to research the safety of specific products and ingredients.
The EWG database, including the Skin Deep website and Healthy Living App, is part of the Environmental Working Group’s years-long effort to document the safety of every ingredient. Simply enter the name of an ingredient to get a safety rating along with toxicity data. The higher the rating, the more toxic the substance. Most people aim for an EWG score of under 4 to be safe.
Brand Reputation: Research the brand’s reputation for safety and sustainability. Brands committed to overall well-being often have a good track record.
Clinical Testing: Look for products that have undergone dermatological testing or clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy.
Avoid Synthetic Dyes and Fragrances: These can often contain harmful chemicals. Opt for products with natural colorants and essential oils instead.
By paying attention to these aspects, you can ensure that your vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics are also non-toxic and safe for use.
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