Let’s be honest navigating the world of “vegan” and “cruelty-free” beauty can feel like decoding ancient scrolls. Is it truly vegan if it doesn’t test on animals but still contains beeswax? What if it says cruelty-free but is sold in a country where animal testing is required?
If you’re ready to align your beauty routine with your values without spiraling down a Google rabbit hole, I’ve got you. Here’s what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for products that are kind to animals and your conscience.
First, What’s the Difference?
- Cruelty-Free means the product (and its ingredients) weren’t tested on animals. But! It doesn’t mean the product is vegan.
- Vegan means the product doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients (like honey, lanolin, collagen, carmine (yep, crushed bugs are a thing in some red lipsticks). But! It doesn’t guarantee animal testing wasn’t involved.
So yes, a product can be cruelty-free but not vegan, and vice versa. Tricky, right?
What to Look For on Labels
- Official Logos Help A Lot
- Look for certifications like the Leaping Bunny, PETA’s cruelty-free bunny, or Vegan Society’s sunflower. These logos actually mean something. Brands have to go through a process to use them.
- Be cautious of self-made “not tested on animals” claims. Anyone can slap that on a label without proof.
2. Ingredient Scanning Like a Detective
Watch out for sneaky animal ingredients hiding under complicated names. A few common ones:
- Beeswax or Cera Alba
- Lanolin (from sheep wool)
- Carmine (a red dye made from beetles)
- Collagen (usually animal-derived unless stated otherwise)
- Apps like Think Dirty or Yuka can help if ingredient lists make your eyes glaze over.
- Check Where It’s Sold
- Some countries (like China) require animal testing for certain beauty products sold in physical stores. So even if a brand claims to be cruelty-free, if they sell in mainland China, it might be a no-go, unless they use specific loopholes (which is a topic for another post).
Bonus Tips
- Email the Brand: Not sure? Ask! Many brands are happy to clarify their policies.
- Follow Trusted Bloggers: Some content creators do deep dives into brand ethics so you don’t have to.
- Start Small: You don’t have to throw out your entire makeup bag. Transition gradually. Finish what you have and replace it with better options when you’re ready.
Some (Actually) Great Brands to Try
- e.l.f. Cosmetics – Affordable, cute, and fully vegan & cruelty-free.
- The Ordinary – Science-y skincare with no fluff, no animal testing.
- Milk Makeup – Trendy and totally vegan.
- Pacifica – Natural vibes, all vegan, and smells amazing.
Final Thoughts
Switching to vegan and cruelty-free products isn’t about being perfect, it’s about making more conscious choices that align with your values. If you mess up or buy something that’s almost what you wanted, it’s okay. The fact that you care already makes a difference.
