vegansofig: There was a lot of talk after the...

There was a lot of talk after the L’Oreal post about vegan, cruelty free makeup. Before I get to vegan brands, I think it’s important to learn about the sneaky animal ingredients found in most cosmetics. With makeup, I highly recommend sticking to reliable brands. Brands you know that are vegan (or vegan friendly) and don’t test on animals.

Giant cosmetic companies are not only testing on animals and using animal ingredients, but they’re putting harmful chemicals into their products. You should read the labels of your skin care and makeup like you do with your food. Your skin is not like a brick wall, what you put on it, will get into your system.

Makeup:

1⃣ Carmine aka cochineal (a red colorant from beetles used in cosmetics and foods; many makeup companies use micas that have been coated with carmine, or use this in red/purple colored makeup)

2⃣ Elastin (from cows)

3⃣ Lactalbumin (milk protein)

4⃣ Hyaluronic acid (usually from rooster)

5⃣ Lanolin/lanolin alcohol/lanolin oil (from sheep wool)

6⃣ Honey, Beeswax (common in lipsticks and mascaras)

7⃣ Collagen- a fibrous protein usually derived from animal tissue.

8⃣ Keratin - found in animal horns, hooves, feathers, quills and hair.

9⃣ Tallow - technically rendered beef or mutton fat, but it may also be derived from other animals, such as pigs.

1⃣ 0⃣ Castoreum (from beaver)

✳ Ingredients that can be from a plant or an animal:

1⃣ Lecithin (can be from egg yolk; can also be from soy)

2⃣ Squalene (can be from sharks; can also be from olives)

3⃣ Stearic acid/stearyl alcohol (can be from animal fat. can also be from vegetable fat)

✳ Many makeup brushes are made from animal hair; good alternative: taklon, which is a synthetic bristle.

For the full list get the “Animal Free” app from Symbiotic Software (iPhone/android) as well as Leaping Bunny or PETA’s cruelty free guides. #vegansofig

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