Vegan beauty products are on the rise, thanks to growing awareness of the environmental impact of animal-derived ingredients and a desire by consumers to support cruelty-free practices. The good news is that big cosmetics companies are beginning to make their marks by introducing plant-based alternatives in their product lines. Even some parent companies that have been lagging behind are finally taking note of customer demand and going completely cruelty-free, such as Unilever (the parent company to Dove, Axe, and Dermalogica). This shift in the beauty industry means more options for clean, plant-based beauty without any harmful chemicals or animal testing.

The key is to know which ingredients to look out for and understand the difference between vegan and cruelty-free. Vegan beauty products are free of animal ingredients and never tested on animals, while a cruelty-free product may have animal ingredients or been tested on animals at some point in its production process. To avoid any confusion, look for the Leaping Bunny symbol on packaging—it’s an internationally recognized certification that signifies a brand has no animal ingredients or has never been tested on animals.

Beyond being free of animal products, vegan cosmetics are crafted using a variety of natural and non-toxic ingredients that are safe for your skin and the environment. For example, coconut oil and jojoba oil offer nourishing moisturizing properties while essential oils can help with fragrance or provide therapeutic benefits. Minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are also common in vegan makeup as they offer sun protection and safe color pigmentation.

In addition to ensuring that all the products they make are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic, many brands who offer vegan beauty also prioritize sustainability in their manufacturing processes. This can mean sourcing organic, environmentally-friendly ingredients and utilizing eco-friendly packaging that minimizes waste. It can also mean incorporating recycled materials in their packaging, limiting the amount of plastic used in their formulations, and offering refillable products to reduce waste.

One of the best ways to shop for vegan beauty is to visit a large, high-quality beauty store that offers a wide range of products from many different brands. This makes it easy to find everything you need and compare prices in a convenient, time-saving manner. Another great option is to shop online for vegan and cruelty-free beauty brands that carry a broad selection of items. Many of these brands are also more than happy to tell you which products and shades are vegan, so don’t hesitate to ask!

Ready to make the switch to a vegan beauty routine? Whether you’re a full-time vegan or simply want to start making more plant-based choices, we’ve rounded up our favorite cruelty-free and vegan beauty products that are sure to leave you looking and feeling your best. From cleansers to lipstick, these vegan products are guaranteed to leave you with a gorgeous glow and a clear conscience.