Introduction to Vegan Beauty
Vegan beauty is arguably in its best phase yet. Once associated with boring packaging and random formulas, vegan products now compete with – and often outperform – their traditional counterparts. The definition of vegan is: “A product contains no animal ingredients or animal products. [which is] Plus, they’re cruelty-free – so no animal testing," explains Karen Spinner, sales and marketing director at Vegan Trademark.
Common Animal Derivatives in Beauty Products
Many animal derivatives are used in the beauty industry. Common ingredients that can upset people include “squalene,” an extract from shark liver that is commonly found in deodorants, lip balms, and moisturizers. Amber, which is obtained from the intestinal fat of the sperm whale, is used in the perfume industry. Vanilla perfumes, which are all the rage right now, contain an animal byproduct called castoreum, which is secreted from the castor sacs of beavers. Then of course there is cochineal, a pigment created by crushing insects – you find it in many lipsticks, blushers and nail polishes.
Best Vegan Skin Care
Good skin is now the foundation of beauty, with some of the biggest trends like “glass skin” and “dull cheeks” embracing the health and vibrancy of bare skin. And fortunately, some of the most effective formulas on the market are completely vegan.
Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser
Aesop is often associated with luxury self-care, but many consumers don’t know that it’s also vegan, Leaping Bunny approved, and B Corp certified. The Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser is one of the brand’s longest-lasting formulas, designed specifically for city life. The gel-based cleanser removes makeup, SPF and daily dirt without attacking the skin barrier – which is particularly important for combination skin or city-stressed complexions.
Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Face Cream
Medik8 is a science-backed skincare brand trusted by beauty lovers and dermatologists alike—and many users may not even know that their formulas are vegan. Medik8 is certified vegan by the Vegan Society and is a science-backed skincare brand. One of their best sellers is the daily moisturizer. It is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores, and is suitable for both dry and oily skin types thanks to its perfected combination of prebiotic peptides, ceramides and lipids for ultimate hydration without excess oil.
Best Vegan Bases
Base makeup has historically been the hardest category for vegan beauty to get right. But recently, vegan formulas are being perfected due to consumer demand.
Ultrasun Facial Fluid Tinted SPF50+
Not all Ultrasun products are vegan as many of their lip products contain beeswax. However, this tinted fluid is vegan and the perfect base all year round. A rare hybrid that offers broad-spectrum sun protection and sheer, evening coverage. Lightweight and non-greasy, it works well for everyday use and is particularly useful if you prefer minimal makeup with maximum protection.
Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
Merit has built its reputation on simple, skin-friendly makeup that emphasizes lightness and wearability. The Minimalist Complexion Stick perfectly reflects this ethos and sits somewhere between a concealer and a foundation. The creamy, vegan formula blends effortlessly with fingers or a brush and provides buildable coverage that still looks like skin.
Best Vegan Eye Makeup
Vegan formulas no longer compromise on pigmentation or longevity, and some of the best eye products of 2025 were actually vegan.
Vieve Icon Mascara
Certified vegan and cruelty-free by PETA, the beauty brand founded by influencers and YouTubers, Vieve caused a stir this year. The Vieve mascara is a real eye-catcher, it provides volume and definition without flaking or becoming too stiff. The formula is easy to build and is suitable for both natural daytime looks and fuller evening lashes without drying out over time.
Elf Cosmetics No Budge Shadow Stick
Elf Cosmetics is an old-school vegan brand that is certified cruelty-free by both PETA and Leaping Bunny. The cream eyeshadow is a practical, long-lasting eyeshadow that provides color in just one application. It sets quickly without creasing, making it reliable for quick routines or long days when you don’t want to think about touch-ups.
Best Vegan Body Care
Grove England Anemone Body Wash
Crafted and manufactured in the south of England, Grove England is a hidden gem of luxury vegan body care. This neroli and cedarwood-scented shower gel is vegan according to its ingredients and contains antioxidants, vitamin B5 and amino acids that leave the skin nourished and radiant.
Aromatica Embrace Body Lotion Neroli and Patchouli
Aromatica is a K-beauty brand that is becoming increasingly popular this year. All of their ingredients are ECOCERT certified, vegan-friendly and are not tested on animals. This body lotion is one of their hero products. It provides the body with moisture thanks to pure shea butter and, thanks to the vegan formula, is easily absorbed even on damp skin without leaving sticky or greasy residues.
Why Vegan Beauty Feels Different Now
In recent years, demand for vegan beauty products has increased, largely due to increasing ethical concerns, health consciousness (as people become increasingly aware of how processed animal products react on skin), and environmental awareness. Over 52% of the Vegan Society’s market is cosmetics and beauty. It seems like now is a better time than any to try out some vegan beauty products, starting with a simple swap like a beeswax lip balm for a candelilla wax balm. Swaps don’t have to be a compromise and in many cases can actually be an upgrade.
