There are a growing number of vegan makeup brands on the market, as more and more people become aware of the ethical and environmental implications of using animal-derived ingredients in cosmetics.
What’s vegan makeup?
Vegan makeup is a type of makeup that does not contain any animal ingredients. It can be used by vegan people or just people who want to avoid animal-derived ingredients in their products. Most of the time, vegan makeup is also not tested on animals, that’s called cruelty-free makeup.
What is vegan makeup made out of?
Vegan makeup is made without any animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax, lanolin, collagen, gelatin, honey, and carmine. Many vegan makeup brands also avoid using palm oil, as its production can lead to deforestation.
Conventional animal-based materials like lanolin, collagen, elastin, etc. are replaced with plants or minerals. Vegan makeup is usually composed of water-based ingredients such as aloe vera and vegan oils such as olive oil or avocado oil.
Is vegan makeup good for your skin?
Vegan doesn’t mean non-toxic, clean, natural ingredients. It only means it’s not made from animal-derived materials. Vegan cosmetics can be toxic, as the majority of vegan makeup brands still use some synthetic ingredients in their products.
If you are concerned about the potential effects of synthetic ingredients on your skin and animal welfare, you may want to consider switching to an organic or natural vegan makeup brand. There are many high-quality vegan makeup brands available that use only natural ingredients in their products.
Here are the best vegan makeup brands we found in the beauty industry. They are completely vegan or vegan friendly and plant-based.
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- Milk Makeup
- Tower 28 Beauty
- Tarte Cosmetics
- KVD Vegan Beauty
- Axiology Beauty
- The Ordinary – DECIEM
- Lime Crime
- PYT Beauty
- Rare Beauty
- Bite Beauty
- Pacifica beauty
- Merit Beauty
- Fenty Skin
- E.L.F. Cosmetics
- Hourglass Cosmetics
- The Lip Bar
- Eco Tools
- Thrive Causemetics
- Ilia Beauty
Milk Makeup
Ethical: Vegan & Cruelty-free
Best seller: Rise Mascara Full Size
Price $28
Praised for its inclusive approach to beauty and its high-quality products, Milk Makeup is one of our favorite cruelty-free and vegan makeup brands. The conscious brand offers a full line of cosmetics and skincare products with fun packaging. Their vegan innovative cosmetics are formulated with clean ingredients and you will never find harmful chemicals in their beauty products such as parabens, formaldehyde, talc, carmine, or BHA. No wonder they have thousands of raving reviews for their top-selling products.
They only ship in the US for now but you can find their product at Sephora, Cult Beauty, and Selfridges.
Tower 28 Beauty
Ethical: Vegan & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm
Price: $20
The award-winning brand, certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny offers a line of hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested makeup, perfect if you have sensitive or acnegenic skin. Tower 28 Beauty’s all vegan lip and face line is made from safe and clean ingredients. They never test on animals and their vegan makeup products are free from parabens, formaldehyde, sulfates, phthalates, and fragrances. Tower 28 Beauty’s products are made in North America. They deliver in the US and Canada.
Tarte Cosmetics
Ethical: Vegan & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: Shape Tape Concealer
Price: $31
Tarte Cosmetics is a vegan makeup and globally known company founded in 1999 by Maureen Kelly. The company’s mission is to create easy-to-use products made with safe all-natural ingredients. Tarte cosmetics banned allergens, gluten, and other toxic substances from the composition of their products to keep your skin healthy. The company does not test its products on animals. From long-lasting concealer to juicy lip balm and even brush and tools, Tarte has it all!
In addition to their commitment to animal welfare, Tarte supports philanthropic organizations like anti-cyberbullying, environmental and animal conservancy, disaster relief, and women’s health.
Tart Cosmetics is currently shipping in 150 countries.
KVD Vegan Beauty
Ethical: Vegan & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: Tattoo Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Price: $23
Developed by tattoo artist and animal activist Katrine von Drachenberg, KVD is a vegan beauty company focused on animal welfare. At KVD Vegan Beauty, they believe that cruelty-free vegan cosmetics should be accessible to everyone. Their products are designed to be long-lasting and provide full coverage. From lipsticks to eye shadows and foundations, they have something for everyone’s tastes.
KVD ships internationally and you can find their vegan products at Sephora.
Axiology Beauty
Ethical: Vegan & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: Vegan multi-use balm set
Price: $36
With only 10 ingredients used in their vegan formulas, Axiology brings simplicity to the vegan cosmetics industry. The brand specializes in lip beauty made with safe, clean, vegan elements. The ethical brand donates part of its profit to animal welfare organizations and partners with Pack to recycle its crayons. The lip brand was the first one to launch a zero-waste crayon.
Axiology is available in Sephora and Ulta.
The Ordinary – DECIEM
Ethical: Vegan & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: Serum foundation
Price: $7.5
This Canadian brand is known for its high-quality, science-based, and affordable skincare products. Initially focused on skincare, they now offer a limited but growing makeup line. The Ordinary is committed to accessibility and transparency in its products and practices. The eco-friendly company is part of various environmentally-conscious programs and is Leaping Bunny certified.
Lime Crime
Ethical: Vegan-friendly & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: Velvetines liquid lipstick
Price: $15
Founded in 2008, this Los Angeles-based company is known for its unique, vibrant, and fun line of vegan cosmetics. Lime Crime’s mission is to inspire happiness and confidence by offering high-quality vegan makeup products accessible to all. The brand is both Peta and Leaping Bunny certified. Some of their most popular vegan makeup products include their liquid matte lipsticks, which come in a wide range of colors, and their Unicorn Hair Dye, which is gentle on hair and leaves it looking shiny and healthy.
PYT Beauty
Ethical: Vegan & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: So Extra Tinted Lip Balm
Price: $16
PYT Beauty is a new, sustainable and clean beauty brand founded in 2018. The brand offers a range of products for the lips, eyes, and face. Their products are hypoallergenic, safe for sensitive skin, and contain no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or artificial fragrances. The brand doesn’t test on animals and their formulas are vegan. PYT Beauty has been featured in Vogue, Allure, Elle Magazine, and more.
PYT Beauty currently ships in the US, Mexico, Canada, and UAE. You can find their product at Target and Ulta.
Rare Beauty
Ethical: Vegan & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Price: $20
Selena Gomez’s vegan cosmetics brand focuses on self-acceptance and inclusivity. They want to promote the idea of beauty as personal, not dictated by society. In parallel with the Rare Beauty launch, the singer also launched the Rare Impact Fund to raise funds for mental health services. The Rare Beauty collection includes foundation, concealer, blush, lipstick, liner, and more. The products are designed to be easy to use, the packaging is modern and aesthetic. All the products are certified vegan and have never been tested on animals.
The beauty products are sold online in the US and at Sephora stores.
Bite Beauty
Ethical: Vegan & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: Power Move Hydrating Soft Matte Lipstick
Price: $28
Committed to providing inclusive beauty products for all skin tones and ethnicities, Bite Beauty offers a wide range of shades for their lipsticks which includes matte finishes and glossy finishes. The brand is cruelty-free, vegan, and creates inclusive makeup free of toxic substances. Bite Beauty banned from the composition of their products harmful substances such as endocrine disruptors, sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, GMO, aluminum, and more. The brand has been awarded the prestigious Allure Best of Beauty Award for its Vegan Lip Scrub.
Bite Beauty is available in Sephora shops and ships in the US and Canada.
Pacifica beauty
Ethical: Vegan & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: Vegan Collagen Fluffy Lash Mascara
Price: $16
Pacifica Beauty is a clean beauty brand that has been around since 1996. Pacifica Beauty is one of the leading clean beauty brands on the market, and its products are beloved by green beauty enthusiasts and makeup artists alike. The brand is known for its innovative formulas and affordable products. Pacifica offers a variety of skincare, haircare, nail polish, makeup, and body care items. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and made with natural ingredients. It is one of the best vegan makeup brands at the moment.
Their products are available at Target and Ulta and they ship to the US and Canada.
Merit Beauty
Ethical: Vegan & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: Signature Lip
Price: $26
Founded in 2021, Merit Beauty is the newcomer shaking up the vegan cosmetics industry with its unique approach to clean, sustainable, and high-performing products. Merit Beauty values simplicity, minimalism, and accessibility. Katherine Powers, the founder, set out to create a better option, one that would be safe for people and the planet. The initial line features lipstick and eye makeup, free of parabens, sulfates, and gluten.
The brand is quickly gaining a following among women who want to feel good about the beauty products they use. It was featured in Forbes, Vogue, and Allure and has won several beauty awards.
Fenty Skin
Ethical: Vegan & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: Cherry Treat Conditioning + Strengthening Lip Oil
Price: $24
You probably don’t need to be introduced to Fenty, the beauty line created by Rihanna. The brand promotes diversity and provides makeup for all skin tones and types, with no harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin. You can now also shop Fenty Skin, their all-vegan line for your clean skincare routine.
E.L.F. Cosmetics
Ethical: Vegan & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: Poreless Putty Primer
Price: $10
Known for its high-quality, affordable vegan products that are accessible to all, E.L.F offers a wide range of beauty products for eyes, lips, face, skincare, and even makeup tools. The conscious brand is also committed to environmental and ethical sustainability, and supports diverse programs such as Black Girls Code and Pull Up for Change Impact Fund. They do not test on animals and have banned chemicals such as sulfates, phthalates, parabens, hydroquinone, and more.
Their products are available at CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, Target, and Old Navy and they offer international shipping.
Hourglass Cosmetics
Ethical: Vegan-friendly & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: Eye duo
Price: $46
For high-end makeup and skincare, Hourglass Cosmetics is what you need. The brand is beloved by beauty enthusiasts for its luxurious products and cutting-edge formulations. Their line includes makeup and skincare products, and even makeup brushes. All of their products have a vegan formula and are never tested on animals. They share a part of their profit to support animal welfare organizations.
International shipping is available on their webshop.
The Lip Bar
Ethical: Vegan-friendly & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: Bawse Lady Liquid Matte
Price: $12.94
The Lip Bar is a beauty brand that was founded by two women of color to provide an inclusive makeup line for all skin tones. The founders wanted to create a brand that was more representative of the diverse world we live in. Lip Bar is not just about makeup; it’s about self-love and confidence. Try their best-selling Bawse Lady lipstick and be sure to be hooked! The Lip Bar is committed to using 100% natural, non-toxic ingredients in all of its vegan makeup products. They are certified vegan and cruelty-free.
Lip Bar’s products are available online and in Target and Walmart.
Eco Tools
Ethical: Vegan-friendly & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: Bioblender
Price: $8.1
Vegan makeup is not just about lipstick, foundation, and mascaras. For a complete vegan beauty routine, don’t forget about vegan accessories. EcoTools is a brand that creates eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and vegan tools and products. Their products are made from recycled materials, and their packaging is recyclable. The brand offers a wide range of affordable products, including brushes, sponges, and other bath and body accessories. If you are looking for a beauty brand that is good for the environment and your wallet, EcoTools is a great option!
Their products are available in major retailers such as Target and Walmart.
Thrive Causemetics
Ethical: Vegan-friendly & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: Waterproof Eye Liner
Price: $29.98
Founded to create safe cosmetics for everyone, Thrive Causemetics products only contain safe vegan ingredients. Their vegan line includes makeup and skincare products, and even makeup brushes. Thrive Causemetics is a company that is committed to animal welfare, the environment, and human health. The company supports organizations that help fight cancer, women with domestic abuse situations, homelessness, and veterans.
Ilia Beauty
Ethical: Vegan-friendly & Cruelty-free
Bestseller: Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Price: $48
Ilia Beauty’s products are made with natural ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals. They have banned from their products formulas gluten, parabens, phthalates, petroleum, and other toxic ingredients. Ilia Beauty is cruelty-free and certified by Leaping Bunny. The company’s flagship product is the Ilia Beauty Multi-Stick, a multi-purpose stick that can be used as a lip color, cheek color, or eyeshadow.
Ilia Beauty’s products are sold in the US and internationally.
Image Credit: all product photos belong to respective brands
