Let’s be real—shopping for skincare can be overwhelming. So many brands. So many labels. And wait… animal ingredients in moisturizer? Yup, it’s a thing. But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your skincare routine 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Whether you’re a skincare newbie, product junkie, or just trying to be more mindful of what goes on your face, this one’s for you.
First Things First: What Is Vegan Skincare?
Vegan skincare simply means two things:
- No animal-derived ingredients (like beeswax, lanolin, or collagen).
- No animal testing—at any stage of production.
That’s it. No goats, no sharks, no bees—just plant-powered goodness and kind choices.
Regular vs. Vegan Skincare: What’s the Big Deal?
Most of us don’t think about animals when applying sunscreen or lip balm. But you’d be surprised—a ton of popular products contain ingredients like:
- Lanolin (from sheep’s wool)
- Squalene (often from shark liver)
- Beeswax
- Tallow (animal fat)
Switching to vegan skincare isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional. The goal? Products that are good for your skin and kind to animals.
The Best 100% Vegan Skincare Brands
These brands are fully vegan and cruelty-free—no label-checking needed:
- Pacifica
- E.L.F.
- Herbivore
- Acure
- Osea
- Youth to the People
- Thrive Causemetics
Tip: Save this list on your phone before your next Target or Ulta run.
Cruelty-Free Brands with Vegan Options
Some brands aren’t fully vegan but offer plenty of vegan-friendly products:
- Glossier
- LUSH
- Andalou Naturals
- Desert Essence
- Every Man Jack
- Avalon Organics
Just make sure to double-check labels—look for “vegan” or check their websites.
Eco-Friendly and Vegan? Absolutely.
Want skincare that’s kind to your skin and the planet? Try:
- Ethique (solid bars = zero waste)
- Meow Meow Tweet
- Elate Cosmetics
- Sbtrct (UK)
Skincare for Men
Vegan skincare isn’t just for women. Here are some solid picks for men:
- Bulldog
- Herban Cowboy
- Every Man Jack
No fluff, no fuss—just clean, animal-free care.
Not Ready to Commit? Try a Vegan Beauty Box
Want to test things out before going all-in? Subscribe to one of these boxes:
- Vegan Cuts
- Petit Vour
You’ll get sample-size goodies each month—skincare, body care, makeup, and more—without breaking the bank.
Ingredients That Aren’t Vegan
Here’s a quick cheat sheet of common animal-derived skincare ingredients and their plant-based alternatives:
| Ingredient | Source | Plant-Based Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Lanolin | Sheep’s wool | Jojoba oil, olive oil |
| Beeswax | Honeybees | Candelilla, carnauba, soy wax |
| Glycerin | Often animal fat | Vegetable glycerin |
| Squalene | Shark liver | Olive-derived squalane |
| Stearic Acid | Animal fat (cow, pig) | Coconut or plant-derived forms |
| Tallow | Rendered animal fat | Shea butter, cocoa butter |
Also Read : Collagen Boosting Foods for Youthful Skin: Eat Your Way to Radiance
