The Ins & Outs of Vegan Cosmetics

Beauty enthusiasts have been promoting vegan makeup manufacturers more passionately than ever. With the increasing environmental concerns and the uncertainty of the future of the planet, both global and national cosmetics leaders have been pushed to level up their ethical practices.

One of the main concerns with the evolution of the vegan movement is the confusing terminology, some of which is used solely for branding purposes. Bio, natural, organic, non-GMO, green, cruelty-free, eco and plant-based may all sound similar. Seeing those labels on the packaging, though, does not automatically mean that your money is going towards vegan makeup.

Three Easy Fact-Checks to Ensure Your Cosmetics Are Vegan

If you have recently decided to take a leap into vegan makeup, do not get discouraged by the buzz language. Follow these three tips to ensure you are supporting plant-based companies:

1. Clear Labeling & Signage

Transparent labels and universal vegan signage are always proudly displayed on the packaging of authentic plant-based brands. They have nothing to hide and want you to know that right from the first impression.

2. 100 % Vegan Ingredients

If you feel a bit suspicious about the labeling, you can turn to the ingredient list for more information. If you are not familiar with Latin names, you are not alone. The Internet has a wealth of translations and interpretations for you, though.

3. Online Vegan Community Approved

Sometimes, it takes a bit of support and reassurance to invest in vegan makeup. If you are unsure of the truthfulness of the claims of your preferred cosmetics brand, double-check with your fellow vegan beauty experts. PETA is also a reliable source for cross-reference and frequently updates its list of approved companies.

Seven Common Makeup Ingredients You Never Suspected to Be NON-Vegan

Seasoned plant-based enthusiasts know that beeswax, honey, casein, and collagen go against their philosophy.

What other popular cosmetic ingredients may be unexpectedly non-vegan, too?

1. Oleic Acid (Tallow)

Perming and skin treatments, bar & liquid soap, and nail polish are rich in oleic acid. Unless otherwise stated, it is derived from animal fat.

2. Keratin

One of the hottest hair rejuvenating ingredients, keratin comes from fur, quills, horns, feathers, and hooves.

3. Carmine

AKA natural red 4, CI 75470, cochineal, and E 120, this red colorant is common in nail polish, blush, and lip products. It is extracted from insects.

4. Lecithin

Have you ever wondered where the waxy substance of your lotion, cream, shampoo, and soap come from? Mostly, lecithin is derived from eggs, animal blood, and milk.

5. Squalene

Shark liver oil is the reason why anti-aging treatments could promote their squalene-based antioxidant features.

6. Lanolin

If you enjoy the hydration of your lip balm, lanolin is to get credit for it. Sheep’s wool is the source of it, though.

7. Shellac

This nail treatment is sought-after for its durable qualities. It gives incredible shine to the dullest nails. Little do beauty enthusiasts know that it is derived from the Lac bug.