Skincare Guide - Vegan
Vegan – What does it mean in skincare & cosmetics?
"Vegan" is a term that frequently appears on cosmetic and skincare products. But what exactly does it mean? In cosmetics, vegan means that no ingredients are used that come from or are of animal origin. This includes, for example, honey, beeswax, lanolin, collagen of animal origin, or milk proteins. ( PETA – Vegan Cosmetics: Definition )
Definition & Demarcation
A product labelled "vegan" contains **no** animal-derived ingredients or derivatives and must not contain any components derived from animals. However, the term is **not legally protected** – meaning that "vegan" can be interpreted in different ways. ( Cosma Con – Vegan Certification )
Why vegan cosmetics?
- Ethical reasons: Many consumers choose vegan skincare to avoid animal products and exploitation.
- Allergy and compatibility aspects: Animal-derived ingredients such as honey or wool grease (lanolin) can cause problems for sensitive skin – vegan alternatives are often plant-based and well-tolerated. ( Utopia – Vegan Cosmetics: What makes them special? )
- Sustainability: Plant-based ingredients and vegan production methods are often associated with lower environmental impact – although not all vegan cosmetics are automatically “sustainable”.
What you should pay attention to when buying vegan skincare products
- Seals & Certificates: Look out for independent labels such as the "V-Label", which identifies products as vegan. ( V-Label FAQ )
- Check ingredients: Avoid typical animal-derived substances such as beeswax (Cera alba), lanolin, collagen, milk proteins or carmine.
- Animal testing & origin: Vegan does not automatically mean free of animal testing – these aspects are marked separately.
- Texture & Effect: Plant-based or synthetic alternatives replace animal-derived ingredients – effectiveness depends on the formulation. ( Dr Leenarts – Vegan versus Vegetarian Skincare )
Vegan – Myth & Reality
Although many vegan cosmetics manufacturers also offer cruelty-free or "cleanly" formulated products, vegan does **not automatically** mean sustainable, organic, or cruelty-free. The term remains unregulated and must be carefully examined. ( von Häring – Vegan Cosmetics: Requirements )
Conclusion
Vegan cosmetics mean abstaining from animal-derived ingredients – a significant step towards ethically conscious skincare. However, it's not just the label that matters: certifications, ingredients, production conditions, and the entire value chain provide comprehensive information. Those who choose consciously enhance their skincare not only functionally, but also according to ethical principles.
Sources
- PETA – Vegan Cosmetics: Definition
- Cosma Con – Vegan Certification
- Utopia – Vegan cosmetics: What makes them special?
- V-Label FAQ
- von Häring – Vegan Cosmetics: Requirements
Tags: vegan, vegan cosmetics, cruelty-free skincare, plant-based ingredients, certification