The Best Vegan and Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands

on

When I first dipped my toes into the world of vegan and cruelty-free beauty, I’ll admit—I was a little intimidated. I loved my trusty mascara, that moisturizer I swore by, and a few “can’t live without” lipsticks. The idea of replacing them felt like stepping into unknown territory.

But I couldn’t shake the thought that some of my go-to products were tested on animals or contained ingredients I wasn’t comfortable with. So, I gave myself a challenge: swap things out slowly, one by one, until my beauty shelf felt… better.

The Best Vegan and Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands

Fast forward a couple of years—mission accomplished. Not only did I find replacements for everything I loved, but I’ve also discovered products I actually prefer over my old favorites.

So, what’s the difference between vegan and cruelty-free?

Here’s how I break it down:

  • Vegan → no animal-derived ingredients. That means no beeswax in your lip balm, no lanolin in your moisturizer, and no carmine in your lipstick.

  • Cruelty-free → no animal testing—anywhere in the process, from ingredients to the finished product.

Some products are cruelty-free but not vegan, so if you care about both, it’s worth checking twice before you buy.

Makeup I Keep Reaching For

e.l.f. Cosmetics – Affordable, easy to find, and honestly better than some “luxury” brands I’ve tried. Their Holy Hydration! Face Cream is my repeat purchase.

ILIA Beauty – If you love a light, breathable feel, this is your brand. The Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is my lazy-girl foundation—skincare and makeup in one.

Milk Makeup – Yes, the packaging is fun, but the Hydro Grip Primer is the real star. It locks makeup in place without that tacky feeling.

Rare Beauty – I’m convinced Selena Gomez created the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush for anyone who hates blending but still wants that fresh, healthy flush.

Skincare That Earned a Permanent Spot

Youth to the People – Their Superfood Cleanser smells like a green juice for your face and leaves skin fresh but never stripped.

Biossance – The Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil is my nighttime ritual. It sinks in like a dream and makes me wake up looking well-rested (even when I’m not).

The Ordinary – Affordable, no-frills, and effective. Their Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is my skin’s problem-solver when breakouts show up uninvited.

Haircare That’s Actually Worth the Money

Pacifica – The Pineapple Curls Defining Cream keeps my hair tame even on humid days, which feels like a small miracle.

Briogeo – The Don’t Despair, Repair! mask is my ultimate hair rescue. One use and my hair feels alive again.

Aveda – The Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner leaves my hair soft, shiny, and smelling like I just left a spa.

Why I’m Never Switching Back

For me, it’s not just about skipping animal testing—it’s about supporting brands that think bigger. Ones that care about the planet, ingredients, and the people who use their products. And honestly? My skin and hair have never been happier.The Best Vegan and Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands

#VeganBeauty #CrueltyFreeBeauty #EthicalSkincare #PlantBasedBeauty #CleanBeauty #GlowingSkin #SustainableBeauty #VeganMakeup #SkincareRoutine #CrueltyFreeMakeup