Vegan Beauty Swaps: Glow Up While Being Kinder to Animals and the Planet

Beauty lovers, it’s time to level up your routine—and your conscience. Google searches for vegan products are up 5,000% in the last 30 days, and it’s worth noting that switching to vegan beauty products isn’t just a trend; it’s a movement toward compassion, sustainability, and guilt-free glam. Ready to decode vegan beauty and discover the top ten vegan beauty swaps that do the same job as your go-tos, but kinder? Let’s dive in!
So, What Makes Vegan Different?
Vegan beauty products skip animal-derived ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, and carmine (made from crushed beetles). They’re also cruelty-free, meaning no animal testing at any stage of production. These swaps go hand-in-hand with a more sustainable approach, as many vegan brands prioritise eco-friendly packaging and clean ingredients.
Why Make the Switch?
Choosing vegan beauty swaps doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. These products work just as well—if not better—than their conventional counterparts. Plus, they’re kinder to animals, reduce your environmental impact, and support brands committed to making the world a better place.
5 Ways to Decode Vegan Beauty
• Read Ingredient Lists: Familiarise yourself with common animal-derived ingredients to avoid:
• Beeswax: Found in lip balms and mascaras. Look for candelilla wax or carnauba wax as vegan alternatives.
• Lanolin: Used in moisturisers; derived from sheep’s wool. Plant-based oils like shea butter or jojoba oil are great substitutes.
• Carmine: A red pigment from crushed beetles. Choose synthetic or plant-based pigments instead.
• Collagen & Keratin: Found in anti-ageing products; often sourced from animals. Opt for products with plant-based peptides or hyaluronic acid.
• Guanine: Gives shimmer in makeup; sourced from fish scales. Look for synthetic mica or plant-based shimmer.
“Switching to vegan skincare and haircare offers numerous benefits for both personal well-being and the planet. Vegan products are free from animal-derived ingredients, often making them gentler on the skin and hair, reducing the risk of irritation and allergies. They tend to feature natural, plant-based ingredients that nourish and hydrate more effectively, promoting healthier skin and hair over time. Additionally, by choosing vegan options, consumers support cruelty-free practices and contribute to a more sustainable, eco-friendly industry, helping to reduce environmental harm caused by animal farming and chemical production.” – Anna Brightman, co-founder of UpCircle.
1. Look for Certifications
Look for recognised vegan and cruelty-free certifications.
• The Vegan Society
• Leaping Bunny
• PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies
2. Explore Vegan Ingredients
Vegan products often incorporate nourishing plant-based ingredients:
• Aloe Vera: For hydration and soothing
• Plant Oils: Like argan, coconut, and rosehip oil for moisturising and anti-aging
• Botanical Extracts: Such as green tea and camomile for their antioxidant properties
3. Research the Brand
Some brands label individual products as vegan but may not be entirely vegan-friendly. Research the brand’s stance on veganism and animal testing.
4. Be Wary of Greenwashing
“Natural” Isn’t Always Vegan. Terms like “natural” or “organic” don’t necessarily mean vegan. Always check the ingredient list and certifications.
Simple Vegan Beauty Swaps
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.