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Vegan makeup contains no animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax, carmine, lanolin or some forms of squalene. Many vegan brands are also cruelty-free (not tested on animals), but the two labels are different, so check both. This guide covers popular vegan and vegan-friendly makeup brands, some of their well-known products, and how to shop smart.
Why Choose Vegan Makeup?
- Ethics: no animal ingredients.
- Transparency: vegan brands often publish full ingredient lists and certifications.
- Personal preference: some people simply want to align beauty with a plant-based lifestyle.
“Vegan” doesn’t automatically mean gentler on skin; patch test new products as usual.
Vegan Vs Cruelty-Free
| Label | Means | Look for |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan | No animal-derived ingredients | Certifications such as The Vegan Society or brand vegan statements |
| Cruelty-free | No animal testing | Leaping Bunny or similar certification |
| Both | No animal ingredients and no animal testing | Both labels on the product or brand |
For more on this, see our list of cruelty-free concealers.
Best Vegan Makeup Brands
Aether Beauty
Aether Beauty is known for gemstone-inspired eyeshadow palettes and sustainable packaging. A popular pick is the Rose Quartz Crystal Gemstone Palette.
KVD Beauty
KVD Vegan Beauty reformulated its line to be vegan and is known for long-wear liners and lip products.
Cover FX
Cover FX is famous for Custom Cover Drops, pigment drops you mix into skincare, and the Power Play Foundation for long wear.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
e.l.f. Cosmetics is an affordable, fully vegan and cruelty-free brand. Favourites include the Poreless Putty Primer and the Hydrating Camo Concealer.
Milk Makeup
Milk Makeup offers vegan, easy-to-use stick formats and the KUSH High Volume Mascara.
Bite Beauty
Bite Beauty built its reputation on lip products; check current availability, as the brand’s distribution has changed over time.
Pacifica Beauty
Pacifica Beauty is 100% vegan and cruelty-free with an affordable range, including the Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream and Dream Big Lash Extending 7 in 1 Mascara.
Urban Decay
Urban Decay isn’t fully vegan, but it labels many vegan products, including the All Nighter Setting Spray. Check each product individually.
ILIA Beauty
Ilia Beauty is a clean-beauty brand with many vegan products; verify vegan status per item.
100% Pure
100% Pure uses fruit and plant pigments; many products are vegan, but a few contain ingredients such as beeswax, so read labels.
Brands Compared
| Brand | Vegan status | Price level | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| e.l.f. | Fully vegan | Budget | Primers, concealers |
| Pacifica | Fully vegan | Budget | BB cream, mascara |
| KVD Beauty | Vegan | Mid–high | Long-wear liner and lip |
| Milk Makeup | Vegan | Mid | Sticks, mascara |
| Aether Beauty | Vegan | Mid–high | Eyeshadow palettes |
| Cover FX | Vegan | Mid–high | Foundation drops |
| Urban Decay | Many vegan products | Mid–high | Setting spray, eyeshadow |
| ILIA / 100% Pure | Mostly vegan; check items | Mid–high | Clean, skin-focused makeup |
Vegan status can change; confirm on the brand’s site before buying.
Tips for Choosing Vegan Makeup Products
- Look for certification logos rather than marketing terms like “natural.”
- Learn common animal-derived ingredients: carmine (CI 75470), beeswax, lanolin, shellac, guanine.
- Check if the parent company’s policies matter to you.
- Match formulas to skin type, just as with any makeup.
Start with base makeup: our guide to vegan foundation covers shades and finishes, and for skincare see homemade vegan skincare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vegan makeup also cruelty-free?
Not always. Vegan refers to ingredients; cruelty-free refers to animal testing. Look for both labels.
Is e.l.f. fully vegan?
e.l.f. states that its products are vegan and cruelty-free. Check the brand’s site for the latest information.
Is vegan makeup better for sensitive skin?
Not necessarily. Plant ingredients and fragrances can still irritate. Patch test new products.
What ingredients make makeup non-vegan?
Common ones include carmine, beeswax, lanolin, shellac, guanine and some collagen or keratin.
Conclusion
From budget-friendly e.l.f. and Pacifica to premium Aether Beauty and KVD, there are vegan options for every routine. Confirm vegan and cruelty-free status per product, learn the main animal-derived ingredients, and choose formulas for your skin type.
