Is Vegan & Cruelty Free The Same Thing?

Ever been confused between vegan cosmetics & cruelty-free products? And, wondered what the difference, really, is. It’s totally understandable to feel confused about vegan cosmetics and cruelty-free products. Both aim to promote ethical choices, but they focus on different aspects.

The term “vegan” itself encapsulates a philosophy and a holistic way of life aimed at protecting animals from exploitation in all its forms. When consumers encounter a product labeled as vegan, it signifies that the manufacturer is committed to excluding all animal-based products from their offerings, demonstrating their ethical stance on animal rights.

It’s important to clarify the distinction between vegetarian and vegan products, as many consumers can easily conflate the two. Vegetarian items are typically defined as those that do not contain animal flesh; however, they may still include animal-derived by-products such as dairy and honey.

On the other hand, vegan products are strictly free from any animal flesh or by-products throughout their manufacturing processes. This definition is supported by organizations such as the Vegetarian Resource Group, which helps educate consumers about these differences.

Let’s learn the difference between the two, and embrace the new shift in the cosmetics industry –

• What Vegan Means on a Product Label
• What Ingredients Make A Product Not Vegan?
• Common Myths About Vegan Cosmetics

What Vegan Means on a Product Label

In a landscape where there isn’t a definitive regulating body to oversee the usage of the term “vegan,” companies often interpret the label in ways that suit their marketing strategies.

A vegan brand is defined as a company or label that exclusively focuses on producing products that are entirely vegan in nature within the beauty and personal care industries.

Vegan brands skip any ingredients that come from animals or by-products from animal exploitation in their products. They’re not just avoiding animal ingredients; they’re also committed to cruelty-free practices, which means they don’t test on animals at any point in development. When we talk about vegan beauty, we’re looking at a variety of products.

This includes skincare essentials like moisturizers, cleansers, and serums, as well as makeup staples like foundations, lipsticks, and eyeshadows. Plus, many vegan brands make a point to focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness.

The absence of standardization may be a point of concern for mindful consumers, highlighting the importance of careful consideration when choosing products. Those who adhere to the vegan philosophy are encouraged to thoughtfully review ingredient lists to ensure the items they select align with their values, regardless of the labeling on the packaging.

‘Cruelty-Free’ is a term used to describe cosmetics, personal care, and household cleaning products that have not undergone testing on animals at any stage of their development. This label indicates a commitment to ethical practices in the beauty and household industries, where companies seek to avoid causing harm to animals during the testing of their products.

While many consumers associate cruelty-free products with humane practices, it is important to understand that this designation does not inherently ensure that the products are free from animal-derived ingredients.

On the other hand, ‘Vegan’ is defined as products that are formulated without any ingredients sourced from animals, including those that are derived from them, such as honey, beeswax, collagen, and various other by-products. The vegan label signifies a commitment not only to avoiding animal testing but also to formulating products without animal-derived ingredients, thereby supporting a lifestyle that abstains from animal exploitation and consumption.

The term ‘Cruelty-Free’ refers to cosmetics, personal care, and household cleaning items that have not been tested on animals. On the other hand, ‘Vegan’ describes products that exclude any ingredients or by-products derived from animals.

‘Cruelty-Free’ does not necessarily imply that a product is ‘Vegan’, and the opposite is also true.

At present, four certifying organizations are responsible for accrediting and auditing products and companies for “cruelty-free” and “vegan” certifications. Each of these organizations has a distinct logo that is prominently displayed on the packaging of its products.

The presence of this logo indicates that the product has been properly verified to ensure it has not been tested on animals and does not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. The certifying organizations include:

• Vegan Action
• PETA
• The Vegan Society
• The Vegetarian Society

How To Identify A Vegan Cosmetic & Ingredients To Avoid?

With the alarming increase in “greenwashing” and misleading marketing tactics in the skincare industry, it has become more crucial than ever for consumers to know how to accurately verify brand claims. This involves researching certifications, understanding industry standards, and recognizing transparent communication from companies.

Look for Certified Logos: One of the most reliable ways to determine whether a product is genuinely vegan and cruelty-free is to seek out recognized certification logos. Key certifications to look for include:

• Leaping Bunny: Often regarded as the gold standard in the cruelty-free movement, it signifies that the product and its ingredients have not been tested on animals.
• PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies: This program certifies brands that do not test on animals at any stage in the product development process.
• Vegan Society Certification: This logo ensures that the product contains no animal-derived ingredients and hasn’t been tested on animals.
• Choose Cruelty-Free: Similar to the others, this certification indicates that a brand adheres strictly to cruelty-free practices. These organizations conduct thorough audits of companies and require ongoing compliance to consistently meet cruelty-free standards.

Read Ingredient Lists Carefully: To ensure that you are not using products with animal-derived components, familiarize yourself with common ingredients that originate from animals. Be particularly vigilant for:

• Carmine/Cochineal: A red pigment derived from crushed insects.
• Lanolin: A fat extracted from sheep’s wool, often used in moisturizers.
• Collagen: A protein obtained from animal tissues, frequently included in skin-care products.
• Keratin: Proteins extracted from animal hair or horns, primarily used in hair products.
• Squalene: Originally derived from shark liver oil, seek out ‘squalane’, which is plant-based.
• Guanine: A shimmering ingredient obtained from fish scales, often used in cosmetics. Understanding and recognizing these ingredients can help you make more informed choices.

Research Parent Companies: It’s important to know that some cruelty-free brands may be owned by parent companies that still participate in animal testing. Researching the ownership of a brand can reveal whether its parent companies uphold cruelty-free principles. You may want to consider:

• The level of separation that matters to you; some consumers prioritize brands that are independently owned.
• The cruelty-free commitments of parent companies can impact the integrity of the brand you’re purchasing from.

Check the Company’s Policy: A thorough examination of a brand’s official website is essential for understanding its testing policies. Look for clear, detailed statements regarding their stance on animal testing. Be cautious of vague language such as:

• “We don’t test on animals unless required by law.” This is a significant red flag, indicating that the brand may be distributing its products in markets (like China) where animal testing is a legal requirement.
• Authentic brands will provide transparent information about their policies without hesitation.

Be Wary of “Not Tested on Animals” Claims: While the phrase “not tested on animals” may sound reassuring, it may not always guarantee that a product is cruelty-free. Brands can still engage in practices that are not cruelty-free by using suppliers who conduct tests on animals, or they may test finished products on animals in specific markets. Always cross-check with trusted certification bodies to ensure the authenticity of such claims.

Non-Vegan Ingredients In Cosmetics

Ingredient	The reason it’s not vegan	Contained In
Beeswax (Cera Alba, Cera Flava)	Produced by bees	Lip balms, lipsticks, mascaras, creams
Honey (Mel)	Taken from bees	Face masks, cleansers, lotions
Propolis	Resin collected by bees	Acne treatments, creams
Royal Jelly	Secreted by bees	Anti-aging creams, serums
Lanolin (Adeps Lanae)	Oil from sheep’s wool	Lip balms, creams, ointments
Carmine (CI 75470, Cochineal)	Crushed cochineal insects	Lipsticks, blush, eyeshadow
Shellac	Secreted by lac insects	Hair sprays, nail polish
Collagen	Derived from animal skin/bones	Anti-aging creams, serums
Elastin	Animal connective tissue	Anti-wrinkle products
Keratin	Animal hair, hooves, feathers	Hair conditioners, nail treatments
Gelatin	Boiled animal skin/bones	Face masks, capsules
Tallow / Tallowate	Rendered animal fat	Soaps, foundations
Stearic Acid (animal-derived)	From animal fats	Soaps, creams, makeup
Oleic Acid (animal-derived)	From animal fats	Moisturizers, soaps
Glycerin (animal-derived)	From animal fat processing	Creams, toothpaste, soaps
Squalene	Traditionally from shark liver	Moisturizers, serums
Mink Oil	From mink fat	Lip products, hair treatments
Emu Oil	From emu fat	Healing balms, lotions
Civet	From civet gland secretions	Perfumes
Ambergris	From sperm whale digestive system	Luxury perfumes
Musk (natural)	From animal glands	Perfumes
Silk Powder / Silk Amino Acids	From silkworm cocoons	Face powders, hair products
Milk / Milk Protein (Casein, Lactose)	From animal milk	Soaps, creams
Yogurt / Whey	Dairy by-products	Face masks, cleansers
Egg / Egg Protein (Albumen)	From eggs	Hair masks, skin treatments
Chitosan / Chitin	From crustacean shells	Hair sprays, skincare
Guano	Bat or seabird excrement	Rare specialty products
Placenta Extract	Historically, from animal sources	Anti-aging creams
Retinol (animal-derived)	Historically from animal sources	Anti-aging skincare
Lecithin (animal-derived)	From egg yolk	Creams, lotions
Hyaluronic Acid (animal-derived)	Rooster combs	Serums, injectables
Urea (animal-derived)	From animal urine	Foot creams, exfoliants
Cholesterol	From animal fats	Creams, hair conditioners

When shopping for cosmetics or skincare products, it’s essential to be aware that some ingredients can have both vegan and non-vegan origins.

Honey is generally not considered vegan because it is produced by bees, which are living creatures. Vegans avoid all animal products and by-products, including honey, due to concerns about animal welfare and exploitation. In cosmetics, honey is often used for its moisturizing and antibacterial properties. However, many vegan cosmetics brands substitute honey with plant-based alternatives like agave nectar, coconut nectar, or various botanical extracts. These alternatives provide similar benefits without involving animal-derived ingredients, making them suitable for those adhering to a vegan lifestyle.

For example, commonly used substances such as glycerin, stearic acid, squalene, and hyaluronic acid may come from plant sources, which are suitable for vegans, or from animal-derived sources, which are not. This variability means that simply seeing these ingredients listed on a product does not guarantee that the product is vegan.

To ensure that a product aligns with vegan principles, always look for explicit labels that state the product is “vegan” or “plant-derived.” These designations are typically found on the packaging or in the accompanying brand documentation. Without this clear labeling, it can be challenging to ascertain the ethical status of the product.

It’s also worth noting that the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) names often do not provide information about the source of the ingredients. This lack of transparency makes it crucial to seek out certification from trustworthy organizations that verify a product’s vegan status. Brands that are transparent about their ingredient sourcing and commit to ethical practices will usually have relevant certifications displayed on their packaging.

Common Myths About Vegan Cosmetics

Myth: “It’s more expensive.”

While it is true that some premium vegan brands may carry higher price tags, it is important to note that there are numerous affordable options available that cater to every price point. In fact, many budget-friendly brands are increasingly emerging in the market, providing effective vegan products without breaking the bank. Additionally, one of the key benefits of using vegan products is their concentrated, high-quality ingredients.

These formulations often require you to use less product compared to conventional alternatives, which can lead to better value over time as you won’t need to repurchase as frequently.

Myth: “It doesn’t work as well.”

This misconception stems from a lack of understanding of the advancements in modern formulation science. Today’s plant-based alternatives have been meticulously developed to not only replicate but often surpass the performance of traditional ingredients.

Myth: “All natural products are vegan and cruelty-free.”

The term “natural” can be misleading, as it doesn’t automatically imply that a product is vegan or cruelty-free. For instance, while honey is considered a natural ingredient due to its origins, it is not vegan as it is derived from bees. Furthermore, some ingredients that are deemed natural may still be sourced in ways that are not cruelty-free.

Consumers need to conduct thorough research on products, checking for proper certifications such as vegan and cruelty-free labels, and scrutinizing ingredient lists to ensure that their purchases align with their ethical beliefs.

Myth: “If it’s sold in stores, it must be safe and ethical.”

This belief can lead to complacency among consumers. Just because a product is available in retail stores does not guarantee that it has been produced according to ethical practices. Many mainstream brands still engage in animal testing in certain markets, and their products may contain harmful or controversial ingredients. Therefore, consumers must go beyond the shelf and conduct their own research.

This can involve looking into the company’s practices, reading reviews, and seeking out brands that are transparent about their sourcing and production methods. By being an informed consumer, you can make choices that are not only beneficial for your health but also align with your values regarding ethics and sustainability.

Embracing vegan and cruelty-free beauty transcends being merely a trend; it represents a meaningful and conscious choice that yields significant benefits for your skin, animal welfare, and the health of our planet.

By opting for products that are both vegan and cruelty-free, you are not only taking care of your skin with formulas that are often free from harsh chemicals and animal-derived ingredients, but you are also standing against animal testing and promoting a more humane approach to beauty.

Every time you purchase a vegan or cruelty-free skincare product, you are sending a powerful message to the beauty industry, signaling that consumers prioritize ethical considerations and sustainable practices. This consumer demand encourages brands to innovate and adapt their methods to create more environmentally friendly and socially responsible products. As a result, the beauty industry is gradually shifting towards practices that minimize harm to the environment and promote animal welfare.

Moreover, the impact extends beyond individual choices; it inspires a culture of awareness and responsibility among consumers and brands alike. By choosing products that align with your values, you contribute to a larger movement that advocates for transparency, sustainability, and ethics within the beauty industry. The shift towards vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics not only fosters a deeper connection to the products you use but also aligns with a growing global consciousness regarding the impact of our consumption choices on the world around us.