Vegan & Cruelty Free Skincare
Through the massive growth of veganism has come a transformation within the skincare industry; eco-conscious consumers also want to be provided with cruelty free and plant-based beauty alternatives that do not cause any harm to animals or the planet.
Let’s look at vegan and cruelty free skincare, their differences, and what you need to look for when choosing your cosmetic products.
What is vegan skincare and why should I switch?
Vegan-friendly skincare eliminates all animal derived ingredients and is exclusively made from plant and mineral based ingredients only. Vegan products are cruelty-free and avoid testing on animals and adding potentially harmful ingredients to formulations. 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?
If you want to avoid animal products 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. It is important to note 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:
HONEY
Used as a colouring and emollient in cosmetics. Vegan alternatives include vegetable colours and oils.
BEESWAX
Obtained by melting, straining, and cooling honeycomb. Commonly used in face creams, lotions, and eye creams.
COLLAGEN
Fibrous protein in vertebrates mainly derived from animal tissue. Vegan alternatives include soy protein.
HYALURONIC ACID
A protein that can be derived from the fluid around the joints of animals. Vegan alternatives are more commonly used and include plant oils but always check your labels!
LANOLIN
Derived form the oil glands of sheep and extracted from their wool. Vegan alternatives include plant and vegetable oils.
SQUALENE
Oil from shark livers. Vegan alternatives include squalane, olive oil and rice bran oil.
KERATIN
Protein from the horns, hooves, feathers, and hair of various animals. Vegan alternatives include almond oil, soy protein.
LACTIC ACID
Made by bacterial fermentation. When it is animal derived it is obtained from blood and muscle tissue. The use of plant milk sugars is a vegan alternative.
MARINE OIL
From fish or marine mammals. Alternatives include vegetable oil.
ROYAL JELLY
A secretion from the throat glands of worker honeybees. Vegan alternatives include aloe vera.
XANTHAN GUM: It is important to note that most xanthan gum is vegan, but it will depend on the culture used to ferment it. If you are uncertain, contact the manufacturer.
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.
Are you interested in developing a vegan product? Contact us to request more information regarding our product development process.
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