As we get ready to celebrate World Vegan Day this Friday, November 1, there's never been a better time to hone in on beauty's most conscientious category.
Often labelled as a 'fad', veganism is going nowhere fast. In 2018, Google Trends revealed that Australian's lead the way when it comes to learning more about veganism, racking up the highest number of searches for the term across the globe that year. Over in the UK, Cosmetify conducted a recent survey that showed 49% of women would choose a vegan product when shopping for beauty.
While only 9% of those surveyed buy vegan products exclusively, 47% said they buy vegan products more than they used to. "Many of the current trends in the beauty industry are driven by conscious beauty," says Cosmetify digital brand manager, Isa Lavahun, confirming that consumers are more ethically conscious than ever before.
While these numbers are positive, many consumers are still in the dark about how to differentiate natural, organic and vegan products. Unfamiliar ingredient names such as tallow (animal fat), cochineal (a dye made from beetle shells) and specific types of squalene (derived from sharks), mean that identifying vegan products can still be tricky.
Here are some of the brands offering an entire (or almost!) range of animal-friendly products.
Certified by The Vegan Society, Arbonne’s "Not Allowed" ingredients list includes all animal products or by-products, including, but not limited to, dairy, honey, beeswax, and silk.
Biologi, the brand with 100% plant based serums made from Australian native ingredients, is also proudly vegan, registered by the Vegan Society.
Australian brand INIKA Organic holds itself to the highest possible standard with natural makeup that is certified organic, certified vegan, certified cruelty-free and certified halal.
Similar to its sister brand above, DB Cosmetics is committed to creating certified cruelty-free and certified vegan products that are affordable and ethical.
Australian made Sukin offers an extensive range of 100 per cent vegan and cruelty-free skin, hair and body care. With a commitment to minimal environmental impact, it also uses recyclable and BPA free packaging made from plant-based PET plastic and amber glass.
jane iredale provides mostly vegan products. A handy list on its website indicating which of their products contain animal ingredients.
While all LUSH products are 100% vegetarian, the brand has some great options made without the use of any animal ingredients, and has just launched 70 vegan beauty products for Christmas.
Words: Georgie Haigh/Emma Gordon.
