Vegan cosmetics are beauty products that contain no animal-derived ingredients and are not tested on animals at any stage of development or production.
Common ingredients excluded from vegan skincare:
Beeswax
Honey
Lanolin
Collagen (from fish or bovine sources)
Carmine (a red dye derived from insects)
How it differs from cruelty-free:
Cruelty-free: Not tested on animals, but may still contain animal-derived ingredients
Vegan: Free from animal testing and animal-derived components
According to a 2024 Global Web Index (GWI) survey, over 68% of Gen Z believe that brands should reflect ethical and environmental values.
Because they exclude animal products and often feature plant-based ingredients, vegan skincare tends to be gentler and less irritating, especially for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Many vegan beauty brands also use recycled or biodegradable packaging, publish transparent supply chains, and support environmental causes — all key factors for Gen Z consumers.
| Criteria | Vegan Cosmetics | Organic Cosmetics |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | No animal-derived substances | Grown under certified organic conditions |
| Production | No animal testing | Avoids pesticides, synthetic chemicals |
| Primary value | Animal welfare & environment | Natural purity & health |
| Common certifications | Vegan Society, PETA, Leaping Bunny | USDA Organic, Ecocert, COSMOS Organic |
| Sustainability | High | Very high |
| Skincare performance | Gentle, minimal irritation | Rich in nutrients, safe for sensitive skin |
| Overlap | Some products can be both vegan and organic |
Conclusion:
Vegan beauty prioritizes ethics and environmental impact
Organic beauty prioritizes clean, safe cultivation and ingredient integrity
The ideal product is both vegan and organic, but not all brands meet both criteria
100% vegan cosmetics, certified by PETA
Uses local ingredients: winter melon, Dak Lak coffee, Hung Yen turmeric
Affordable and widely available in Vietnam
Transitioned to nearly 100% vegan products by 2023
Pioneer in ethical beauty and environmental activism
Handmade, 100% cruelty-free and mostly vegan
Uses essential oils, recyclable packaging, and minimal preservatives
Premium vegan skincare brand with minimalist, effective formulations
Focuses on clean ingredients and elegant packaging
Luxury vegan makeup line, especially known for cushion foundations and matte lipsticks
Cruelty-free and PETA-certified
Look for certifications like: Vegan Society, PETA Cruelty-Free & Vegan, or Leaping Bunny
Review the INCI ingredient list for non-vegan items like beeswax, carmine, lanolin, or collagen
Beware of greenwashing – always verify claims on the official brand website or trusted third-party directories
Vegan cosmetics are more than just a beauty trend — they are a lifestyle statement. For Gen Z, skincare choices are a reflection of their values: ethical, sustainable, transparent.
As the beauty industry evolves, vegan skincare is poised to become the new norm — not just a “nice to have,” but a must-have for conscious consumers.