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Vegan beauty is arguably at its peak, having evolved from products with bland packaging and inconsistent formulas to now often outperforming their conventional counterparts.
Karen Spinner, head of sales and marketing at Vegan Trademark, clarifies the definition: “A product contains no animal ingredients and no animal-derived products, [which is] Cruelty free too – so no animal testing.”
However, Spinner says a cruelty-free label doesn’t automatically indicate a vegan product.
The beauty industry often incorporates animal derivatives, with common ingredients that can mislead consumers including “squalene, which is an extract of shark’s liver, you’ll often find in deodorants, lip balms, and moisturizers.”
“Ambergris, which comes from the visceral fat of sperm whales—is used in the perfume industry,” explains Spinner.
“There’s something else going on tiktok [are] Vanilla perfume. It’s very trendy right now, and a lot of vanilla perfumes contain an animal product called castorium, which is secreted from the castor sacs of beavers.
“Then obviously you’ve got cochineal, which stands for pigment, which is made by crushing insects — you find it in a lot of lipsticks, blushes and nail polishes.”
If you’re planning on dipping your toe into veganism then do this VegetarianThe best vegan products are the ones you won’t even realize are completely plant-based and cruelty-free.
So, here are the vegan beauty staples worth making in 2026.
best vegan skin care
Good skin underpins beauty today, some of the biggest trends like ‘glass skin’ and ‘smoky cheeks’ depend on the health and vibrancy of bare skin.
And luckily, some of the most effective formulas on the market are completely vegan.
aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser, £30
Aesop is often associated with luxury self-care, but many consumers don’t realize that it’s also vegan, Leaping Bunny-approved, and a certified B Corp.
The Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser is one of the brand’s most sustainable formulas, designed with urban living in mind.
Gel-based cleanser removes makeup, spf And daily pollution without breaking down the skin barrier – something that’s especially important for combination or city-stressed complexions.
Packed with antioxidant botanicals, it leaves skin feeling balanced – not tight – making it a reliable everyday choice for those who want effective plant-based cleansing without complicating their routine.
Medic8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream, £48
Medic8 is a science-based skin care brand trusted by beauty lovers and dermatologists alike — and many users may not even realize that its formulas are vegan.
Certified vegan by the Vegan Society, Medic8 is a science-based skin care brand, and one of its bestsellers is a daily moisturizer.
It is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores, and is suitable for both dry and oily skin due to its perfect combination of prebiotic peptides, ceramides and lipids for ultimate hydration without excess grease.
best vegetarian base
Base makeup has historically been the most difficult category for vegan beauty. But recently, vegan formulas are being improved due to consumer demand.
“The Vegan Society’s own research conducted in 2021 found that 40% of women in the UK who always purchase vegan beauty products are not actually vegan,” says Spinner.
Ultrasun Face Fluid Tinted SPF50+, £28
Not all Ultrasun products are vegan, as many of their lip products contain wax, however this tinted fluid is vegan and is the perfect base for all year round.
A rare hybrid that provides clear, skin-evening coverage as well as broad-spectrum sun protection. Light and non-greasy, it works well for everyday wear and is especially useful if you prefer minimal makeup with maximum protection.
Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick, £34
Merit has built its reputation around stripped-back, skin-first makeup that prioritizes ease and wearability. The Minimalist Complexion Stick reflects that ethos perfectly, sitting somewhere between concealer and foundation.
The creamy vegan formula blends easily with fingers or a brush, providing buildable coverage that still looks like skin. Ideal for evening out redness, dark circles or blemishes, yet with the natural benefit of being lightweight and clear-looking.
best vegan eye makeup
Vegan formulas no longer compromise pigmentation or longevity, and some of the best eye products of 2025 were actually vegan.
Vive Icon Mascara, £26
Certified as vegan and cruelty-free by PETAWeave, the beauty brand founded by influencer-slash-YouTuber, has made a splash this year.
Launched in 2020 by Jamie Genevieve, Weave has created viral products including its balm foundation hybrid and its eye products.
Vive Mascara is unique, it provides volume and definition without clumping or stiffness. The formula forms well, making it suitable for both natural daytime looks and thicker evening lashes, without becoming drying over time.
Elf Cosmetics No Buzz Shadow Stick, £7
Elf Cosmetics is an old-school vegan brand that is double-certified cruelty-free by both PETA and Leaping Bunny.
Its cream eyeshadow is a practical, long-wearing eyeshadow that delivers color in a single swipe. It sets quickly without creasing, making it reliable for quick routines or long days when you don’t want to think about touch-ups.
best vegan body care
Grove England Anemone Body Wash, £45
Created and manufactured in the South of England, Grove England is a hidden gem for luxury vegan body care. However, it’s important to note that while they claim vegan status, they don’t prominently display third-party certification logos (like the Vegan Society or Leaping Bunny), so it’s still important to check the ingredients list and manufacturing information on their products.
However, this neroli and cedarwood scented body wash is vegan as per its ingredients, and contains antioxidants, vitamin B5 and amino acids that nourish and brighten the skin.
Aromatica Embrace Body Lotion Neroli & Patchouli, £27, PureSeoul
Aromatica is a K-beauty brand that has grown rapidly in popularity this year. All their ingredients are ECOCERT certified, vegan-friendly and not tested on animals.
This body lotion is one of their hero products, it keeps the body hydrated thanks to its pure shea butter, while the vegan formula means it absorbs well – even on damp skin – without leaving a sticky or greasy residue.
Why does vegan beauty feel different now?
Recent years have seen a rise in demand for vegan beauty products, largely due to rising ethical concerns, health awareness (as people are becoming more aware of how processed animal products react with the skin) and environmental awareness.
“More than 52% [the Vegan Society’s] “The market is cosmetics and beauty,” says Spinner, “People always think of food when they think vegan, but really cosmetics, beauty and personal care is the biggest market for us.
Seems like now is a better time to test out some vegan beauty products, starting with easy swaps like Candelilla Wax Balm with Beeswax Lip Balm.
Swaps don’t have to be a compromise, and in many cases, they can actually be an upgrade.