Are Vegan Cosmetics The Same As Cruelty-free Cosmetics?
No. Here’s the difference – cruelty-free makeup brands do not test their ingredients, formulations or finished products on animals, whereas vegan makeup brands do not use any animal-derived ingredients in their products. Brands can be both cruelty-free and vegan, or be either one of the two. We have a list of the best cruelty-free makeup brands to help you choose from the next time you go makeup shopping. But first, let’s look at the top 27 vegan makeup brands that have made their name in this industry for their amazing products.
Top 27 Cruelty-Free And Vegan Makeup Brands
Let’s take a look at what’s special about some of these brands and the most popular products that they sell.
1. Hourglass
We’ve all heard of Hourglass, and it’s famous for its high-quality and luxurious makeup with the most gorgeous packaging there is to find. It was launched at Barneys New York back in 2004 and was founded with a commitment to reinventing luxury cosmetics. Presently, it’s a cruelty-free brand and pledges to become an all-vegan makeup brand by 2020. Its cult favorite products include the Ambient Lighting Powder, the Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation, and the Veil Mineral Primer.
2. IT Cosmetics
IT Cosmetics is owned by L’Oreal, and it was developed by Jamie Kern Lima with the idea of providing more than just cover-up makeup. This wise lady wanted products that also treated skin conditions such as rosacea. This is makeup that acts as a solution to common skin problems. It’s a cruelty-free company but not fully vegan. Its game-changing products have to be its base products like the foundation, concealer and contour products. The brand also offers skincare products.
3. Anastasia Beverly Hills
Anastasia Beverly Hills, the brand famous for its brow products, was launched in 1998 as a brow product brand. After its expansion, it started a full makeup line. It’s a 100% cruelty-free brand. Some of its products do contain beeswax or honey, so it’s not vegan. If you have brows that are hard to color-match or fill out, Anastasia Beverly Hills offers a whole bunch of pencil, powders, and pomades in a wide array of shades to help you out! The brand has the highest earned media value on Instagram!
4. Too Faced
Too Faced was born in 1998 with a credit card, a laser-like focus, and a dream to celebrate and empower women. It’s a must-try for those who prefer subtle, natural-looking makeup with a little edge. Did I mention its super cute packaging? Some of its most popular products include its Chocolate Bar Eye Palette (neutral shades that actually smell like chocolate! YES!), its Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder, and a whole bunch of other eye and face palettes. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is one of the best cruelty-free mascaras that you’ll find!
5. Urban Decay
Urban Decay was founded in 1996 with a line of 10 lipsticks and 12 nail enamels. It was created to rebel against the abundance of pink makeup products in the beauty market. The brand has come a long way, and it’s now a global makeup brand owned by L’Oreal. It’s cruelty-free and also has an extensive line of vegan makeup. It now offers an endless range of high-performing makeup from its Naked eyeshadow palettes to its Primer Potion. Its All-Nighter Setting Spray is also very popular for oily skin.
6. Becca
Owned by Estee Lauder, Becca is known for its simple and inclusive approach to creating an equally balanced range of shades from the fairest to the deepest skin tones. With its sophisticated and minimal packaging, this brand is a favorite of celebrity artists (especially its one-of-a-kind highlighter). It’s a cruelty-free brand and also has a range of the best vegan makeup products. Becca specializes in base products like its highlighters, bronzers, primers, foundations, and blushes, which are all worth trying!
7. Tarte
Did you know that Tarte was started in its founder, Maureen Kelli’s apartment in 1999 with a cheek stain? The brand has grown tremendously, and its dedication to providing cruelty-free and vegan products (falling within the mid to high range) has made it stand out from its competitors and generated a loyal following of customers. Tarte’s eyeshadows, lip paints, and blushes are very popular.
8. ColourPop
ColourPop was founded in 2014, and it suddenly started to appear in everyone’s feeds as a social media account full of pretty makeup pictures, taking the beauty world by storm. The brand takes pride in being a wallet-friendly and one of the best cruelty-free brands. Also, almost all its products are vegan! You need to check out its eyeshadows and lip products from its humongous color selection. These babies are so pigmented, and you get to choose between several finishes.
9. Kat Von D
This makeup line by tattoo artist Kat Von D is a classic! Von D draws all the artwork for her packaging herself, and there’s so much attention given to details, which makes it so truly special. The brand is completely cruelty-free and vegan as Kat herself is a vegan and an animal lover. The brand is famous for its lipsticks, eyeliners, and eyeshadow palettes.
10. Charlotte Tilbury
One of the most famous makeup brands in the United Kingdom landed in the States in 2014. Charlotte Tilbury was a big shot celebrity artist before she started off this venture, and worked her magic on celebrities like Poppy Delevingne and Kate Moss. It is regarded as one of the luxury brands on the makeup market and even celebrities love it for its high-quality products. It’s 100% cruelty-free and also has a whole bunch of vegan makeup. The brand’s lipsticks, foundations, and bronzers are very popular.
11. Zoeva
Zoeva was born with the intention of finding the solution to high performing products minus the hefty price tag. Zoe Boikou, its founder, started the company in 2007 and turned her dream into reality. The popular German brand offers a huge variety of makeup brushes, and the brand is 100% cruelty-free. It has a wide range of vegan brushes as well.
12. Pacifica
Pacifica is one brand that’s not only cruelty-free but also 100% vegan and a much greener beauty brand. It has come to become one of the most innovative and creative natural beauty brands with a wide range of cosmetics, perfumes, and skin care products. When it comes to makeup, Pacifica is famous for its eyeshadows, mascara, and highlighters.
13. Japonesque
Driven by the love of creating beauty, Japonesque creates the most innovative, refined, and distinctive beauty accessories, cosmetics, and makeup brushes in the world. It’s also famous among celebrity makeup artists and beauty professionals across the world. You need to check out its brushes and makeup, specifically its blush and compact. The packaging is so beautiful!
14. Australis
Australis is Australia’s fastest growing cosmetics brand. It’s 100% cruelty-free and offers a huge range of vegan-friendly makeup. Launched in 1987, this brand has grown immensely, and the brand also ships worldwide. Its Banana Powder and Contouring Palette are very popular!
15. Jane Iredale
Are you into skin care makeup? This Leaping Bunny-certified brand was founded in 1994 and is one of the best cruelty-free skincare brands. Jane Iredale was inspired to develop makeup that’s good for your skin. Its products are made from nourishing ingredients and are free from harsh parabens and synthetics. You need to check out its pressed mineral foundation, which is available in 24 shades!
16. 100% Pure
This brand is committed to produce the purest products, and to promote clean, healthier living. It’s cruelty-free and mostly vegan, except for those products containing honey. 100% Pure is free of harmful synthetics and parabens. It also uses fruit, vegetable, tea, and other plant pigments for its makeup, which contains beneficial vitamins and antioxidants. Its Blackberry Mascara, foundations, and face products are all worth a try!
17. Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs falls on the luxurious side of the beauty market. Its products are high-quality, and the packaging is sleek, classy, and sophisticated. Marc Jacobs Beauty is cruelty-free but please note that its fragrances aren’t. If you’re looking for a great full coverage foundation formula, make sure you check out its Re(marc)able Foundation. Also, the brand has some stunning eyeshadow palettes.
18. Illamasqua
Illamasqua, the British brand, was launched in 2008 by Julian Kynaston with the intention of creating a makeup line that’s bold and edgy. Hence, Illamasqua (a fusion of illusion and masquerade), was formed to encourage self-expression. It’s cruelty-free; and the brand also has a growing range of vegan makeup. Its Skin Base Foundation and Hydra Veil primer are very popular.
19. Josie Maran
The actress and model, Josie Maran launched her own natural cosmetics product line back in 2007. The company’s motto is “luxury with a conscience.” One of its key ingredients in its product range is pure organic fair-trade argan oil – which you’ll find in its lip, cheek, and face products. The brand is 100% cruelty-free and also offers heaps of vegan products.
20. theBalm
If you want makeup with a gorgeous retro feel and packaging, theBalm cosmetics is what you’re looking for. The brand has a complete line of makeup, skin care, hair care, and nail care products, with a “beauty in five minutes” philosophy. The cruelty-free line is not considered vegan as some of its products include beeswax. Its Bahama Mama bronzer, Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter, and Nude Tude palette are some of its best-selling products.
21. Bare Minerals
Bare Minerals became super popular for its mineral foundation. This brand, which is owned by Bare Escentuals, owned by Shiseido, offers a wide range of mineral-based makeup products. Bare Minerals is a cruelty-free brand. However, its parent-company Shiseido isn’t. The brand has a bunch of award-winning products like the Original Foundation, Correcting Concealer, and the Ready 8.0 Power Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette.
22. NYX
One of the most popular drugstore brands, NYX has remained cruelty-free despite its acquisition by L’Oreal in 2014. Started as a small company in 2009, by Toni Ko, the company has grown immensely, and its products are sold in about seventy countries. Its lip products are very popular, especially the Soft Matte Lip Cream. Also, its Jumbo Eye Shadow Pencil is a cult favorite – you can use it as a highlighter, an eyeshadow primer, and a lid concealer.
23. Face Atelier
This brand is Leaping Bunny-certified, and it’s also transitioning to a 100% vegan line. The brand, created by Debbie Bondar, attracted a cult-like following among the beauty industry professionals, celebs, and consumers all over the world. The brand was the official makeup sponsor for Kelly Clarkson and her 2012 Stronger Tour, Madonna’s Confessions Tour, and it regularly supports NY Fashion Week events. It’s also a kit staple of American TV shows like True Blood, Hannibal, and The Goldbergs. Its Ultra Foundation is a best-seller and is worth trying.
24. Glossier
Glossier was started in 2014 by Emily Weiss, and it’s a beauty brand inspired by real life. Its makeup products are all about being easy, minimalistic and fresh. If you prefer the “no-makeup” makeup look over chiseled cheekbones by contouring, you will love its products. The brand is 100% cruelty-free and a lot of its products are vegan too. Make sure to check out Glossier’s eyebrow pomade and its Haloscope Dew Effect Highlighter.
25. Milk Makeup
If you’re interested in “quick” makeup that’s more on the natural side, Milk Makeup is what you need. Launched in 2016 in 50 Sephoras in the US, the brand believes that you should have good ingredients plus an epic payoff, because compromise is cool, but not in your beauty routine. Check out its highlighter, and cream and stick products, like the Lip + Cheek stick. Did we mention – Milk is cruelty-free, paraben-free, and 100% vegan!
26. Elate Cosmetics
Elate Cosmetics distinguishes itself as a vegan and cruelty-free brand by avoiding all animal-derived ingredients and refraining from animal testing. The brand began in 2014 with a positive outlook on rational cosmetics, ensuring their beauty products are not only compassionate and effective but also eco-conscious. Thus, their commitment to ethical practices also extends to their packaging and using sustainable materials.
27. MOB Beauty
MOB Beauty stands out as a vegan and cruelty-free brand by not indulging in any malicious practices involving animals; they do not conduct animal testing at any stage of marketing or during the production of cosmetics. The company is Leaping Bunny and PETA certified and constantly provides customers with high-quality products without compromising on values. They even offer reusable containers that you can get customized and refilled. We are not done yet! Here are some other brands that have earned our respect for churning out products that are vegan or cruelty-free. Let’s take a look. 28. Pur Cosmetics 29. The Body Shop 30. Lush 31. Edward Bess 32. RMS Beauty 33. Ilia 34. Red Apple Lipstick 35. Kjaer Weis 36. Korres 37. Catrice 38. Chantecaille 39. By Terry 40. Ellis Faas 41. Elf 42. Hard Candy 43. Physicians Formula 44. Sonia Kashuk 45. Wet N Wild 46. Alima Pure 47. Everyday Minerals 48. Young Blood 49. Sappho 50. Gabriel Cosmetics 51. Melt 52 Dose of Colors 53. Aromi 54. Sugarpill 55. BH Cosmetics 56. Natasha Denona 57. Bite 58. Fenty Beauty by Rihanna 59. Cover FX 60. Milani 61. Flower Beauty by Drew Barrymore 62. Butter London 63. Pumpkin and Poppy 64. Shiro 65. OCC 66. Prestige 67. Bellapierre 68. Zuii Organic 69. Makeup Geek 70. Lily Lolo 71. Nudestix 72. Buxom 73. Blinc 74. Cargo 75. Duwop 76. Concrete Minerals 77. Suva Beauty 78. Fairy Girl 79. Coloured Raine 80. Cate Mcnabb 81. Cailyn Cosmetics 82. Besame 83. Silk Naturals 84. Boots 85. Stila 86. Smashbox Cosmetics 87. Jordana 88. Marcelle 89. Barry M 90. Annabelle 91. W3ll People 92. Kjaer Weis 93. Girlactik 94. AFK Cosmetics 95. Perfekt 96. Ardency Inn 97. Ciate 98. Ecco Bella 99. Lime Crime 100. Vapour 101. Pixi 102. GOSH Cosmetics On a similar note, Remy, a YouTuber, gracefully gives a walkthrough of her everyday vegan and clean beauty makeup routine. Regarding her makeup look, she said, “I keep it pretty natural looking. I don’t want it to look too heavy or like I’m wearing too much (i).” Is Neutrogena vegan? No. Neutrogena is not a vegan brand as its products contain ingredients such as beeswax and lanolin. Is Maybelline vegan? No. Maybelline is not a vegan brand as it uses ingredients such as carmine and lanolin in its products. Is Revlon vegan? No. Revlon is not a vegan brand as its products contain ingredients such as beeswax, carmine, and lanolin. How do you know if your makeup is vegan? To find vegan and cruelty-free products, check the label for animal-derived ingredients and by-products such as honey, beeswax, lanolin, collagen, albumen, carmine, gelatin, or certain types of glycerin. Also, check online resources to verify if a brand is genuinely vegan and cruelty-free. You may check the website of Leaping Bunny, the database of PETA’s “Beauty without Bunnies” program, the Vegan Society’s product directory, etc. Check out this video where the creator shares her favorite vegan beauty finds. She also offers recommendations based on personal experiences.
