As beauty lovers become more conscious of what goes into their products — and how those products are made — terms like vegan and cruelty-free are popping up everywhere. But while they often appear side by side, they don’t mean the same thing. In fact, many people are surprised to learn that a product can be vegan but not cruelty-free — and vice versa.
Understanding the real difference between these two labels is essential for anyone looking to make more ethical choices with their skincare and makeup. Whether you're new to the world of conscious beauty or simply want to shop more mindfully, it helps to know exactly what you're buying and what those labels truly stand for.
What Does “Vegan” Mean?
In beauty terms, vegan means that a product contains no animal-derived ingredients or by-products. That includes obvious ones like honey, beeswax, and lanolin (from sheep’s wool), as well as lesser-known ingredients like carmine (a red pigment made from crushed beetles), collagen, keratin, and silk proteins.
It's important to note that vegan refers strictly to the ingredients — not the testing process. So yes, a product can be labelled as vegan and still be tested on animals, which is why reading the label isn’t always enough.
What Does “Cruelty-Free” Mean?
A cruelty-free label means that a product and its ingredients have not been tested on animals at any stage of development. It also means the brand doesn’t sell in regions (like mainland China) where animal testing is required by law. Cruelty-free is all about the testing process, not what’s inside the bottle.
However, cruelty-free products can still contain animal-derived ingredients. For example, a cruelty-free lip balm may include beeswax, making it non-vegan but still free from animal testing.
Some of the most reliable cruelty-free certifications to look for include:
- Leaping Bunny (Cruelty Free International)
- PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies
- Choose Cruelty Free (CCF)
Vegan vs Cruelty-Free: The Key Differences
The simplest way to think about it is this:
- Vegan = no animal ingredients
- Cruelty-free = no animal testing
It’s entirely possible for a product to be one and not the other. Here’s how that plays out:
- A product can be vegan but not cruelty-free if it contains no animal ingredients, but the brand still tests on animals or sells in regions that require testing.
- A product can be cruelty-free but not vegan if it hasn’t been tested on animals but still contains ingredients like honey, lanolin, or collagen.
The gold standard? Products that are both vegan and cruelty-free — meaning they’re kind to animals inside and out.
Why These Labels Matter
The terms “vegan” and “cruelty-free” go beyond buzzwords — they reflect growing awareness of animal welfare, environmental concerns, and ethical consumerism.
Many people opt for cruelty-free products to take a stand against animal testing, which is often painful, outdated, and unnecessary. Others choose vegan formulas to avoid contributing to animal exploitation or to align with a plant-based lifestyle.
On top of that, vegan and cruelty-free products often have a smaller environmental footprint, especially when paired with sustainable packaging and ethical sourcing.
How to Tell If a Product Is Truly Vegan or Cruelty-Free
With greenwashing on the rise, don’t just rely on packaging claims like “not tested on animals” or “100% natural.” Here are a few tips to help you shop smart:
- Look for third-party certifications like Leaping Bunny, Vegan Society, or PETA.
- Check the brand’s official website — many have clear cruelty-free or vegan policies.
- Use trusted directories and apps, such as:
- Cruelty-Free Kitty
- Logical Harmony
- Ethical Elephant
- Think Dirty
- Bunny Free app (by PETA)
If in doubt, email the brand directly. Ethical brands are usually happy to clarify their policies.
Vegan and Cruelty-Free Brands to Try
If you're looking to build a kinder beauty routine, here are some standout brands that are both vegan and cruelty-free:
- e.l.f. Cosmetics – Affordable, accessible, and 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
- The Ordinary – Science-backed skincare with minimal ingredients, fully vegan and cruelty-free.
- Pai Skincare – Organic, sensitive-skin-friendly formulas made in the UK.
- BYBI Beauty – Sustainable packaging, clean ingredients, and planet-friendly production.
- Faith in Nature – A natural, vegan body and hair care brand with eco values at its core.
You’ll find many of these brands at Boots, Superdrug, Cult Beauty, and LookFantastic — or directly through their online stores.
Choosing between vegan and cruelty-free doesn’t have to be confusing. Just remember: vegan means no animal ingredients, while cruelty-free means no animal testing. If you care about both, look for products that clearly state both claims — and better yet, back them up with certifications.
Making small, informed swaps in your beauty routine can have a big impact — for animals, for the planet, and for you. 🌱💕
Have a favourite vegan or cruelty-free product? Drop it in the comments!