Ethical Beauty: Understanding Vegan & Cruelty Free Skincare
The rapid growth of veganism has transformed the skincare industry, as eco-conscious consumers now expect cruelty-free, plant-based beauty alternatives that are safe for both animals and the planet.
Let’s explore vegan and cruelty-free skincare, their differences, and what you need to look for when choosing your products.
What is vegan skincare?
Vegan-friendly skincare eliminates all animal derived ingredients and is exclusively made from plant and mineral-based ingredients only. Vegan products are cruelty-free as they avoid testing on animals and using animal-derived ingredients in the formulation.
Why should I switch?
Vegan brands or products are marketed as more eco conscious which means that not only are they promoting a cleaner product for you as the consumer, but also one that is kinder to animals and the planet overall.
What are the impacts of vegan skincare?
If you have decided to transition from your current products to vegan, you automatically minimise your carbon footprint. Using vegan skincare not only decreases your impact on the environment but is also kinder to animals. Vegan cosmetics are formulated with natural, plant-based ingredients that will allow you to have full confidence that what you are putting on your skin is not only beneficial for your own wellbeing, but also the welfare of animals and our environment as well.
How do I know it’s a vegan product?
Certifications are key! If you want to avoid animal-based ingredients in your skincare always look for certification stamps such as ‘The Leaping Bunny’ cruelty-free logo, ‘100% Vegan’, ‘Vegan Australia Certified’ logo, or look for ‘PETA’, ‘The Vegan Society‘, or ‘Choose Cruelty Free’ stamps on the packaging. This assures that it is animal-free, crulty free and ethically produced. Keep in mind, that not everything labelled as ‘cruelty-free’ is also vegan, so remember to check your labels!
Here is a list of animal-derived ingredients commonly used in skincare. If any of these ingredients are listed within an ingredient list the product is NOT VEGAN:
| Ingredient | Source | Common Uses | Vegan Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍯 Honey | Produced by bees | Used as a colouring and emollient | Vegetable colours, plant oils |
| 🐝 Beeswax | From melted, strained, and cooled honeycomb | Face creams, lotions, eye creams | Plant waxes (e.g., candelilla, carnauba) |
| 💪 Collagen | Fibrous protein from animal tissue | Anti-aging and firming products | Soy protein, plant-based peptides |
| 💧 Hyaluronic Acid | Can be animal-derived (from joint fluid) | Hydration, plumping, moisturisers | Fermented plant sources, plant oils |
| 🐑 Lanolin | Oil glands of sheep, extracted from wool | Moisturisers, balms, creams | Plant and vegetable oils |
| 🦈 Squalene | Oil from shark livers | Emollient, skin softener | Squalane (plant-derived), olive oil, rice bran oil |
| 🐴 Keratin | From horns, hooves, feathers, hair | Strengthening shampoos, nail care | Almond oil, soy protein |
| 🗯 Lactic Acid | From blood/muscle tissue (when animal-derived) | Exfoliants, peels, serums | Plant sugars (fermentation of beets, corn, soy) |
| 🐟 Marine Oil | Extracted from fish or marine mammals | Emollient, barrier repair | Vegetable oils (e.g., flaxseed, chia seed) |
| 👑 Royal Jelly | Secretion from honeybee glands | Anti-aging, nourishing creams | Aloe vera, plant-based extracts |
❗XANTHAN GUM: Most xanthan gum is vegan, but ultimately it will depend on the culture used to ferment it.
Where and how can register my product as vegan/cruelty free?
For your business to use official icons on your products such as the Vegan Australia Certified, or the ‘Leaping Bunny’ cruelty-free logo, you will need to register your business with the appropriate organization. At this stage of the process, we as a manufacturer can help you with this application.
Within the skincare industry, veganism and cruelty-free skincare is not viewed as a ‘trend’, but more a lifestyle that will continue to grow. At My Skincare Manufacturer, we fully support your brand being vegan & cruelty free and can assist by providing ingredient alternatives.
💌Have questions? Contact us: info@myskincaremanufacturer.com.au
