Vegan makeup is any makeup product that does not contain animal ingredients or byproducts. Animal ingredients are ingredients that are explicitly taken from animals. In the food industry, this would be steak. We kill cows to get steak. In the cosmetics industry, you’ll find things like carmine (crushed-up beetle) or placenta (sheep organs.)
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What Are Animal Byproducts In Makeup?
Not all makeup products have animals themselves as ingredients. Some have animal byproducts. Animal byproducts mean that the ingredient is from animals, even if it’s not the animal itself.
Beeswax is an excellent example of an animal byproduct. Bees are farmed to produce beeswax, then sold to the cosmetics industry. No bees are harmed in making the wax, but the ingredient still comes from animals.
Vegan And Cruelty-Free Are Not The Same Thing
A lot of people get confused with all the makeup terms. It’s common to believe that vegan and cruelty-free are the same. It makes sense that if a company doesn’t want to use animals or animal byproducts, they would also be against animal cruelty. However, that’s not the case.
Cruelty-free means that the ingredients are never tested on animals, and neither is the finished product. That means ingredients only come from suppliers that don’t test on animals. Certified cruelty-free companies also don’t sell their products where animal testing is required.
For example, cosmetics have to be tested on animals in mainland China. A company must pay for animal testing to sell products in mainland China. Because of that, you can rest assured that companies know that their products are being tested on animals if they sell them in stores in specific countries.
If a product does not contain animal ingredients or by-products, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t tested on animals. When a product isn’t tested on animals, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t contain animal ingredients. Some companies include beeswax in their products but are also cruelty-free.
If you’re searching for products that don’t contain animal ingredients or animal by-products and aren’t tested on animals, you want to ensure they are both cruelty-free and vegan.
A Few Of Our Favorite Vegan Beauty Brands
There are a lot of brands that offer vegan products, and there are also quite a few that have taken the step to provide a comprehensive vegan line of products. If you’re on the hunt for vegan makeup, you can find it here!
Agency Skincare
Agency Skincare is revolutionizing the skincare industry. They’re Leaping Bunny certified and provide vegan formulas. A quick trial with Agency Skincare will help you discover formulas specifically designed for your skin type and address your skin concerns, as recommended by certified Dermatologists. Then, they’re delivered right to your doorstep.
E.l.f. Cosmetics
E.l.f. Cosmetics brings you high-quality makeup products at drugstore prices. Need an eyeshadow stick? They’ve got plenty for under $10. You’ll find a wide range of affordable makeup products, trending beauty products, and a skincare line. They are certified cruelty-free and are a completely vegan brand.
Herbivore Botanicals
This company offers a fantastic line of skincare products that you’re bound to become obsessed with! They are aesthetically appealing, effective, and both vegan and cruelty-free! You can also find sample sizes of serums and other products to try out! Powerful plant-based ingredients consistently deliver astounding results!
Makeup Eraser
Makeup Eraser is a brand that offers superior makeup removal products. Its product is a makeup-erasing towel that only requires water. This innovative product eliminates the cost and waste of makeup remover wipes. Towels last 3-5 years and are available in a few sizes. If you don’t want pink or black, they still come out with one excellent design after another! Get the Makeup Eraser wet and wipe your makeup off, including waterproof makeup!
Pacifica Beauty
Pacifica Beauty offers vegan and cruelty-free products in climate-conscious packaging. You’ll discover eyeshadow palettes and other makeup essentials, such as lip gloss or primer. Pacifica Beauty provides a comprehensive line of skincare products, including a complete kit to help you get a fresh, dewy glow. They offer something for everyone!
Sigma Beauty
Sigma Beauty is known for its high-quality makeup products, especially their pigmented eyeshadow palettes packed with gorgeous colors. Large, comprehensive color stories are available as well as mini-palettes. Sigma Beauty offers a comprehensive line of makeup products. They feature the cruelty-free logo, are vegan, and many items are gluten-free.
Dew Of The Gods
Dew Of The Gods is committed to never testing their products on animals and providing vegan formulas. They offer a comprehensive line of catchy skincare products. However, you won’t find makeup except for primer.
Skincare is made from high-quality, botanical ingredients. This company strives to source its ingredients ethically, thereby reducing its carbon footprint on the planet. It is also working on becoming plastic and acrylic-free.
What Is Vegan Makeup
Vegan makeup is makeup that doesn’t contain animal ingredients or byproducts of animals, such as beeswax. Always remember that a brand may have vegan products but not be cruelty-free, to make sure brands align with your ethics. Check out the rest of the site to learn more!
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