Vegan Cosmetics: A Growing Trend in the Beauty Industry

Vegan cosmetics are beauty products that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products, such as honey, beeswax, lanolin, collagen, keratin, carmine, and others. They are also not tested on animals, either by the manufacturers or by third parties.

Vegan cosmetics are different from cruelty-free cosmetics, which may still contain animal ingredients but are not tested on animals. Vegan cosmetics are also different from organic or natural cosmetics, which may use plant-based ingredients but are not necessarily free of synthetic chemicals or pesticides.

Vegan cosmetics are gaining popularity among consumers who are concerned about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and personal health. 

According to Statista research, market value of vegan cosmetics worldwide in 2021 was valued at 16.29 billion USD and is expected to expand up to 20.8 billion USD1.

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global vegan cosmetics market size was valued at USD 15.17 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from 2022 to 20302. Some of the factors driving the market growth are:

  • The rise of veganism as a lifestyle choice and a social movement. More people are adopting a vegan diet for ethical, environmental, or health reasons, and are extending their values to their beauty choices as well.
  • The increasing awareness of the benefits of vegan cosmetics for the skin and the environment. Vegan cosmetics are perceived to be safer, gentler, and more natural than conventional cosmetics.
  • The innovation and diversification of vegan cosmetic products and brands. There is a wide range of vegan cosmetic products available in the market, from skin care, hair care, makeup, nail polish, to fragrance and personal care. There are also many vegan cosmetic brands that cater to different consumer preferences, such as luxury, affordable, indie, or niche.

One of the challenges that vegan cosmetic consumers face is finding products that are certified as vegan by reliable authorities. There are several vegan certifications for cosmetics that have different criteria and standards. Some of the most recognized ones are:

  • EVE-VEGAN Certification by Expertise Vegane Europe. This certification is valid internationally for products without ingredients of animal origin and not tested on live animals3.
  • V-LABEL Certification by The European Vegetarian Union. This certification also forbids the use of GMOs or eggs from caged hens. It also takes into account cultivation methods, fertilization and packaging3.
  • Cruelty-Free and Vegan Certification by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). This certification requires that products and their ingredients are not made or tested on animals3.
  • Vegan Certificate by Vegan Mark. This certification guarantees that products don’t contain any animal-based ingredients and have not been tested on animals4.
  • Vegetarian and Vegan Certifications by The Vegetarian Society. These certifications have different levels of strictness depending on whether products contain animal-derived ingredients (vegetarian) or not (vegan)5.

Vegan cosmetics are a growing trend in the beauty industry that appeals to green consumers who care about animals, the planet, and themselves. By choosing vegan cosmetics, consumers can enjoy high-quality products that are cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and healthy for their skin.