photo by Lilieks
When it comes to vegan products, beauty items are a top concern for some vegans. While vegan-friendly, compassionate products are becoming more popular, there are still many cruel tactics involved in creating and testing personal care products. New vegans may not even realize some of their favorite products contain animal products or were tested on animals—I know I didn’t, a few years back!
What is animal testing, anyway? Typically, an animal is exposed to a chemical or test substance by a few different means; often they are fed it, have it injected, forced to inhale it, have it rubbed on their skin , either by being forced to eat it, breathe it or have it rubbed on their skin, put into their eyes, etc. Then, the animal is observed for toxic effects. Usually, they are then killed so their organs can be examined for effects not otherwise notable.
Look for a statement such as “not tested on animals” on your favorite products, or that friendly “Certified Vegan” logo. Here is a list of companies with Certified Vegan logo so that you can check out your favorite brands. PETA has their own version of the certified vegan logo, a Caring Consumer logo.Check out companies toting this cruelty-free branding.
If a product claims it wasn’t tested on animals, unfortunately , that doesn’t mean it is vegan. Below are some of the top ingredients you should be on the look out for in your favorite products. Keep in mind that products may not put the word “vegan” on the package but will state “no animal ingedients.”
- Beeswax (cera alba) – This is a common ingredient in natural cosmetic lines—I was pretty bummed when I realized my Burts Bees wasn’t vegan. Duh. Lip balm aside, it’s also found in things like eyeliners and concealers. This is one of the most commonly used animal ingredients in natural cosmetic lines. Vegan lines often use alternatives such as coconut oil, carnauba wax and candelilla wax.
- Carmine – This looks pretty innocent, and is often found in lipsticks, blush and eyeshadows and liners. However, it is actually made from crushed female cochineal insects. Yuck. Beet root is a good vegan alternative.
- Urea – Urea is a chemical compound found in urine, and is often found in hair dye, lotion and deodorants. Nasty.
- Allantoina – This is often extracted from urea. However, it can also be extracted from natural sources, like comfrey, so if you see it, do a bit more research before nixing the product.
- Castor/Castoreum- This is one of the freakiest; this scent is actually harvested from the anal glands of animals like muskrats. Whoa. Common in perfume, be wary when you see this.
- Collagen – Found in many skin care products, this is a protein found in most connective tissues and usually sourced from cows or chickens.
- Lanolin – Again with the heartbreak in lip-care. This waxy substance is created in the oil glands of sheep and is found in many cosmetics and skin care products.
- Keratin – This is a protein found in animal hair, feathers, horns and hoofs. It is commonly used in skin care products.
Some helpful links to check out if you’re interested in keeping your beauty products vegan.
http://www.veganpeace.com/ingredients/ingredients.htm
http://www.peta.org/living/vegetarian-living/animal-ingredient-guide.aspx
And two of my favorite underrated vegan friendly lines are Yes To Carrots and Filthy Farmgirl.
