Is Lipstick Made From Animals -

Lipstick and cosmetics are full of questionable ingredients. Plenty of words we don’t understand and usually can’t pronounce. Ingredients made from animals are generally listed as something else.

For example, we all know how red dye can come from cochineal beetles. However, no one lists cochineal beetles as an ingredient. Instead, it’s listed as carmine. So, is lipstick made from animals? Maybe. We’ll review some of the most common animals contributing to your lipstick, including the crushed beetles that remain popular in cosmetic products.

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Cochineal Beetles

Cochineal beetles are tiny beetles that call Latin America home. They are often crushed to create red dye, a practice that dates back to ancient times and remains in use today. Cochineal beetles create a red or pink hue in lipstick, blush, and other cosmetics. It’s often listed as red dye or carmine on cosmetics.

Occasionally, you can also find these crushed beetles in your food products. The food dye is often listed as natural, and corporations aren’t technically lying. The red dye and beetles do occur naturally, and beetles are a natural part of the ecosystem. Most people are unaware that they’re eating bugs.

Tallow

Tallow is a lesser-known ingredient, but it’s making more headlines because it’s considered gross. This ingredient is a natural byproduct that comes from animal fat. However, that’s not the disgusting part.

The ick factor also stems from the fact that animal carcasses are often boiled. The fat then floats to the top, where it is scraped off and used in cosmetic products. Tallow falls into the emollient category and often helps increase spreadability and luxurious shine.

It’s a common ingredient in lipstick. However, it’s usually listed as something like oleic on the ingredient list. Check for this ingredient if you’re wondering if your lipstick is made from animal products. It comes from various types of farm animals.

This is another ingredient that makes headlines because it’s huge in the natural skincare industry. However, on a smaller scale, beef tallow and tallow in general may not be made from boiling animal carcasses. The tallow is sourced from the fat around the liver and other organs of the cow. Some people can make their own by trimming fat off beef products they purchase at the store or by buying them from a butcher. It’s the same source, though.

Natural Beeswax

Beeswax is a crucial ingredient in many lipsticks. It’s often included in organic or natural products because beeswax is a natural ingredient. Wax is used to provide the structure of lipstick, allowing it to retain its shape. Wax also helps hold all of the ingredients together.

However, remember that wax melts when it gets too hot, which is why lipstick is known to melt during a heatwave. Companies are starting to strive to use ingredients that aren’t animal byproducts, though, leading to many cosmetic companies opting for other types of wax in their products.

Other companies strive to ensure their ingredients are ethically sourced, meaning that bees aren’t hurt in any way when they collect beeswax. These companies can usually claim cruelty-free status thanks to them ethically sourcing animal byproducts for their products. Research companies and products to determine if ingredients are ethically sourced.

Vegan Lipstick Options

Fifth & Skin BOTANICAL Lipstick

The Lip Bar Vegan Liquid Matte Lipstick

Fish Scales

Fish scales are often referred to as guanine in cosmetics, not fish scales. These are a natural byproduct of fishing, and most people don’t catch fish solely to use their fish scales. However, this is not an excellent ingredient if you prefer vegan options.

Fish scales are used in many cosmetics and skincare products due to their pearlescent shine. The luminous finish makes them a must-have ingredient for many brightening products. They’re found in lipsticks, finishing powders, eyeshadows, and some brightening skincare products. Carefully read the ingredients to ensure you don’t wind up with these on your vanity; stick with vegan brands instead.