Best Vegan Beauty Brands You Need To Know About

In the increasingly conscientious world of beauty, the demand for cruelty-free and vegan products is higher than ever. With the rise of ethical consumerism, more and more people are seeking out brands that align with their values and don’t compromise on the welfare of animals.

Unfortunately, navigating through the plethora of beauty brands to find those truly vegan can be a daunting task.

To help you in this quest, this short guide will introduce you to some of the best vegan cosmetics companies that deserve your attention and investment.

Read on and learn what to choose to ensure your beauty routine is kind to all the creatures on our planet!

Key Takeaways

  • Cruelty-free and vegan beauty products are different. Cruelty-free refers to products that aren’t tested on animals, while vegan products don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products.
  • Not all cruelty-free products are necessarily vegan. It’s essential to check labels thoroughly to ensure the products meet your ethical standards.
  • Brands like Dr Botanicals, ESW Beauty, Adorn Cosmetics, EcoTools, and Herbivore Botanicals stand out as top vegan beauty brands due to their commitment to animal welfare, quality products, sustainable practices, and transparency with customers.
  • Vegan cosmetics can be identified through labels such as “Certified Vegan” and “Vegan Society”. Additionally, understanding common animal-derived ingredients found in beauty products can help identify vegan cosmetics.

What’s the Difference Between Cruelty-Free and Vegan Beauty Products?

Before diving into our top vegan beauty brands, let’s first clarify the difference between cruelty-free and vegan products. It’s not uncommon for people to use these terms interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference.

  • Cruelty-free refers to the testing processes involved in creating a product. If a product is labeled as cruelty-free, it means that no animal testing was conducted in its development. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean the product is free from animal-derived ingredients.
  • Vegan beauty products are those that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. This includes common cosmetic ingredients like beeswax, collagen, lanolin, gelatin, and more.

Essentially, being vegan extends beyond the product’s testing phase and ensures no harm or exploitation was done to animals at any point in the production process.

Therefore, while all vegan beauty products are cruelty-free, not all cruelty-free products are necessarily vegan. It’s important to check labels carefully to ensure the products meet your ethical standards.

How To Recognize Purely Vegan Cosmetics?

Finding authentic vegan cosmetics can be a bit tricky, as not all brands use clear labeling. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks you can use to ensure the products you’re buying are truly vegan.

  • Always look for products that are clearly labeled as vegan. Many brands now include this information on their packaging to make it easier for consumers. However, keep in mind that just because a product is labeled as ‘natural’ or ‘organic’, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s vegan.
  • It’s best to look for “Certified Vegan” and “Vegan Society’ trademarks on products. These certifications are awarded to brands that have undergone thorough scrutiny and have been found to uphold vegan standards throughout their entire production process.

It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with common animal-derived ingredients found in beauty products.

Here’s a short list of the most common animal ingredients in cosmetics, as well as vegan counterparts that work equally well.

Animal-derived IngredientFunctionVegan Equivalent
BeeswaxWorks as an emulsifier.Vegetable Oils and Fats
CaseinUsed as a binding agent.Legumin
CarmineServes as a natural red dye.Beet Juice, Alkanet Root
ElastinBenefits skin elasticity.Plant Proteins, Synthetic Alternatives
GlycerineUsed to moisturize and repair skin.Vegetable Glycerine
GuanineUsed in nail polish and make-up products.Leguminous Plants, Synthetic Pearl
PropolisServes as an antibacterial/antifungal agent.Licorice Root Extract, Witch Hazel Extract
RetinolIs believed to have anti-aging properties.Vegetable Retinol
LecithinWorks as a hydrating agent.Sunflower Seeds, Soybeans
HoneyServes as an emollient in cosmetic products.Vegetable Oils

Now that you know how to identify vegan products, let’s get into vegan beauty brands that are equally committed to animal welfare and product quality.

Dr Botanicals

Dr Botanicals will certainly impress you with their all-natural and cruelty-free products. As a standout vegan beauty brand, they’ve made it their mission to create skincare products that are not only good for your skin but also kind to animals and our planet.

Dr Botanicals’ products range from moisturizers and serums to masks, all packed with beneficial plant-based extracts and free of any animal-derived ingredients.

To give you an idea of what this vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand has on offer, let’s take a look at some of its key products:

Product NameKey Ingredients
Pomegranate Noir Indulgence CreamCoconut Oil, Tiare Flower Extract
Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial OilAlmond Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin C
Lemon Superfood All-in-One Rescue ButterCoconut Oil, Lemongrass oil 
Cocoa & Coconut Superfood Reviving Hydrating MaskCocoa Butter, Coconut Oil

The intense hydration from the Pomegranate Noir Indulgence cream is excellent for tired or aging skin while the Moroccan Rose facial oil provides powerful antioxidants to keep your skin looking youthful.

The Lemon Superfood Rescue Butter is a versatile product that can be used anywhere on your body to give a much-needed boost of moisture. Lastly, the cocoa & coconut hydrating mask offers deep nourishment for dry or dull complexions.

The dedication to quality and animal welfare shines through in every aspect of Dr Botanicals as they strive towards sustainability in both their packaging and production processes. So if you’re looking to switch up your skincare routine with products that align with your values without compromising on effectiveness – Dr Botanicals could be just what you’re searching for!

different beauty product

Taken from: https://us.drbotanicals.com/

ESW Beauty

As one of the leading vegan beauty brands, ESW Beauty made it their mission to create products that are not just friendly to your skin but also kind to our planet.

Every product from ESW Beauty’s cruelty-free brand is PETA certified and offers a unique blend of natural ingredients designed to nourish your skin without causing any harm.

From facial tools to detoxifying face masks, each product is vegan, meaning they’re devoid of any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. They go beyond just being cruelty-free; every item is formulated with sustainability in mind – using recyclable packaging materials and promoting minimal waste production.

esw beauty product

Taken from: https://eswbeauty.com/

Adorn Cosmetics

Adorn Cosmetics is where luxury meets sustainability. This Australian brand isn’t just one of the best vegan makeup brands out there; it’s a champion for ethical beauty practices and cruelty-free products.

Each product in Adorn Cosmetics’ vegan skincare line is thoughtfully formulated with organic ingredients, free from harmful chemicals and animal testing – making it a gem among vegan beauty brands. It helps you feel good about what you’re putting on your skin.

Adorn Cosmetics goes beyond just being cruelty-free by focusing heavily on sustainability. They incorporate eco-friendly packaging and refill options into their business model.

Each product comes in minimalistic yet classy packaging that’s designed to be refilled instead of discarded. This helps reduce waste dramatically while still providing high-quality makeup products.

From a foundation that glides on seamlessly for perfect coverage to vibrant eyeshadows that stay put all day, this brand certainly knows how to cater to every makeup lover’s needs without causing harm to our furry friends or mother nature.

It’s clear why they continue winning hearts around the globe – they offer guilt-free indulgence in luxurious makeup while promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. It’s proof that beauty doesn’t have to come at an environmental cost.

Adorn cosmetics website landing page

Taken from: https://www.adorncosmetics.com.au/

EcoTools

EcoTools is a brand that’s redefining the concept of green beauty. This cruelty-free and vegan beauty company is on a mission to make your makeup routine more sustainable without sacrificing quality or performance.

With its range of eco-conscious brushes, sponges, and other makeup accessories made from recycled materials, EcoTools is making strides in ensuring your beauty regimen doesn’t harm our planet.

The brand prides itself on using renewable bamboo and recycled aluminum in its products. Their makeup sponges are based on a mix of 5 sustainable materials – water, corn, bionanopol, natural preservative, and natural pigment.

Plus, all products are 100% cruelty-free – meaning no animal testing at any stage of production.

So when you choose EcoTools as part of your everyday routine, you’re not only choosing high-quality vegan beauty items but also contributing towards a healthier and more compassionate world.

eco tools website landing page

Taken from: https://ecotools.com/

Herbivore Botanicals

Ready to take your natural skincare game to the next level? Herbivore Botanicals might be exactly what you’re looking for. This powerhouse of a brand is well on its way to redefining luxury with its high-performing, ethically sourced ingredients.

With a range that spans both skincare and makeup categories, Herbivore Botanicals is all about delivering results without compromising on ethics.

Herbivore Botanicals is renowned for its dedication to cruelty-free practices and the use of organic ingredients. Every item in their lineup is meticulously crafted with botanicals that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – everything your skin needs to look and feel its best!

They’ve got you covered, no matter if you’re looking for a nourishing face oil, an exfoliating mask, or a hydrating face mist.

herbivore botanicals

Taken from: https://www.herbivorebotanicals.com/

Final Thoughts

Making the shift to veganism doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality or performance.

These brands are proof that you can maintain an effective and luxurious beauty routine while staying true to your values. With a commitment to cruelty-free practices, sustainable packaging, and high-quality ingredients, these vegan beauty brands are setting new standards in the industry.

So next time you’re stocking up your beauty cabinet, consider choosing products that are not only good for you but also kind to our planet and all its inhabitants.

After all, what could be more beautiful than showing compassion and care for all living beings?

Two More Recommendations for Your Plant-Based Journey

1. This is the best free video training I’ve found on plant-based nutrition. You’ll learn how to reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and obesity—all with plant-based food. Watch the free “Food for Health Masterclass” here.

2. This is the best vegan multivitamin I’ve found in my 14 years of being vegan. It has vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3—and nothing else. Translation: It only has the nutrients vegans are actually low in. Read my full review of Future Kind’s multivitamin here (with 10% discount).