We highlight 19 best vegan and cruelty-free makeup brands that have set the benchmark for compassion and sustainability. These brands not only refuse to test on animals but also ensure that their ingredients are entirely plant-based, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly and ethical beauty solutions.
From high-end luxury to affordable everyday options, our carefully curated list showcases a diverse range of products that cater to all skin types and beauty preferences, proving that you can achieve stunning looks without compromising on your ethical values.
Read also our articles about Cruelty-Free Face Washes, Cruelty-Free Eyelash Serums, and Cruelty-Free Eyeliners.
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2 Cruelty-Free Certifications You Can Trust
1. Leaping Bunny
Leaping Bunny certifies cruelty-free companies for almost 30 years. Those companies have pledged to end animal testing at all stages of product development. They need to recommit every year and accept to be audited by third parties.
Currently, about 2400 companies are certified by Leaping Bunny. Companies selling products in China can not be cruelty-free certified. Animal testing is mandatory to enter the Chinese market.
The Leaping Bunny seal is one of the most sought-after clean beauty certification.
2. Peta Beauty Without Bunnies
Peta’s cruelty-free label also certifies cruelty-free companies since 1984.
It ensures that brands and their suppliers do not conduct, commission, pay for, or allow any tests on animals for their ingredients, formulations, or finished products anywhere in the world and that they will never do so in the future.
This clean beauty certification is highly popular among consumers who care for animal welfare.
19 Vegan And Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands
1. Axiology Beauty
Certifications | Peta Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free, plastic-free, fragrance and gluten-free
Products Range | Lipsticks
Price Range | $14 – $65
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.
2. Pacifica Beauty
Certifications | Peta Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free, Clean Formula, Sustainable Packaging
Products Range | Makeup – Skincare – Haircare – Body – Fragrance
Price Range | $3 – $116
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.
3. Milk Makeup
Certifications | Leaping Bunny Certified & Peta Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, California Prop 65 Compliant, Nano particles-free, No phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP) or bisphenols (BPA), FDA approved colorants. Consult the No-List here.
Products Range | Makeup – Skincare
Price Range | $15 – $52
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.
4. Tower 28 Beauty
Certifications | Peta Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free, Allergy + dermatologist-tested, Formulated to be non-comedogenic (aka won’t clog pores), non-irritating, and fragrance-free.
Products Range | Makeup – Sunscreen
Price Range | $15 – $60
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.
5. Ilia Beauty
Certifications | Leaping Bunny Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free,
Products Range | Makeup – Skincare
Price Range | $28 – $63
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.
6. Tarte Cosmetics
Certifications | Peta Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free, Free of sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, phthalates, triclosan, formaldehyde, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclocarban. Full list here.
Products Range | Makeup – Skincare
Price Range | $8 – $59
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.
7. E.L.F. Cosmetics
Certifications | Peta Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free, free from phthalates, parabens,nonylphenol ethoxylates,triclosan, triclocarban,and hydroquinone
Products Range | Makeup – Skincare
Price Range | $2 – $15
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, Amazon, Target, and Old Navy and they offer international shipping.
8. Rare Beauty
Certifications | Peta Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free, Sustainable Packaging
Products Range | Makeup
Price Range | $4 – $34
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.
9. Bite Beauty
Certifications | Peta Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free
Products Range | Makeup
Price Range | $9.99 – $31.93
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.
10. The Ordinary
Certifications | Peta Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free
Products Range | Makeup – Skincare – Hair – Body
Price Range | $6 – $26
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.
11. Lime Crime
Certifications | Peta Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free
Products Range | Makeup – Hair
Price Range | $14 – $75
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.
12. Merit Beauty
Certifications | Leaping Bunny Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free, free of parabens, sulfates, and over 1300 additional ingredients.
Products Range | Makeup
Price Range | $24 – $38
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.
13. Fenty Beauty
Certifications | Cruelty-free Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free,
Products Range | Makeup – Skincare – Fragrances – Body
Price Range | $20 – $40
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.
14. Hourglass Cosmetics
Certifications | Peta Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free,
Products Range | Makeup – Skincare
Price Range | $28 – $58
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.
15. Thrive Causemetics
Certifications | Leaping Bunny Certified & Peta Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free
Products Range | Makeup – Skincare
Price Range | $6.99 – $42.99
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.
16. The Lip Bar
Certifications | none
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free
Products Range | Makeup – Skincare
Price Range |
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, Amazon and Walmart.
17. Eco Tools
Certifications | Peta Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free, Recyclable, and Biodegradable
Products Range | Makeup and Skincare tools
Price Range | $5 – $20
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, Amazon and Walmart.
18. PYT Beauty
Certifications | Leaping Bunny Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free, Hypoallergenic, Clean Formulas, Sustainable Packaging
Products Range | Makeup – Skincare
Price Range | $16 – $27
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. PYT has closed their operations during the summer 2023 but you can still find their products in retailers.
19. KVD Vegan Beauty
Certifications | Peta Certified
Sustainable Features | Vegan, Cruelty-free
Products Range | Makeup
Price Range | $23 – $52
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.
Image Credit: all product photos belong to respective brands
