Ingredients That Should Not Be Used in Vegan Cosmetic Products

In vegan cosmetic products, animal-derived ingredients must not be present. These products should be made entirely from plant-based and natural components, avoiding the use of any materials derived from animals. The exclusion of certain substances in vegan cosmetics ensures both ethical standards and product safety. Below are some ingredients that must not be included in vegan cosmetics.

Animal-Derived Ingredients

Cholesterol-Based Substances
Cholesterol is often derived from animal fats and used as a skin softener in some cosmetic products. Such substances are excluded from vegan cosmetics.

Lanolin
Obtained from wool, lanolin is used as a moisturizer in cosmetics. However, as it is entirely animal-based, it should not be used in vegan products.

Casein
Derived from milk and dairy products, casein is used as an emulsifier in cosmetics. In vegan cosmetics, plant-based alternatives are preferred over such substances.

Red 4 (Carmine)
Carmine, a substance that gives a red color, is obtained from red insects. Vegan products use plant-based natural colorants instead of these types of non-vegan dyes.

Gelatin
Gelatin, derived from the bones and skin of animals, is commonly used in many cosmetic products. In vegan cosmetics, plant-based alternatives such as agar-agar or pectin are preferred over gelatin.

Alternative Plant-Based Ingredients

In vegan cosmetic products, plant-based and natural components are used as alternatives to the animal-derived ingredients mentioned above. These alternatives deliver similar effects on the skin while supporting an ethical approach. For example:

- Shea butter as a substitute for lanolin,
- Aloe vera instead of milk protein,
- Watermelon seed oil and essential oils like lavender are widely used alternatives in vegan cosmetics.