
Beauty without cruelty
Hi, I’m Stacey, therapists at Beauty Wave and I’m so excited to talk about a topic that’s close to my heart – vegan and cruelty-free beauty.
It’s the start of a new year and the perfect time to reflect on the impact of our choices and try something new. Why not start with your beauty routine?
Switching to vegan and cruelty-free products is easier than ever – and is a step that benefits your skin, our animal friends and the planet.
Let me walk you through it – it’s simpler than you think:
Why go vegan with your beauty routine?
Choosing vegan beauty isn’t just about moving away from animal ingredients, rather it’s about embracing clean, effective products that work wonders for your skin.
I’m often asked whether vegan products are as good as non-vegan ones. The answer is a big YES. Today’s vegan beauty products are packed with powerful plant-based ingredients that deliver amazing benefits, without compromise.
Cruelty-Free vs. Vegan. What’s the difference?
Here’s where things can get a little confusing. A product can be vegan (no animal ingredients) but still tested on animals.
On the flip side, a cruelty-free product might not involve testing but could still contain animal-derived ingredients.
Easy steps to transition
A gradual shift to ease the transition: “Start with the basics, like swapping out your daily cleanser or moisturiser for vegan alternatives. It’s all about making small changes that soon add up,”
Ethical beauty for 2025
Neither the term ‘vegan’ nor ‘cruelty-free’ is regulated, so understanding labels and ingredients is key to making informed choices.
Feel overwhelmed by ingredient labels? You’re not alone. Did you know 1 in 3 people don’t understand the ingredients in their beauty products?
Plant-based beauty: pure and simple
Look out for words on the label like: keratin, lanolin, beeswax, honey, glycerine, marine oil, gelatine, squalene, hyaluronic acid, uric acid, carmine (cochineal) and stearic acid which are typically sourced from animals.
Also check for animal-derived collagen (sometimes labelled as ‘hydrolysed collagen’) on skincare products. And did you know much retinol is animal-derived? So, if you’re a strict vegan go for retinol products that are clearly labelled ‘vegan’ such as Simplicite and Eco Minerals (both available at Beauty Wave 😉 )
A quick word of caution: “Products are constantly being updated and re-formulated so make sure you check the label each time you buy if you’re strict about following a vegan lifestyle.”
The truth behind cruelty-free labels
Claims such as “cruelty-free” or “not tested on animals,” may only refer to the final product, when in fact, nearly all animal testing occurs at the ingredient level.
Sometimes you’ll see “We do not test on animals,” on the product. BUT the brand could still have paid other companies to do the practical testing. For complete peace of mind look for the Leaping Bunny logo. It’s the only internationally recognised certification guaranteeing that no animal testing was carried out in developing the product. But remember the ‘Leaping Bunny’ logo does not necessarily mean the product is vegan.
Cruelty-free choices
Have you ever thought about what your makeup brushes are made from? Many brushes use animal hair or fur but synthetic options work equally well and are 100% cruelty-free. “Our Eco Minerals product range has fantastic vegan brushes – pop in and check them out.”
Ready for a fresh start?
If you’re interested to learn more about going vegan with your beauty routine, pop into the salon and let’s chat. We’d love to help you find products that suit your skin and make you feel amazing.
Here’s to a fresh start for 2025 – and a more conscious, compassionate approach to beauty
