Whether you’re vegan or not, adopting a cruelty-free beauty routine is better for the environment and the animals that live on our planet. But figuring out which products are suitable for your new beauty regimen can be tricky.
Thankfully, there are a number of tools you can use to make the transition easier, like cruelty-free setting sprays that keep your makeup locked in and fresh.
1. Read the Label
Whether you’re new to veganism or just looking for ways to cut out more animal products from your beauty routine, the first step is always reading the label. You’ll be surprised at what you discover! Many of the ingredients found in products you may already own are actually animal derived, such as honey, beeswax, lanolin and milk. This doesn’t mean that these are necessarily bad, but for those seeking a vegan option it is best to avoid them.
When choosing a product, look for the Cruelty Free International or Leaping Bunny (if certified) logos to ensure that neither the product nor any of its ingredients have been tested on animals. You’ll also want to look for the PETA bunny ear icon or a Vegan Society approved logo as these will guarantee that the product is indeed vegan. The more knowledge you have, the easier it will be to build a cruelty-free beauty routine.
2. Read the Ingredients
If you’re new to veganism, it might be helpful to start by keeping a list of ingredients to avoid. This is especially important when it comes to cosmetics. There are many common animal products found in beauty products such as honey, beeswax, lanolin (wool grease), carmine, allantoin, squalene and ambergris that you’ll want to steer clear of. The best way to find out if a product is truly vegan is to read its label. It is vital to look for the Peta-approved vegan logo, The Vegan Society and Leaping Bunny trademarks as these indicate that the product has no animal products or ingredients in it.
3. Look for a Cruelty-Free Logo
As the vegan movement continues to gain momentum, many beauty brands are offering cruelty-free products that contain no animal ingredients. This shift reflects a growing consciousness about the environmental impact of beauty products and the need for more ethical alternatives. The vegan symbol is a sign of this commitment, signaling that no animals were used in the production of a product.
While the vegan and cruelty-free movements are closely connected, they are not the same. While vegan means no animal ingredients, cruelty-free simply refers to a company that doesn’t test on animals. This means that a cruelty-free product may still contain animal-derived ingredients such as honey, beeswax, lanolin (wool grease), guanine (fish scales), carmine (crushed up beetles) or ambergris (whale vomit). For this reason, it’s important to look for both the Leaping Bunny logo and a credited Vegan Society label to ensure that you’re purchasing truly vegan beauty products.
Fortunately, there are several reputable online cruelty-free shopping guides and apps that can help you find products that meet your criteria. For example, Beauty Without Bunnies has a database of certified cruelty-free products that you can filter by brand, ingredient or category, and is also available as an app. The Vegan Society certification, on the other hand, is a more thorough verification process that requires companies to verify their ingredients and supply chain.
If you’re looking for a new makeup, beauty or skincare routine, try searching these sites to find products that are both cruelty-free and vegan. Alternatively, try signing up for a subscription service such as Vegancuts, which curates 100% vegan and cruelty-free beauty products that are delivered to your door each month.
The vegan and cruelty-free movements are driving major change in the fashion and beauty industries. While the industry still has a long way to go, it’s important to support these initiatives by making conscious choices. The most effective way to do this is to read labels and search for these trusted symbols. When you see them, you can be confident that you’re supporting a company that respects the rights of all animals.
4. Make a Swap
Luckily, there are plenty of plant-based beauty products that will fulfil all your beauty needs. From moisturisers, SPFs, and lipsticks to mascara and eyeliner, there are many cruelty free options available. Just be sure to look for the Peta-approved vegan logo, The Vegan Society or Leaping Bunny trademarks to ensure the product is truly animal friendly. If you are building a vegan beauty routine, start by making one product swap at a time and slowly replace old items with their plant-based alternatives. This will help you avoid any unnecessary waste and make the transition much easier. You can also get advice from vegan beauty bloggers if you need a helping hand in the beginning.