The cosmetics industry is no exception. Vegan beauty continues to grow in popularity and the demand for cruelty-free and vegan products is higher than ever. As ethical brands become more accessible how can you be certain your products are truly vegan? Here we discover:?

• What makes a beauty product vegan

• The difference between vegan and cruelty free

• How to tell if a beauty product is vegan

• Examples of 100% vegan and cruelty-free beauty brands?

Vegan beauty products don’t contain any animal ingredients or by-products. That means you won’t find bees wax, honey, gelatine or any other animal-derived substances in them.?

If a product is “cruelty-free” it means it hasn’t been tested on animals. But here’s where things get tricky – not all vegan products are cruelty free...and not all cruelty-free products are vegan. It's possible for a vegan beauty product to have been tested on an animal and a cruelty-free product to contain animal ingredients. As the market is moving at an exceptional rate, more vegan skincare and beauty products are available, and it can be difficult to tell if an item is 100% vegan as well as cruelty-free.

Switching to a 100% vegan beauty routine means no animal testing, and purchases that exclude animal products or by-products. There are countless terms to understand – eco-friendly, organic, plant-based, clean, vegan friendly, to name a few. To cover all bases and ensure you're getting the 100% vegan product you want, look for 100% vegan and cruelty-free in your searches.?

Here are some tips on how to search for 100% vegan and cruelty-free products:

• Ingredients. Read labels on items you buy or check product ingredients on brand websites. There are product ingredient apps you can use while you're on the move too.

• Contact the brand. Most companies who genuinely create 100% vegan and cruelty-free lines will shout about it, so check websites for trusted certifications. Can't find the info you need? Consult the FAQs or contact the brand directly for clarification.?

• Certifications. Check online for third-party certifications like The Vegan Society, Vegan Action or Peta. And for cruelty-free, look for the leaping bunny logo. Note that Leaping Bunny, Cruelty-Free International, and Choose Cruelty-Free certify brands that don’t test on animals, they aren’t necessarily vegan.??

• Reviews: If you already have a product in mind, check out reviews to find out what other consumers have to say about the brand.
  

The brands below produce 100% vegan and cruelty-free lines. Their compassion for the planet, animals and thoughtful sourcing is coupled with enthusiasm for glamorous cosmetics, sensitive hair care, and glowing skin that contribute to sustainable change.

From vivid eyeshadow palettes and faux magnetic lashes to sparkling serums and healing oil blends, VE Cosmetics ensures ethical and vegan practices are used throughout their operation, without compromising on quality.

Committed to environmental causes, they don't sell in countries where animal testing is permitted by law, and are in the process of becoming 100% palm oil-free. For every order placed a tree is planted, and their bubble wrap packaging is biodegradable.?

Calling all compassionate shoppers! If you want an eco-friendly scent that's blended to match your favorite designer smell, then you could try Eden Perfumes. This family-run, independent brand produces affordable fragrances using vegan and cruelty-free methods.

The sumptuous scents are crafted using vegan natural essential oils and organic ingredients like jasmine, passion fruit and saffron. Their products are Palm Oil free, and they don't sell or deliver to countries that conduct animal testing.

At the core of WildMint Cosmetics’ philosophy are uncomplicated beauty products that promise to deliver clear, happy, and glowing skin using gentle, plant-based formulas. Their restorative creams, rich body butter, and hydrating hair care are packed with skin-boosting organic botanicals.?

100% vegan, cruelty & toxin-free, they focus on pure and safe ingredients and guarantee no animal testing at any point of the production process or supply chain. WildMint Cosmetics plant a tree for every order to offset carbon emissions.

Black-owned and women-owned, Dirt Don't Hurt make ''plant-based products to feel good about''. 100% vegan & cruelty-free, they’re passionate about educating and spreading alternative, natural beauty options to all.?

Their earth and plant-based range incorporates activated charcoal, earth clays, essential oils, and herbs to produce wholesome bath soaks, soothing tooth powder, and exfoliating face oils and masks.

Velour Beauty's number one priority is protecting the planet's resources and ecosystems. Their lash collection was the first of its kind and is entirely plant-based, biodegradable, vegan and cruelty-free. The lashes are derived from hemp, usable up to 20+ times and delivered in 100% recyclable packaging. Free from chemical processing and dyes, they're also hypoallergenic for sensitive skin.?

A veteran of the vegan beauty movement, this family business only uses locally sourced, vegan, and organic ingredients. The Untouched create handmade, plant-based products that feed the skin leaving it restored and radiant. Their luxurious body balms, scrubs, oils, and detoxifying salt soaks revitalize tired bodies and hydrate skin.

From plant-based ingredients to product packaging their products are environmentally friendly and all-natural. Reducing detrimental impacts on our planet is top of their agenda, so they partner with Trees for the Future.

Big named brand Rimmel have released their first clean makeup collection that’s ‘'kind to the planet, kind to people, kind to animals and kind to skin''.?

Complete with face, eye, and nail color essentials, the Kind and Free? collection aims to provide ethically sourced products for everyone. They’re firmly committed to stopping animal testing across the beauty industry, and their formulas use only natural origin ingredients. No additives or fragrances. They aim to use only recyclable, reusable, or compostable materials and packaging by 2025.

More than ever people are concerned about the ethics and origins of everyday beauty products and want to make a change. By choosing cosmetics that are vegan and cruelty-free we're choosing a future where no animal suffers for beauty. Cruelty-free, vegan, and sustainable brands mean we're putting the planet, animals, and future generations first.?

If you’ve been inspired to buy vegan beauty brands, check out what other ethically minded people have to say or leave a review yourself on Trustpilot.

Trustpilot is a review platform that is open to all. The companies and profile pages referenced in this article are provided for informational purposes only and are not recommended, endorsed by, or representative of the views of Trustpilot. The Trustpilot companies linked in this post are expected to abide by Trustpilot’s Guidelines, but have not been reviewed for compliance.