Beauty and cosmetic brands have embraced the challenge and accepted the heightened competition in the industry when the demand for vegan beauty products has drifted. Vegan Makeup has made its name popular, becoming one of the most talked about beauty trends due to the consumer’s consciousness about what they consume and the brand they support. With that regard, brands considering offering vegan makeup and other beauty products are not just competing for market presence, but are also competing in producing quality beauty products. With the heightened competition in place, offering cruelty-free products isn’t enough anymore. Thus, beauty and cosmetic brands must make beauty products that are not just only cruelty-free, but also made with natural ingredients. As the trend of vegan makeup continues to rise in the market, there are many vegan skincare and makeup brands coming out in the industry offering a vast array of options to choose from. From luxury concealers and foundations, eyeliners, mascara, and eyeshadows, to lipsticks and other beauty products, vegan counterparts are starting to become available.
Quality, value for money, texture, lasting power, and pigment payoff are among the qualities that beauty and cosmetic enthusiasts are looking for in a makeup brand product. But to look for all the qualities mentioned is quite challenging and difficult, especially with the number of vegan makeup brands coming into the industry. It is important to note that the best vegan makeup brand produces its beauty products away from any animal-sourced and animal-derived ingredients. Thus, these 15 must-try the best vegan makeup brands in 2023 are meticulously curated to help shop for the best brands available that provide not only cruelty-free but also vegan makeup and beauty products of high quality and high performance.
1. Juice Beauty
Juice Beauty is a vegan and cruelty-free cosmetic and clean skincare brand known for offering authentically organic and clinically validated beauty products. The brand is renowned for its bestselling, patented, spa-grade Green Apple Peel products and its Stem Cellular products rich in organic resveratrol grape seed, fruit stem cells, and vitamin C helps rejuvenate and hydrate the skin. Juice Beauty's cosmetics and skincare are formulated with a vitamin-rich organic botanical juice base and an antioxidant compared to the conventional formulation of beauty products that are petroleum derivatives combined with strong and potentially harmful skincare components. In addition, some of the juices used in Juice Beauty products help improve skin hydration. For example, aloe vera leaf juice has rich glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) supply. GAGS are sugar molecules that help bind moisture to the skin. Juice Beauty offers an extensive product line and collection of skincare products, including serums, sunscreen, cleansers, toners, CC creams, and more which are ideal for all skin types. For example, Juice Beauty CC cream and Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum are suitable for all skin types. They are highly beneficial for skin manifesting signs of ageing. Its products are in a mid-level range, ranging from £29.53 GBP to £98.45 GBP. It has a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating from its valued customers because it offers a range of tones, is long-lasting, and is gentle on the skin.
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Juice Beauty Advantages |
Juice Beauty Disadvantages |
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Improve skin hydration and give protection against free radicals |
Contains essential oil that may cause skin sensitivity |
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Formulated with natural ingredients rich in vitamins C and E, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, etc. |
Mid-range price |
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Gentle on the skin and long-lasting |
2. W3ll People
Well People is a manufacturer of plant-powered, cruelty-free, clean, and Environmental Working Group (EWG) verified beauty products. Renewable botanicals such as Green Tea, Turmeric, Rosehip, Pomegranate, and Broccolo Seed Oil are ethically sourced in producing revitalising cosmetics and beauty products that nourish and soothe the skin. Well People offers potent and multi-tasking products that put the consumer's skin first by hydrating and brightening, thus, providing radiance and long-lasting comfort. Well People beauty products are suitable for mature, sensitive, or breakout-prone skin. The beauty brand's formulas are not likely to cause a reaction because they lack harsh substances. Well People's ingredients are carefully selected according to their generative and nourishing properties. For example, Broccoli Seed Oil hydrates while Mango Seed Oil soothes, Pomegranate Seed Oil rejuvenates, and Algae brightens. Adding everything will give long-term health to the skin. Its products are priced between £11.81 GBP to £63.99 GBP. It has 4.6 out of 5-star ratings from its valued customers because it helps improve the quality of their skin.
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Well People Advantages |
Well People Disadvantage |
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Ingredients are sourced from plants |
Packaging is not fully sustainable |
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Products do not contain synthetic fillers, fragrances, preservatives, and sulfates |
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35+ of Well People’s products are 100% clean to EWG’s standards |
3. Kat Von D Beauty
Kat Von D Beauty, better known as KVD Beauty, sells high-performance, cruelty-free, high-pigmented makeup that has challenged the beauty industry. The entire makeup lineup of KVD Beauty has been reformulated to only include 100% vegan makeup without compromising and sacrificing the performance the brand is known for. That means robust and long-wearing pigmented products for all-day impact like its best-selling Tattoo Liquid Liner and Tattoo Pencil Liner. KVD Beauty's high-performance and long-lasting cosmetics go the extra mile to give its customers the products they need for expression and artistry. The brand believes that being a vegan and cruelty-free brand can double as art. Thus, its products are offered to everyone who wants a fearless expression. The brand provides tattoo-inspired vegan beauty. KVD Beauty is priced in the price range of £10.83 GBP to £140.78 GBP. It has a 4.4 out of 5 stars rating from its valued customers because of its formula, shade range, and staying power.
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Kat Von D Beauty Advantages |
Kat Von D Beauty Disadvantages |
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Long-lasting |
Thick; hard to blend |
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Vegan and cruelty-free |
Bold |
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Tattoo-inspired |
4. Milk Makeup
Milk Makeup formulates inclusive, expressive, effective, and fun beauty products for everyone and is known for its high-performance, cruelty-free, vegan makeup, cannabis-infused Kush collection. From its mascara which is cannabis Sativa seed oil infused and roll-on body oil to vegan skincare and high-shine lip glosses, at the heart of Milk Makeup are the community, culture, and self-expression. Because the brand believes that what matters is what you do with beauty, rather than how you create your look. Some of Milk Makeup's industry icons include its camouflaging eye concealer, natural-looking eyebrow gel, game-changing primer, and multitasking lip stains. Personal touch and experimentation resemble the forms of self-expression the brand swear to which they want to inspire customers through its collections. Milk Makeup is focused on developing high-quality skincare and makeup with extraordinary payoff. Some Milk Makeup products are suitable for sensitive skin, for instance, the Milk Makeup Vegan Milk Cleanser. However, the brand tries to have varied shade ranges within all skin makeup products. Makeup products made by Milk Makeup are priced within the range of £24.61 GBP to £147.67 GBP. It has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from its valued customers because it stays all day, does not flake, hydrates, and feels good on the skin.
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Milk Makeup Advantages |
Milk Makeup Disadvantage |
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Wide range of skincare and makeup product lines |
Expensive |
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100% vegan and cruelty-free formulas |
5. Jeffree Star Cosmetics
Jeffree Star Cosmetics is an American beauty brand founded by the internet star Jeffree Star. Its product line is cruelty-free. The brand ensures the customers that its manufacturers are not affiliated or getting ingredients from places that are not cruelty-free. Jeffree Star Cosmetics started by launching a collection of 3 Velour liquid lipsticks that caught the customers' attention because it is lightweight and long-lasting. The brand claims that it has not added fragrance to its products. Additionally, the skincare line of Jeffree Star Cosmetics is vegan and gluten-free. Products produced and sold by Jeffree Star Cosmetics have undergone clinical testing and are dermatologist tested; thus, they are suitable for sensitive skin. The beauty products of Jeffree Star Cosmetics are also non-irritating. The brand's cleanser has an active ingredient of White Willow Bark, an alternative for salicylic acid that helps alleviate irritation for those with acne-prone skin. Moreover, the Jeffree Star Cosmetics skincare product line is available for all cohorts. The formulation of its skincare products includes ingredients that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, thus providing benefits for overall healthier-looking skin. Its products are sold in a price range of £19.69 GBP to £88.60 GBP. It has a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating from its valued customers because of its exfoliating, long-lasting, and nourishment effect.
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Jeffree Star Cosmetics Advantages |
Jeffree Star Cosmetics Disadvantages |
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Long-lasting |
Strong scent |
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Pigmented |
‘Cakey’ feeling when applied |
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Wide selection of makeup products to choose from |
6. Urban Decay
Urban Decay is a vegan and cruelty-free makeup manufacturing brand with a mission to move beyond the standard pink palette and offer a variety of shades, tones, and colours for people to express their beauty of being unique. Urban Decay wants to bring out the attitude in the best way possible, whether through shockingly bright and bold styles or smoothing neutral palettes. The brand is highly recommended for oily or combination skin customers because it provides light to medium coverage made available by its foundation. Besides that, Urban Decay's products feel good on the skin and leave an impressive overall look. It can be purchased within the price range of £14.77 GBP to £98.45 GBP. Urban Decay has a 4.5 rating from its valued customers because it features good quality, long-lasting, and availability of options for different types of skin tones.
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Urban Decay Advantages |
Urban Decay Disadvantage |
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Variety of product lines to choose from, including eyeshadow palettes, eyeliner, foundations, setting sprays, etc. |
Pricey |
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Vegan and cruelty-free products |
7. Tarte
Tarte is a vegan and cruelty-free makeup brand that believes in high performance and nature. The brand is also an approved People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) participant. All of Tarte's beauty products are formulated with a blend of naturally derived and other ingredients. Which are designed to perform and deliver an extra touch to the users, such as but not limited to fruit and plant extracts, vegan-friendly options, and clinically-proven ingredients. Besides being formulated without parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, and triclosan, Tarte's products are also gluten-free. However, the brand does not guarantee its customers that any products or ingredients were produced in an allergen-free environment. Priced from £18.70 GBP to £73.83 GBP, products are available through Tarte's website and other online retail partners. It has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from its valued customers because they have noted that Tarte's products are long-lasting, provide full coverage, and brighten their skin.
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Tarte Advantages |
Tarte Disadvantages |
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Collection only contains clean, vegan, eco-friendly, natural, and cruelty-free ingredients |
Liquidy |
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Lift and smoothen the skin |
Strong scent for its concealer products |
8. Wet n Wild
Wet n Wild is a vegan and cruelty-free makeup brand producing beauty products inclusive of all skin colours, ethnicities, ages, and economic statuses. The brand aims to provide you with the beauty product you need no matter who/where you are. Wet n Wild is known to be the trendsetter in colour, having over 400 versatile shades, and was the first to introduce black nail polish, fulfilling the dreams of goth kids everywhere. It works best for reasonably normal skin since it provides excellent complementary power to the skin. Moreover, Wet n Wild products are made out of high-definition pigments. Thus, it makes the user pop and gives subtle elegance. It can be purchased within the price range of £2.95 GBP to £29.53 GBP. Wet n Wild has a 4.4 out of 5 stars rating from its valued customers, as affordability is its selling point relative to its quality. Makeup enthusiasts have noted that Wet n Wild products are better than high-end makeup.
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Wet n Wild Advantages |
Wet n Wild Disadvantages |
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Products are cruelty-free |
Too dewy |
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Affordable |
Wear off quickly |
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Offer a variety of makeup essentials, including foundation, eyeliner, highlighter, bronzer, etc. |
9. Too Faced
Too Faced are a vegan and cruelty-free makeup brand that positions itself as a cosmetic market player that wants to create and bring fun and playful energy to the makeup market. Aside from the cosmetic products, Too Faced keeps its skincare products high-quality, including moisturisers, serums, cleansers, and masks. The brand believes that makeup is power, thus giving people the avenue to express themselves and the confidence to take over the world. Too Faced guarantee its customers to only use the finest cutting-edge ingredients to produce cruelty-free and innovative cosmetic products. The brand suits those who like going bolder and more creative with their everyday makeup look. Too Faced products are priced within the price range of £29.53 GBP to £98.45 GBP. It has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from its valued customers. The most common reason for such a rating is its high quality.
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Too Faced Advantages |
Too Faced Disadvantage |
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Blendable |
Mid-range price |
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Cruelty-free |
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Long-lasting |
10. Milani
Milani is a cruelty-free makeup brand best known for selling high-quality and melanin-friendly cosmetics at a drug store price point. Baked Blush and Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation and Concealer are among Milani's most popular products. Milani's goal is to offer and bring beauty to the masses without compromising quality. Diversity and individuality is the core mission of the brand as it worked to target multi-sectoral makeup enthusiast who believes diversity and beauty are intertwined. Moreover, Milani wanted to promote wearing and using cosmetic products because you want to, not because you have and need to. Milani has been using top-of-the-line formulas, innovative and for every skin tone, without compromise in its products to promote diversity and individuality. The brand is cruelty-free, but is also working on its portfolio of vegan products. It can be purchased within the price points of £9 GBP to £24.61 GBP. The brand has a consumer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their Milani purchases, noting that the products do not irritate the skin, clog pores, or get extra oily.
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Milani Advantages |
Milani Disadvantages |
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Pigmented |
‘Cakey’ feeling when applied |
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Cruelty-free |
11. Urban Decay
Urban Decay is a vegan and cruelty-free makeup manufacturing brand with a mission to move beyond the standard pink palette and offer a variety of shades, tones, and colours for people to express their beauty of being unique. Urban Decay wants to bring out the attitude in the best way possible, whether through shockingly bright and bold styles or smoothing neutral palettes. The brand is highly recommended for oily or combination skin customers because it provides light to medium coverage made available by its foundation. Besides that, Urban Decay's products feel good on the skin and leave an impressive overall look. It can be purchased within the price range of £14.77 GBP to £98.45 GBP. Urban Decay has a 4.5 rating from its valued customers because it features good quality, long-lasting, and availability of options for different types of skin tones.
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Urban Decay Advantages |
Urban Decay Disadvantage |
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Variety of product lines to choose from, including eyeshadow palettes, eyeliner, foundations, setting sprays, etc. |
Pricey |
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Vegan and cruelty-free products |
12. Lush
Lush is a vegan and cruelty-free makeup but is on a mission to upgrade its self-care routine with sustainable, cry-free, and innovative products for the face, hair, and body. The Lush collection of handmade beauty and self-care products has expanded since the brand launched its bath bombs, which now include hundreds of options for kids and adults. Aside from the sustainable, effective, and cruelty-free, Lush is also an award-winning brand. Lush has received the 2020 Vogue Beauty Awards: Lifetime Achievement Award for Sustainability and Animal Awareness. Lush products are known for their appealing fragrance and effectiveness, especially for those with sensitive skin or oily and sensitive scalp. Lush products can be availed within the price points of £8 GBP to £20 GBP. It has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from its valued customers because the different product gives smooth, glowing, and healthy skin effects.
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Lush Advantages |
Lush Disadvantages |
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Huge range of personal care products, including cleansers, body wash, shampoo bars, and the Lush bath bombs |
Collections are not 100% vegan (some product lines are produced containing animal byproducts) |
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Fully cruelty-free |
Does not currently ship worldwide |
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Transparent about ingredients and only uses natural components |
13. Haus Laboratories
Haus Laboratories is a vegan and cruelty-free makeup brand that promotes high-tech, high-pigment, high-performance clean colours of cosmetic products. Haus Laboratories' products abide by the brand's art of clean philosophy, which means that so much more than 2700+ questionable ingredients are not used by the brand to manufacture and produce its products. Components include but are not limited to: PEGs, parabens, petrolatum, potential carcinogens, cyclic silicones, sulfates, and phthalates are not used. Moreover, the brand is clean and Sephora certified, sustainably sourced, high-performance formulas with skin-optimising ingredients, cruelty-free, vegan, fragrance-free, dermatologists tested, and clinically tested with proven results. Haus Laboratories prioritises quality, safety, sustainability, and performance of every ingredient it uses and formulates products to optimise skin care. Haus' products feature deep colour and excellent pigmentation, allowing customers to achieve the 'Gaga' look. The price of Haus Laboratories' products is within the range of £25.60 GBP to £43.26 GBP. It has a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from its valued customers because of how it imparts a radiant and gentle skin effect.
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Haus Laboratories Advantages |
Haus Laboratories Disadvantage |
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Pigmented |
Lip liner products are not long-lasting |
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Vegan and cruelty-free |
14. Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Botanicals is a vegan and cruelty-free makeup brand that bring tangible results that customers can see and feel through the power of nature. Herbivore Botanicals ingredients, products, and packaging resemble its gentleness towards the planet as it is to the body. The brand ethically sources the finest natural materials and is committed to being vegan and cruelty-free. With ingredients ranging from Brazilian gemstones to French pink clay, Herbivore Botanicals formulate products fused with essential vitamins, minerals, and botanicals to produce products that help the skin achieve optimum health and vitality. It can be purchased within the price points of £24.60 GBP to £68.87 GBP. Moreover, Herbivore Botanicals has a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from its valued customers because it leaves the skin hydrated, soothed, exfoliated, smooth, and glowing.
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Herbivore Botanicals Advantages |
Herbivore Botanicals Disadvantages |
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Vegan, organic, and all-natural ingredients in all products |
Some products may trigger breakouts |
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Products include plant-based and food-grade cold-pressed oils |
Issues with absorption with some oil-based products |
15. BITE Beauty
BITE Beauty is another vegan and cruelty-free makeup brand that offers clean beauty that performs. The brand is an ambassador of effective, powerful, clean ingredients and does not use additives in its production. Aside from that, BITE Beauty positioned itself to be a supercharged performance which means that the brand provides customers with beauty products that are vivid in colour, giving immediate impact, and with sensorial textures for added value. Though the brand offers lip formulas, such as balms, glosses, and masks, BITE Beauty also provides various eye and face products. The brand also promotes inclusivity in its bold, pigmented, and vibrant products that come in wide shade ranges so that everyone feels included, regardless of skin colour. Each product is claimed to be vegan and infused with skin-loving ingredients. Products of BITE Beauty can be purchased within the price range of £10.82 GBP to £49.19 GBP. The brand has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from its valued customers because products are vibrant, bold, soft, and provide healthy finishes.
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BITE Beauty Advantages |
BITE Beauty Disadvantage |
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Free of harmful ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, and sulfates |
Newer formulations were not as effective as the previous one |
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Wide range of vegan and clean beauty products |
How to know the makeup product is vegan?
There are ways to know if a makeup product is vegan. One way to know if a makeup product is vegan is to look for the label that says, 'Suitable for Vegans' or 'Certified Vegan' logo. It is usually printed on the front page of the packaging as the brands try to make it a competitive advantage since the makeup industry market has been conscious of what they consume and adore. Without the 'Certified Vegan' logo or the 'Suitable for Vegans' label, another way to know if a makeup product is vegan is by scanning the allergen information and the ingredients list. Under the allergen information and the ingredients list, you can check if a makeup product contains eggs, seafood, or dairy components. It is important to note that for a makeup product to be vegan, it should be free from ingredients that are sourced from animals or animal-derived such as but are not limited to honey, beeswax, yoghurt, and lactic acid. Consumers may have mistaken that if a product is cruelty-free, it automatically translates also to being vegan. It is important to note that being cruelty-free cannot be equated and does not mean a makeup product is also vegan. With that, the question, “how to tell if your makeup is truly vegan?” has been answered.
What are the best vegan skincare brands?
As the makeup industry has become competitive in nature, consumers of makeup and other beauty products have become more conscious of what they consume and adore. The trend of shifting and offering vegan skincare products by beauty brands has ignited another section of the competition. The number of vegan skincare brands in the market has constantly been increasing. Thus, to help you decide which brand to check and ensure that it offers the best possible vegan makeup and other beauty products, here's a list of the top 3 best vegan skincare brands that offer vegan skincare products 2023.
- Lush: All makeup and beauty products made available by Lush are free of animal ingredients and are clearly labelled. The brand will always be happy to help you find the best and perfect vegan bath bond, lotion, balm, and other self-care products. Thus, Lush makes vegan feel right. Products from Lush can be purchased within the price points of £8 GBP to £20 GBP.
- Juice Beauty: With non-toxic formulas full of antioxidants and vitamins, your skin and body will appreciate the makeup and beauty products from Juice Beauty. The brand is dedicated to producing an all-natural organic collection of skincare products and cosmetics designed with high-quality, cruelty-free, and vegan from certified organic ingredients. The brand will allow you to feel great about your purchase, from foundation and lipsticks to cleansers and moisturisers. Products from Juice Beauty can be purchased within the price points of £29.53 GBP to £98.45 GBP.
- Herbivore Botanicals: Certified vegan since day one, Herbivore Botanicals ethically sources only the finest raw, natural ingredients to produce products that help achieve optimal skin health and vitality. There is a lot to love about the brand's skin and body products, from its luxurious textures and intoxicating scents to its animal-friendly formulas. Products from Herbivore Botanicals can be purchased within the price range of £24.60 GBP to £68.87 GBP.
What is the difference between cruelty-free and vegan makeup products?
Consumers are becoming conscious of what they consume and the brands they support, whether or not the makeup product or brand is cruelty-free and/or vegan; thus, here's the point of cruelty-free vs vegan. The difference between cruelty-free and vegan makeup products is that cruelty-free makeup products imply that the product was produced without using animals in testing in every phase of the production process. In contrast, vegan makeup products mean that the product does contain animal-derived ingredients such as but not limited to gelatine, collagen, or cholesterin or animal by-products such as but not limited to beeswax, honey, or milk. It is important to note that when a product claims to be cruelty-free, it does not imply that it is vegan or vice-versa. However, makeup products can be both cruelty-free and vegan, which means that the product is not tested on animals and does not contain animal-derived ingredients.
Is vegan makeup product healthy for the skin?
Yes, vegan makeup products are healthy for the skin. Vegan makeup products mean that the product does not include animal-derived ingredients such as but are not limited to gelatine, collagen, or animal by-products such as but not limited to beeswax, honey, or milk. Thus, vegan makeup products are purely plant-based. That means that vegan makeup products' ingredients are sourced from plants, so they are chemical-free and do not contain any artificial additives and components. That makes vegan makeup products healthy and beneficial for the skin. That being said, vegan makeup products contain natural ingredients such as aloe vera extract and tea tree that have been proven to have purification benefits. Therefore, products containing such natural ingredients help remove excess oil and work best for pore-clogging impurities, which later help solve and treat acne problems. Other than that, vegan makeup products also give a silky-soft feel because they are rich in vitamins such as B, C, and E, which are suitable for cell generation, thus keeping the skin looking young and vibrant. Therefore, vegan makeup products are healthy for the skin.
