The Rise of Ethical Beauty: Vegan and Cruelty-Free Brands
In recent years, the beauty industry has undergone a significant transformation, driven by growing consumer demand for ethically produced products. Vegan and cruelty-free beauty has improved dramatically, with an increasing number of brands prioritizing ethical credentials. Many of these brands, especially newer ones, focus on using recyclable, compostable, or refillable packaging and support environmental causes. This shift reflects a broader trend towards sustainability and animal welfare in cosmetics.
Understanding Vegan and Cruelty-Free Beauty
Vegan beauty products avoid animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax, lanolin, snail mucin, keratin, and non-vegan collagen. These ingredients are commonly sourced from animals like sheep, snails, cows, or fish. On the other hand, the term "cruelty-free" refers to brands that eliminate animal testing for their ingredients, suppliers, formulations, and finished products. While cosmetics testing on animals has been banned in the UK since 1998, complexities like sales in countries where such testing still exists make it crucial to verify certifications.
To ensure authenticity, look for certifications like the "Leaping Bunny" logo by Cruelty Free International or check the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) Ultimate Cruelty-Free List. All brands featured in this guide are 100% vegan across their entire product lines and recognized as cruelty-free by these organizations. Many are independent brands with ethical principles at their core, though some larger companies have also made strides in creating cruelty-free supply chains and alternatives to animal-derived ingredients.
Top Vegan and Cruelty-Free Skincare Brands
As a beauty editor with 15 years of experience, I have tested numerous products to curate this list of effective and ethically sound options. Each brand offers high-quality skincare that delivers consistent results.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
Ideal for those seeking simple, effective, and affordable cruelty-free products, The Ordinary's Multi-Peptide + HA Serum targets skin elasticity, fine lines, and hydration. It absorbs quickly and provides a plumping effect without heaviness, making it perfect for summer use.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
After gaining vegan certification in 2020, Dermalogica redeveloped key products like the Daily Microfoliant. This rice-based powder exfoliant offers a deep cleanse, ideal for weekly use to unclog pores and refresh the skin.
Byoma Phyto-Mucin Glow Serum
Aimed at gen Z consumers, Byoma combines colorful packaging with affordable pricing. The Phyto-Mucin Glow serum serves as a vegan alternative to snail mucin serums, using Japanese plant roots for a non-sticky formula that works well as a makeup primer.
Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream
Biossance utilizes sustainable sugarcane-derived squalane to mimic the skin's natural oils, boosting hydration. The Squalane + Omega Repair Cream is a rich night moisturizer that deeply hydrates without feeling oily, and the brand aims for 100% sustainable packaging by 2030.
By Sarah Reviver Hydrating Mist
Founded with a focus on plant-based ingredients and recyclable packaging, By Sarah offers gentle products like the Reviver Hydrating Mist. It revitalizes parched skin and adds a dewy finish, reflecting the brand's commitment to nature and vegan principles.
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm
Aesop, a registered B Corp, is renowned for its eco-conscious and fully vegan products. The Resurrection Aromatique hand balm is a luxurious option with a rich texture and heavenly scent, beloved by beauty editors.
Pai Feather Canyon Eye Cream
This British brand is vegan, cruelty-free, and a certified B Corp. The Feather Canyon eye cream features hyaluronic acid and plant oils, providing the perfect balance for sensitive, combination skin without being too rich.
Naked Sundays CabanaClear Water Gel Serum SPF50
An Australian brand, Naked Sundays offers lightweight, non-greasy sun protection in vegan and cruelty-free formulas. The CabanaClear water gel serum is ideal for holidays, but note that SPF products sold in China may require animal testing.
Allies of Skin Beta Glucan & Resveratrol Advanced Hydrating Serum
Known for powerful ingredients and effective formulations, Allies of Skin caters to skincare enthusiasts. This serum hydrates and restores skin, making it a go-to during cold weather or dry conditions.
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser
This brand donates 1% of sales to environmental and community causes through 1% for the Planet. The Superfood cleanser, with kale, green tea, and spinach, cleanses without drying, suitable for combination skin.
Top Vegan and Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands
From neutral tones to easy application, these makeup brands combine ethical standards with high performance, offering products that enhance natural beauty.
Vieve Eye Wand in Smoke
Founded by makeup artist Jamie Genevieve, Vieve focuses on vegan and cruelty-free products. The Eye Wand in Smoke creates a foolproof smoky eye, perfect for quick morning routines.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Finishing Powder in Luminous Light
Since its launch, Hourglass has emphasized vegan and cruelty-free credentials. The Ambient Lighting powders add a glow without sparkle, with shades for various skin tones, ideal for final makeup steps.
Violette_FR Bisou Balm in Rose Latte
Launched by French makeup artist Violette Serrat, this brand offers effortless Parisian style. The Bisou Balm provides buildable coverage and refillable packaging, with Rose Latte offering a subtle color boost.
Merit Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara
Merit promotes minimalist makeup with vegan and cruelty-free products. The Clean Lash Lengthening mascara uses tubing technology to prevent smudging, easily removed with warm water.
Nailberry L’Oxygéné Nail Polish in Joyful
As a vegan alternative to traditional nail polishes with animal-derived ingredients, Nailberry offers a range of colors. The Joyful shade is a vibrant orange-red for at-home pedicures.
Rhode Pocket Blush in Freckle
Founded by Hailey Bieber, Rhode combines celebrity appeal with effective, vegan products. The Pocket Blush in Freckle provides a natural peach tone, applied directly and blended with fingers.
Refy Concealer
This British brand emphasizes simplicity and ethical standards. The concealer is lightweight, blendable, and available in multiple shades, reducing steps in makeup routines.
Elf Micro-Fine Brow Pencil in Taupe
Elf Beauty supports social causes while offering vegan and cruelty-free products. The Micro-Fine brow pencil includes a spoolie and skinny liner, perfect for defining fair eyebrows.
Rare Beauty Find Comfort Lip Butter in Uplifting
Founded by Selena Gomez, Rare Beauty celebrates natural beauty with ethical products. The Find Comfort Lip Butter in Uplifting offers a subtle tint, suitable for pink-toned skin.
How to Identify Vegan and Cruelty-Free Products
To ensure products meet both criteria, check for certifications like Leaping Bunny or the Vegan Society logo on packaging or websites. Peta's Ultimate Cruelty-Free List and Leaping Bunny's directory provide reliable resources. Review ingredients lists to avoid animal-derived substances such as beeswax, honey, lanolin, keratin, collagen, gelatine, and carmine. Remember, not all cruelty-free products are vegan, so cross-referencing is essential.
Where to Shop for Ethical Beauty
For guaranteed vegan and cruelty-free purchases, shop from the brands listed above. For mixed brands like Lush or The Body Shop, research individual products, as they may contain non-vegan ingredients. Platforms like Content allow filtering by ethos, including cruelty-free and vegan options, making ethical shopping easier. By choosing these brands, consumers can support sustainability and animal welfare while enjoying high-quality beauty products.
