Vegetarian cosmetics brands | BEDS 2

(Disclaimer: the information provided here is meant as a starting point. It's important you do your own research into these brands and products before deciding if they meet your personal standards and beliefs. Companies regularly change their polices, practices and ingredients so it's important you keep up to date on whether they continue to meet your own ethical standards)

But how are cosmetics vegetarian if you don't eat them?

Many times I've been looked at like I'm an alien when I don't use something with the excuse 'it's not vegetarian'. However for a lot of people, being a vegetarian is more of a lifestyle than a diet. As we grow up we decide for ourselves where our morals and beliefs lie, and where the line between right and wrong is. This is different for everyone and for me I don't eat meat or it's derivatives, I don't wear fur or leather and I also use vegetarian cosmetics.

So what are vegetarian cosmetics?

I accept cosmetics as vegetarian if they say on the packet 'suitable for vegetarians' or if it is stated on the company's website. I also make sure that the company doesn't test on animals. These days there is an increasing availability of vegetarian products, many of which are very affordable, here are some of the brands I've come across.


Superdrug (own brand) - I cannot recommend Superdrug's own brand products enough. The majority of their cosmetics say 'suitable for vegetarians and vegans' on the packet. Whatever beauty product you need, you are likely to find it at Superdrug for a few quid.

The Body Shop - The Body Shop only sells vegetarian products. If you want to know which products are vegan you have to check on their website. The products are quite pricey but their quality definitely matches up to the price: they always smell gorgeous and work really well. I tend to stock up when they're doing their 30% off promotion.

Lush - Lush have the official vegetarian society (or vegan society when vegan) label on their products. Again these products can be very pricey but they can be a real treat to use. I had an interview for them a few months ago and it was very interesting to learn about the company's background and ethics. I didn't get the job but they did give me a goody bag to take home so win win.

Barry M - All the products are vegetarian and are affordable prices. I've mainly used their nail varnishes in the past and there are so many different colours to choose from.

Treacle Moon - I haven't used this product myself but I've seen it in the shops so many times without even realising it was vegetarian! They have a lovely smelling range of bath products and I look forward to trying some next time I run out of body wash.

e.l.f. - My lovely friend discovered these products for me. She knows a lot about make-up and did some research into vegetarian cosmetics for my birthday and Christmas. They're very cheap and there's a shop in Cardiff that sells their products, otherwise you have to buy them online.

La Riche Directions Hair Dye - Loads of brightly coloured semi-perminent hair dyes, all vegan. I've used Flamingo Pink and  Atlantic Blue before.

Asda/Tesco/ Sainsbury's - Sometimes these supermarkets have products that say they're vegetarian. About 5 years ago they were really good about labeling which cosmetics were vegetarian or vegan. These days they don't so much, but you might find the odd product here and there.

Are there any cruelty free brands that you use? If so please leave a message in the comments! I'm always on the lookout for new products to try.

J :)

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