If you’re new to veganism (happy belated Veganuary, by the way) you may find unexpected challenges in the beauty and body care department. Products that wouldn’t seem to be made of animal products—like blush, for example—sometimes have (seemingly) hidden non-vegan ingredients, like carmine, a reddish pigment made from bugs *shudder*. If that weren’t enough, a surprising number of big-name brands test on animals or are owned by a non-cruelty-free company. Dove, L’Oréal, and Neutrogena are just some of the big ones lining the aisles of your standard grocery store.
Not all is grim, however. We’re living in an exciting time for veganism, and with it comes a burgeoning market of animal-friendly and earth-conscious brands. Below are five independent beauty/skincare companies that offer exclusively vegan products crafted with more natural ingredients, so you know you’re doing good for both the planet and your skin. Hopefully, this list will introduce you to some cool brands that aren’t yet on your radar—even if you’re a seasoned vegan beauty lover!
A true farm-to-face company, Uma Oils hand-harvests its organic oils from its family farm in central India. The company turns to ancient Ayurveda wisdom to formulate its facial and wellness oil blends designed to deeply moisturize, repair, brighten, and clarify skin while protecting it from environmental toxins. Committed to enacting social change, Uma Oils sponsors a village clinic and provides academic scholarships to local youth. Over half of Uma Oils’ employees are women. Featured here: Uma Oils Total Rejuvenation Night Face Oil.
Designed with sensitive skin in mind, Au Naturale uses locally-sourced, gentle ingredients to craft their fashion-forward makeup colors and formulas. Au Naturale leads the clean beauty lobby on Capitol Hill, fighting the good fight for more transparency in the beauty industry. Featured here: Creme Concealer and Eyeshadow Base.
One of the chicest all-vegan brands out there, Anthropologie-approved French Girl Organics offers a line of luxe skincare made with organic, wild-crafted ingredients. One of French Girl Organics’ most notable products is its lip tint, which is free of beeswax. (A high-quality lip product that skips bee-products is kind of like a unicorn, so stock up!) Featured here: Violette Lip Tint and Rose Lip Polish.
Accompanied by an earthy-glam vibe, Elate Cosmetics offers gorgeous color cosmetics at an affordable price point. Their Canadian-made makeup is packaged in beautiful, sustainable bamboo pretty enough to show off on your vanity. Featured here: Sheer Lipstick in “Lively” (another vegan lip product, yay!).
Kelley Quan creates PETA-endorsed, handmade (and hand-cut) vegan makeup brushes designed for professional makeup artists and beauty connoisseurs alike. Synthetic brushes are more hygienic than animal-hair brushes because synthetic fibers aren’t porous (like animal hairs) and do not trap bacteria. My Kelley Quan brushes have lasted for years and are delightfully easy to clean. Featured here: Various Kelley Quan Makeup Brushes.
What are your favorite vegan beauty brands?
