As more people embrace a plant-based lifestyle, veganism has extended well beyond diet to encompass fashion, household goods, and skincare. But reading skincare labels isn’t always straightforward. Just because a product claims to be “natural” or “organic” doesn’t mean it’s vegan or cruelty-free.
Understanding which skincare ingredients are animal-derived is essential for living in alignment with your values. In this guide, we’ll uncover the most common non-vegan ingredients lurking in cosmetic and skincare products, show you how to spot them on labels, and help you build a cleaner, ethical routine that supports both your skin and the planet.
Plus, if you’re looking to wear your values proudly, check out The Dharma Store for stylish vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton.
What Does “Vegan Skincare” Really Mean?
Vegan skincare means that a product contains no animal-derived ingredients or by-products. That includes common culprits like beeswax, lanolin, and collagen. Importantly, it’s not the same as cruelty-free—some products may be vegan in content but still tested on animals.
Look for products that are both:
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Vegan: No animal ingredients
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Cruelty-free: Not tested on animals
Certifications can help, but reading labels is often your best defense.
Why Non-Vegan Ingredients Are Common in Skincare
Animal-derived substances have been used in skincare for decades because they often offer functional benefits—hydration, texture, preservation, and scent. But many of these can now be replaced by effective, plant-based alternatives. Unfortunately, many mainstream products still rely on these traditional ingredients, either for cost reasons or lack of awareness.
By becoming label-savvy, you can identify and avoid these ingredients while choosing alternatives that are kinder to animals and just as beneficial to your skin.
12 Common Skincare Ingredients That Are Not Vegan
1. Beeswax (Cera Alba)
Often used as a thickening agent in balms, creams, and lip products, beeswax is derived from honeybees and is not vegan. Alternatives include candelilla wax and carnauba wax.
Where It Hides: Lip balms, mascaras, hand creams
2. Lanolin
Sourced from sheep’s wool, lanolin is a greasy substance used to lock in moisture. It’s found in many body lotions and creams marketed for dry skin.
Where It Hides: Lotions, lip balms, healing salves
3. Carmine (CI 75470)
A red pigment made by crushing cochineal insects. It’s commonly found in lipsticks, blushes, and tinted creams.
Where It Hides: Lip tints, blush, red or pink cosmetics
4. Collagen
This protein, typically derived from animal connective tissue, is used in anti-aging and firming skincare. Despite its popularity, topical collagen is not effectively absorbed by the skin.
Where It Hides: Serums, moisturizers, face masks
5. Elastin
Similar to collagen, elastin is taken from animal ligaments and tissues and is used in anti-aging skincare products.
Where It Hides: Serums, eye creams, wrinkle treatments
6. Keratin
Derived from the hooves, feathers, horns, and hair of animals, keratin is often found in hair treatments for strength and shine.
Where It Hides: Shampoos, conditioners, hair masks
7. Squalene (from shark liver oil)
While squalene can be sourced from olives or sugarcane, some manufacturers still use shark-derived squalene, particularly in anti-aging formulas.
Where It Hides: Moisturizers, face oils, primers
8. Tallow
Rendered animal fat used as a base in soaps and some moisturizers. It’s an inexpensive emollient but completely avoidable in vegan formulations.
Where It Hides: Bar soaps, shaving creams
9. Stearic Acid
While stearic acid can be derived from plants, it is also often animal-sourced. Unless specified as “vegetable-derived,” its origins can be unclear.
Where It Hides: Cleansers, lotions, soaps
10. Shellac
A resin secreted by the lac bug, shellac is used to give products a glossy finish or help them adhere better.
Where It Hides: Nail polish, mascara, hair sprays
11. Honey
Used for its soothing and moisturizing properties, honey is a by-product of beekeeping and not considered vegan.
Where It Hides: Face masks, lip products, shampoos
12. Glycerin
Can be either plant-based or animal-derived. Unless a product specifies “vegetable glycerin,” its source is ambiguous.
Where It Hides: Moisturizers, cleansers, soaps
Hidden Ingredients with Deceptive Names
Some animal ingredients are masked by chemical names or vague terms. Here are a few more to look out for:
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Oleic Acid – may come from animal fats
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Casein – milk protein
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Albumen – egg whites
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Cholesterol – from animal fats
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Silk protein – derived from silkworms
If you're unsure about an ingredient, research it or contact the brand for clarification. Brands committed to transparency are usually happy to provide more information.
How to Read a Skincare Label Like a Vegan
Step 1: Look for Certifications
While not foolproof, these labels can help:
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Certified Vegan: Guarantees no animal ingredients
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Leaping Bunny or Cruelty-Free International: Assures no animal testing
Step 2: Check the Ingredient List
Scan for red flags like beeswax, lanolin, or collagen. If unsure, a quick online search or using a cosmetics ingredient app can help decode complex terms.
Step 3: Research the Brand
Some brands have both vegan and non-vegan products. Visit their website’s FAQ or email customer service to confirm product details.
Vegan Alternatives to Non-Vegan Skincare Ingredients
Modern skincare science has developed cruelty-free alternatives that are just as effective:
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Instead of beeswax: Use candelilla wax or soy wax
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Instead of lanolin: Try shea butter or coconut oil
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Instead of collagen: Use plant peptides or hyaluronic acid
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Instead of carmine: Opt for mineral-based or fruit-derived pigments
You can build an effective skincare routine using only vegan ingredients—without compromising on quality or results.
Clean, Vegan, and Confident
Choosing vegan skincare is about more than ingredients—it’s about living with intention. By learning which ingredients to avoid, you can take control of your routine and align your beauty choices with your values.
And when you're ready to extend those values to your wardrobe, visit The Dharma Store. They offer high-quality, vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton that allow you to express your commitment to compassion with style.
Final Thoughts: Your Ethical Skincare Journey Starts Now
The world of skincare can be a maze of unfamiliar terms and misleading marketing, but with a little knowledge and vigilance, you can create a vegan routine that’s nourishing, ethical, and empowering.
Look beyond the label, ask the hard questions, and support brands that prioritize compassion. Every product you choose is a vote for a kinder, cruelty-free world—and that’s a beautiful thing.