Animal testing has long been one of the beauty industry’s darker secrets, but a growing focus on animal rights and safety is sparking change. Today, more brands are taking bold steps to create products without harming animals, offering better options for beauty enthusiasts who want to embrace vegan and cruelty-free lifestyles.
Despite the rise in vegan labels and cruelty-free claims, identifying genuinely ethical brands can still be challenging. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of vegan and cruelty-free beauty. In this blog, we’ll define these terms, explain their significance, and highlight top brands championing the cause in 2025.
What Does Vegan and Cruelty-Free Mean in Beauty?
Understanding the distinction between vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics is essential for anyone pursuing ethical beauty. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they mean different things:
- Vegan Beauty Products
Vegan products are entirely free of animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax, lanolin, honey, keratin, and carmine. These products ensure no animals are exploited during production, aligning with sustainable and plant-based lifestyles. - Cruelty-Free Beauty Products
Cruelty-free refers to manufacturing and testing practices that avoid harming animals. Brands with cruelty-free certifications guarantee that their products—and their raw materials—were not tested on animals.
It’s worth noting that while vegan products are often cruelty-free, cruelty-free products may still contain animal-derived ingredients.
To make informed decisions, consumers should consider both aspects when selecting ethical beauty products. Thankfully, many brands are stepping up, leading the charge toward kinder practices.
Top Vegan and Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands in 2025
1. Byredo
Known for its luxurious perfumes, Sweden-based Byredo has expanded into vegan cosmetics. Its range includes ethical beauty staples like:
2. Chantecaille
This brand pairs high-performance skincare with a commitment to conservation. Products like the Sea Turtle Collection support wildlife initiatives, with proceeds aiding ocean conservation. Fan favorites include:
3. Tarte Cosmetics
A global leader in cruelty-free cosmetics, Tarte offers an impressive vegan product range. Sustainability-focused and high-performing, top picks include:
4. INIKA Organic
This certified organic brand delivers on its vegan and cruelty-free promises with ethically sourced ingredients. Notable products include:
5. Urban Decay
Urban Decay sets the standard for cruelty-free beauty while prioritizing sustainability. Popular products include:
6. Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury’s recent Leaping Bunny certification cements its status as an ethical beauty leader. Bestsellers include:
7. Wet n Wild
Perfect for beginners in ethical beauty, Wet n Wild offers budget-friendly vegan options like:
8. Biossance
Biossance is a pioneer in clean, sustainable beauty, known for innovations like sugarcane-derived squalane. Try the:
9. Bondi Sands
This PETA-certified, reef-safe brand has embraced vegan formulations (with a few exceptions). Fan favorites include:
10. Medik8
Medik8 excels in vegan skincare, offering products free from animal byproducts. Standouts include:
