Mainstream skin care &
cosmetic products are generally not suitable for vegans as they contain animal
derived ingredients or have involved animal testing. But vegan alternatives are
available covering all types of cosmetics and make-ups.
Checking products for animal
derived ingredients can be tricky, as products won't necessarily have their
ingredients list displayed on the packaging. And if they do, they may be
difficult to decipher. Many companies avoid using the word "animal"
in their ingredient labels in order to avoid putting off consumers. Animal
derived ingredients are commonly used because they are generally cheaper than
vegetable derived ingredients. Common animal derived ingredients include: carmine
(crushed insects), collagen & elastin (protein derived from animal tissue
& ligaments), keratin (from animal horns, hooves, feathers, quills &
hair), setaric acid (fatty acid found in animal & vegetable fat), and
tallow (animal fat).
It's generally pretty easy
to find vegan cosmetic products online or at health food stores, chemists, and
specialty stores. Look for products that specifically state that they are free
from animal derived ingredients. A cruelty free logo can also show that the
products are both free from animal ingredients and free from animal testing.
Choosing vegan products
isn't just about ensuring they are free from animal derived ingredients. Many
skin care products have also been tested on animals. As a result of
campaigning, animal testing for cosmetic products has been phased out in many
countries including Australia and the UK. However, there are still many
countries where animal testing is still permitted, such as the US and many
cosmetics and skin care products still involve animal testing.
While animal testing of
cosmetics is not allowed in Australia, the majority of cosmetic and skin
care products sold here have been tested on animals overseas. This
includes make-up, body products, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorants,
sunscreen, etc. Many major brands claim that they do not test their products on
animals, but in reality, they have simply paid external companies overseas to
do the testing for them.
Author: Tyler
M Dee
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