This is just the vegan-ning. We break down what’s what, and why you need to be a convert for your skin’s sake.
In a progressively conscientious society thanks to millennials demanding products that are in line with their personal values, many beauty companies have begun jumping on the bandwagon to become vegan and cruelty-free. The list includes Estee Lauder, Revlon and more. It may come as a surprise to some, but beauty terms such as “vegan” and “crueltyfree” aren’t exactly interchangeable with each other. So, let’s break these terms down and set things straight.
Essentially, vegan beauty products don’t contain any traces of animal ingredients, animal by-products and animal-derived products. If we’re talking specifics, then honey, beeswax, lanolin (sheep wool grease), carmine, gelatin, and placenta are some of animal-related specimens included in some formulations.
On the other hand, cruelty-free means the product hasn’t undergone animal testing. It is important to know the difference as it is very possible for a vegan item to have been tested on animals while a cruelty-free one can contain animal ingredients. Crazy, we know. Just to make the go-vegan process extra confusing for y’all, there is a lack of guidelines provided, so you yourself need to do your research carefully.
Example: even if the company itself doesn’t harm animals, the ‘Required by Law’ policy enacted in certain countries would require a third party to engage in animal testing. Luckily, the Leaping Bunny Program was introduced by Cruelty Free International to assure that zero animal testing has taken place. Also, PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies Program lists every registered company that’s either cruelty-free, or both vegan and cruelty-free with matching logos, similar to the Vegan Society charity in Britain.
What are the other perks that’ll benefit you as a consumer? For starters, vegan beauty products are safer and gentler on the skin which is great for sensitive or conditionprone skin as opposed to animal ingredients combined with harmful chemicals, metals and other heavily processed substances that can be harsh and clog pores.
What’s more, vegan make-up can bestow a healthier visage upon you due to less chemicallyprocessed ingredients. According to board-certified New York City dermatologist Dr Debra Jaliman, plantextracted components possess tons more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to repair, hydrate and rejuvenate the skin.
We have to note that terms like ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ do not guarantee that a product is vegan. Although vegan beauty products can be pricey, ones like Skin Fruit, essenHerb and Gallinée are actually pretty much scaled on the same price range as non-vegan products. If you’re worried about $$$, don’t fret as the growing popularity of veganism has also led to affordable options like Velvet Vanity and e.l.f. Regardless of your own values, know that conscientious beauty is growing and there’s no better time than now to get with the programme.
Wake is woke — natural and uses less plastic. Try their Eye Gel, £16.95 (approx $30)
"Gallinée is known for microbiome ingredients, and they are cruelty- free and vegan. Try the Cleansing Bar, $18"
“We have to note that terms like ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ do not guarantee that a product is vegan.”
