Wanting to switch up your beauty routine with cruelty-free beauty products? This tried-and-true list features some of the best brands out there that don’t test on animals. That’s true beauty to me!
If you’re hoping to be a better advocate for animals with your beauty routine, I get it! When I realized the unnecessary and cruel experimentation that was happening with animals in the beauty industry, I had to make a change. For many years now, I’ve been buying and trying as many cruelty-free beauty products that I can find,
I didn’t realize it, but I’ve tried a lot! And I want to share them with you, beauty!
Also, something to note: These products are mainly geared toward women, but maybe there’s a post for the guys in the future!
This post is all about cruelty-free beauty like makeup, hair care, skincare, and more!
Hey there!
This page contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate link at no extra cost to you. My recommendations are always items I buy or totally want to buy!
Cruelty-Free Makeup
Foundation
1. FungDation by Axiology
This is the newest makeup I’ve tried and I love how light it is to apply and wear. It’s made of snow and reishi mushrooms, which is formulated to support your skin’s hydration. Axiology not only makes cruelty-free beauty products, but also is a woman-owned, plastic-free brand that’s leading the way for a more eco-friendly environment.
Mascara
2. Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
This mascara literally doubles my lash length and is really easy to remove with just WATER. I love that they don’t test on animals and if you’re going to try anything from Thrive Causemetics, the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara is it!
Eyebrow Pencil
3. E.L.F.
E.L.F. is an awesome and well-known, cruelty-free brand with VERY GOOD price points. I use their eyebrow pencil to shape and just slightly thicken my eyebrows from the overly zealous plucking of the ’90s. This is a great, affordable product!
Eye Shadow
4. Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener
Thrive Causemetics makes a great, easy-to-apply eye shadow that’s shimmery and creamy. This is another fan favorite from Thrive and it makes everyone look even prettier! The Brilliant Eye Brightener comes in lots of colors, too.
Lipstick
5. Axiology
I’m really obsessing over Axiology right now. Their zero-waste packaging has ZERO plastic and they have multi-use options like Balmies, Multi-Sticks, and Tinted Dews. Use on eyes, lips, and cheeks, and you’re good to go!
Lip Balm
6. Axiology
This vegan lip balm is so mild and creamy. I love it. My husband loves it! You can get it in Unscented or Peppermint. Both are great! Also, can I say again that their packaging is all paper and ZERO PLASTIC.
7. Red Apple Lipstick
I’ve bought several shades of lip color from Red Apple Lipstick. I love their commitment to natural ingredients and no animal testing. They are also gluten-free!
Eyes, Lips, and Cheeks
8. Axiology Tinted Dews
Probably my favorite so far, Tinted Dews are subtle color that you could apply in your sleep and still not mess up. I love The Goodness and Infinite.
9. Axiology Multi-Sticks
Multi-Sticks are very similar to Tinted Dews, but with bolder color. I love bolder colors, so these make me happy as well! Color is everything!
10. Axiology Balmies
Balmies are like little crayons for your face. The sliding carrying case is reusable to switch out colors and carry with you in your purse or backpack. Balmies provide a more matte look!
Cruelty-Free Skin Care & Hair Care
Makeup Remover
11. E.L.F. Makeup Remover
This is a mild, smooth, and silky formula that feels so soothing on your skin. There’s really no scent or, if there is one, I haven’t noticed…and I happen to have a very sensitive nose! Definitely recommend!
Moisturizer
12. Farmstead Apothecary
I love the word “apothecary.” It’s such a fancy way to say “drugstore!” I found Farmstead Apothecary when I was looking for non-plastic containers. This is a smooth and non-greasy moisturizer that’s housed in a glass container and tin lid. The containers can be upcycled for storage or cute, little tea light holders! I like both Strawberry Gardenia and Grapefruit Almond.
Fragrance
13. Lavanila
These roll-on fragrances smell good and are so easy to carry in your purse. I love Pure Vanilla and Vanilla Grapefruit.
I’ve also used their deodorant, which has a nice scent and works well for me in the cooler months.
Body Lotion
14. Hempz
This lotion smells FABULOUS. My favorite is Sweet Pineapple and Honey Melon. It smells like Juicy Fruit gum to me!
15. Soap & Glory
What you first notice about Soap & Glory is the playful packaging, fun pun writing, and eye-catching designs. The Righteous Butter Body Lotion has a lovely scent and is a great hand lotion when you’d prefer to skip perfume.
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Hair Products
16. Vegamour
I’ve been using the GRO Hair Serum for a while, plus the GRO Ageless Anti-Gray Serum. My hairdresser says I have a lot of new hair growth and that my hair looks healthy. I started this regimen after feeling like my hair was shedding A LOT because of my fun thyroid issues. Recently, I started using the shampoo and conditioner. I’m loving it!
17. Philosophy
I got the Philosophy Dry Shampoo for Christmas and have a feeling I’ll love it. My sister-in-law swears by its voluminizing qualities!
18. SheaMoisture
I tried SheaMoisture’s Fruit Fusion Weightless Hair Masque on a whim and I really loved it! It made my hair feel so soft and didn’t leave any weird, greasy residue. I will say that I liked this product over a heavier shampoo I tried from them. But, that’s why it’s important to discover new items and see which one works best for your hair or skin type.
Sunscreen
19. Vacation
I haven’t yet used Vacation Classic Whip Sunscreen Mousse, but it seems to get very good reviews. I did a little writing for the company a few years back and I love their playful, leisurely vibe! They also seem to have a loyal fan base, which says a lot about a brand.
Body Wash
20. Philosophy
I’m currently using the Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Shower Gel and love the vanilla scent! It lathers pretty well, too!
21. Andalou Naturals
Andalou Naturals Mandarin Vanilla Shower Gel smells like an orange creamsicle! It’s one of my favorite body washes. It’s very refreshing! Also, it’s one of those scents that I can’t imagine anyone not liking!
Cruelty-Free Nails
22. Nails.Inc.
Finding cruelty-free nail care has been a challenge for me because I’m TERRIBLE at doing my nails, so I’ve either gone to the nail spa or done some stick-ons, which I kind of actually like. I haven’t used this brand yet, but they are approved by Cruelty-Free Kitty as a cruelty-free nail polish brand.
23. Priti NYC
I loved Priti NYC’s vegan nail polish remover which, alas, is currently unavailable! Boo, hiss! They have really pretty colors, too, so please check those out!
Cruelty-Free Products My Family & Friends Love
24. Too Faced
My sister-in-law introduced me to Too Faced and she knows her makeup because she’s always so perfectly pretty, polished, and put-together!
Also, I have one of their adorable makeup bags and have enjoyed many samples from them, courtesy of my SIL.
25. ILIA
My bestie loves Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 and Skin Rewind Complexion Stick. And I trust her opinion because she’s beautiful and all aglow and does her beauty research!
26. Milani
One of my sweet photography friends uses Milani foundation, which is a cruelty-free beauty brand available at drugstores or apothecaries! She’s a beauty, for sure, so I’d trust her on this one!
27. Tarte
She also uses Tarte concealer and blush AND…
28. Urban Decay
29. Rare Beauty
Rare Beauty mascara, which is a brand by Selena Gomez. AND…
30. Becca
31. Il Makiage
This is a brand I’m intrigued by and haven’t used yet, but would like to! It gets good reviews online and I’m pretty much sold every time I watch one of their Instagram reels. Anyone else have any thoughts on their foundation or wrinkle filler? It looks awesome!
32. Burt’s Bees
One of my longtime writer friends is an absolute queen who loves Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer in Fig. Though, knowing this glamour girl, I don’t think she needs any extra help in the sparkle department!
Cruelty-Free Beauty Can Be Affordable
The great thing is many of these items are located in drugstores, where there are more affordable options. I really believe in making makeup available to every person who desires it. And I love when brands are sensitive to that.
My favorite affordable cruelty-free brand is E.L.F. And I’ve used their Camo Hydrating CC Cream featured above and it’s pretty good stuff!
Cruelty-Free Products YOU Love
Do you have a favorite item or brand that’s cruelty-free? I’d love to know in the comments! I will definitely put it on my list to try!
Thanks for Caring About Animals
As humans with a voice, I think it’s important to speak up for those without one. Animals need us to advocate for them, to prioritize their welfare, too.
Thank you for checking out these awesome cruelty-free beauty brands that go the extra mile to keep animals safe and harm-free. You’re a kind soul and I love that.
How I Frequently Find New Cruelty-Free Brands
Most of the cruelty-free beauty products listed I use and love! (And others are recommended by friends!) I verified their cruelty-free status with Cruelty-Free Kitty, who keeps an updated list of brands that are compassionate toward animals.
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Another note:
Some cruelty-free beauty brands are owned by larger companies that are NOT cruelty-free. This is something to consider when you’re choosing your lotions and potions! I still buy from these smaller brands that have separate standards from the owners. To me, it’s a way to say I’m choosing cruelty-free and letting their animal-testing cohorts know that cruelty-free matters. And brands listen! Covergirl is now cruelty-free because they knew their fans wanted a change.
Lovely read and very helpful. I’m always looking for cruelty-free products. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much, Chantal! I’m glad you found this post useful! If you have any questions about any of these, just let me know! I can talk about this stuff all day:-)
I already use some of these already and absolutely love them.
Oh, that’s awesome! The quality is so good, which means cruelty-free is so achievable! Thank you so much, Elisa!
Thanks so much for sharing all these. This will be my new go-to blog post 😉
Thank you so much, Nicolle! That makes me so happy to hear!!
Great list of beauty products that are animal/cruelty free. It’s always a good choice, clean and healthy. I will look into the lipsticks. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome, Domii! Thank you so much! I love all the lipstick names…I have a hard time choosing when it’s between a cute name and the color I’ll actually look good in, haha 🙂
Nice! Cruelty-free is the way to go for purchasing beauty products.
Thank you, Danwil! Yes, I hope one day all brands will go cruelty-free. But for now, there are so many good ones that are leading the way! 🙂
I love cruelty free and eco products, and your list of clean beauty products is fantastic. Thank you for great suggestions!
Thank you, Olga! That is so nice to hear and glad you’re a fan of eco and cruelty free products:-) I love sharing my faves with everyone!
So many cruelty free products. Thanks, Kate, for bringing our awareness to them… and I love the photo of you at the beach!
Thank you, Katy! I so appreciate your note:-) And yes, the beach is my favorite place ever!!!
I’m trying out your lip balm and sunscreen recommendations- checking it out over the weekend. Thanks for the tip!
Hi Leir! Oh, I’m so glad you’re trying out the lip balms and sunscreen! Please let me know what you think! Thank you so much for writing:-)