Cruelty-free makeup brands are those conscientious cosmetics companies that refuse to use animal-derived byproducts or carry out animal testing in their product development process. They also uphold this ethical stance by avoiding any outsourcing to parties who may engage in such practices. Surprisingly, numerous products that claim the ‘cruelty-free’ tag do not entirely live up to this commitment, with some components still involving animal cruelty. Moreover, the label ‘cruelty-free’ does not imply that the production process is utterly devoid of animal-related ingredients. Therefore, consumers interested in supporting brands that completely exclude animals from their manufacturing process should opt for those that are explicitly identified as both cruelty-free and vegan.
Countless cruelty-free makeup brands populate the shelves of pharmacies and stores and are also available through various online platforms. These brands come at a diverse range of prices, promising that they ensure no harm to animals in the production of their products.
Cruelty-free And Vegan Beauty Brands
e.l.f.
Revered by beauty bloggers and editors alike, e.l.f. Cosmetics has established itself as a cost-effective and wholly vegan brand. Many of its offerings are available for less than $10, making it a go-to choice for affordable “guilt-free beauty”. This tagline reflects the brand’s commitment to avoiding ingredients and products banned by EU regulations. Moreover, the brand consciously collaborates with those manufacturers that adhere to the ultra-clean designation, further upholding its cruelty-free ethos.
Vapour Beauty
As a cosmetics brand deeply rooted in the majestic landscape of Taos, New Mexico, Vapour Beauty produces clean beauty products that respect nature and champion animal rights. Their commitment to cruelty-free makeup goes beyond just the absence of animal testing or byproducts. It encompasses a broader vision of coexisting with animals, plants, natural resources, and the Earth itself. A representative of the brand encapsulates this ethos by stating, “Living in harmony with our animals, plants, natural resources, and Earth is who we are.”
Aether Beauty
Founded by Tiila Abbitt, a former Sephora product developer, Aether Beauty goes to great lengths to ensure no animal-derived ingredients, such as lanolin or carmine, feature in its formulas. Abbitt’s dedication to creating purely plant-derived or synthetic and sustainable ingredients shines through the brand’s collection. In an interview, she affirmed, “There is no need to use any derived animal ingredients in my beauty products.” Further strengthening its ethical commitment, Aether Beauty prioritizes sourcing from fair trade suppliers and incorporating organic ingredients. Plus, it demonstrates environmental responsibility by using 100% recycled packaging.
ILIA
Bridging the gap between skincare and makeup, ILIA has pioneered the use of health-enhancing skin ingredients in every product. The brand’s formulation process is deeply mindful, as a spokesperson revealed in an interview: “Nearly all of our makeup formulas are entirely vegan, with few exceptions like organic beeswax, which is sustainably and ethically sourced without harming nature and bees.” However, ILIA is yet to secure the Leaping Bunny Certification for being cruelty-free.
Cover FX
Cover FX stands as a trusted, high-performance brand that promotes skin health by using clean ingredients. Their products, free from animal-derived or animal-tested ingredients, are produced in collaboration with a select group of trusted manufacturers and labs. These partners strictly adhere to the brand’s high standards for developing vegan products. Furthermore, Cover FX ensures that their laboratories and manufacturers provide all necessary substantives and documentation, affirming that the products are genuinely vegan and cruelty-free. In expressing their ethical commitment, a brand representative stated, “A huge part of our brand ethics are responsibility and dedication towards living things.”
Vesca
As a newcomer in the beauty industry, Vesca has committed itself to boosting inclusivity. While many brands only release extensive shade ranges for skin products and foundations, Vesca is changing this trend by launching bronzer and highlighters suitable for every skin tone. Further, Vesca pledges to be a 100% vegan and cruelty-free makeup brand. A brand representative proudly shared, “We founded Vesca to create high-quality and beautiful makeup formulations without using any animal-derived byproducts or ingredients.”
Bite Beauty
Bite Beauty is an excellent example of a brand embracing the cruelty-free and vegan ethos while maintaining high-quality products. Founded in Toronto in 2011 and currently based in New York, Bite Beauty’s primary focus is lip products. Their mission is to create lipstick that is “good enough to eat,” as the lips absorb everything applied to them. Therefore, their products are handcrafted with food-grade, or “bite-grade,” ingredients that are natural, organic, and healthy for the skin.
Notably, Bite Beauty revamped their entire product line in 2020, making it fully vegan. They removed ingredients like beeswax and lanolin, which are common in many lip products, replacing them with plant-derived alternatives. Bite Beauty proves that a brand can be both luxurious and ethical. They are a shining example of the industry’s shift towards cruelty-free and vegan production, showing that it’s possible to uphold these values without compromising product quality or performance. Their high-pigment, nourishing lipsticks have garnered rave reviews and a loyal following, proving that ethically-produced beauty products can indeed compete with their conventional counterparts.
The Bottom Line
Over centuries, the beauty and makeup industry has shown a remarkable evolution. Brands have grown more responsible and inclusive, considering not only the consumer’s needs but also their impact on the environment and society. The most notable change many cosmetic brands have embraced is a shift towards vegan and cruelty-free manufacturing practices. The unsightly truth of animal testing has long been a blemish on the beauty industry, prompting protests across many nations. Fortunately, an increasing number of companies are turning towards more sustainable and natural ingredients, distancing themselves from animal-derived byproducts. In doing so, they are setting the stage for a future where beauty and compassion coexist.
Sources:
- “Cruelty-Free Cosmetics: Are your beauty products humane?” Humane Society International. https://www.hsi.org/news-media/about_cosmetics_animal_testing/
- “Cruelty-Free and Vegan Makeup Brands To Support.” Ethical Elephant. https://ethicalelephant.com/cruelty-free-vegan-makeup-brands/
- PETA’s database of companies that do not test on animals: https://www.peta.org/living/personal-care-fashion/beauty-without-bunnies/
