31 Best Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands in 2024

Last Updated on October 7, 2024 by Shavy Jain

Makeup is not just a cosmetic need, it’s an art. A little bit of makeup can do wonders to our confidence. For some, makeup is an integral part of their routine. It’s something we use so often that we absolutely cannot compromise on its quality, especially us conscious consumers who care about where our products come from. This is why using the healthiest, cruelty-free makeup brands is a must. Be it a small weekend trip or a month-long getaway, you always carry your makeup with you.

We know that makeup is important – it helps you look fresh and presentable. But have you ever thought about what’s in your makeup products before buying or using them?

If not, then you should probably start now. Cruelty-free makeup brands not just make your skin healthier, but also protect animals – living, breathing beings who do not deserve to be tortured for our gain. The first step towards this is something as basic as striking all non-vegan products off your checklist and opting for cruelty-free makeup brands. Going cruelty-free is a stepping stone towards going vegan, adhering to better skincare, and sustaining a greener environment.

How we spend influences how we initiate change, especially when it comes to what we’re buying for our top shelf. Making sure we buy vegan and cruelty free makeup might seem almost negligible, but it has a larger impact and speaks for our health as well as that of the planet’s.

Do you look specifically for vegan or cruelty-free makeup brands?

What is Vegan or Cruelty-Free Makeup?

The term “cruelty-free” refers to products that are not tested on animals.

Being cruelty-free is different from being vegan. A vegan beauty product does not feature any animal-derived substances. Being simply vegan does not make a product cruelty-free, unfortunately. The most gentle formulation might be tested on animals.

Conversely, you may also find a few non-vegan ingredients in cruelty-free brands. Both vegan and cruelty-free are not entirely inclusive.

Are Vegan and Cruelty-Free the Same?

A brand might have both the labels. But some brands might have only one of them- being vegan does not automatically make a brand cruelty-free, and vice-versa.

Another noticeable point about cruelty-free makeup brands is – who is doing the testing.

Several known beauty brands distance themselves from animal testing. Premier brands such as Revlon and L’oreal have a page citing their philosophy against animal testing. But that does not absolve them completely.

Usually, makeup brands often sell their products in countries that make animal testing a necessary requirement for them to sell their products. If a beauty brand is selling in a country such as the People’s Republic of China- it is not cruelty-free, even if it is produced in a different country.

Another covert tactic is to contract third parties for animal testing. Third party testing involves either involving other entities to test the products on animals or using products along the way or use ingredients tested on animals rather than testing the finished product.

Animal testing is an ethical issue which speaks to how little we indeed look at life and the amount of chemicals in the products that ultimately permeate the human skin.

Why is it Important to Shop From Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands?

We have established that standard makeup is not truly ethical. Even if it appears like that, it might be a greenwashing tactic by brands to make their products look more appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

But are ethics and a concern for animals the only valid reasons to go cruelty-free?

Let’s investigate this and find more reasons.

Cruelty-free makeup brands are the need of the hour. It benefits both animals and people.

While not all cruelty-free makeup brands use sustainable ingredients, there is a higher chance for a company dedicated to being cruelty-free to also extend its ethos to include overall sustainability.

That’s all the more reason to adopt a cruelty-free makeup regimen! Although make sure to confirm that the cruelty-free brand you choose is also eco-friendly.

Secondly, cruelty-free makeup brands do not test their products or ingredients on animals. And often, animal testing is a highly polluting process.

Therefore, when you choose cruelty-free makeup brands, you’re not just making only yourself and animals safe and healthy but also the environment. These best cruelty free makeup brands are better for your skin and lead to more mindful decisions about beauty practices.

How to Identify Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands

Cruelty-free makeup brands list are easier to find via third-party certifications. These certifications notify that no animals were harmed during the testing or the manufacturing process. Look at the following symbols and certifications to distinguish the authentic cruelty-free makeup brands from the false ones.

Leaping Bunny

Leaping Bunny is one of the most recognized certifications that identifies products as completely cruelty-free. It is considered the gold standard in cruelty-free certifications, assuring customers that both the product and its ingredients were not tested on animals at any stage. This certification is commonly found on beauty products and has been promoting compassionate shopping since 1996.

Supported by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), Leaping Bunny collaborates with cruelty-free makeup brands to bring ethical products to the forefront. According to their official website, Leaping Bunny operates entirely on donations, which go directly to the American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS), the program’s administrator. The certification process includes a rigorous audit system, starting with an online application. Companies must meet strict standards, described in detail on their website, and thoroughly investigate their entire supply chain, including all raw materials and individual ingredients. These audits occur every three years.

Choose Cruelty-Free (CCF)

Choose Cruelty-Free (CCF) is an Australian certification similar in nature to Leaping Bunny, aiming to put an end to animal testing. Although it originated in Australia, CCF is recognized worldwide as a symbol of ethical beauty products. This certification extends beyond cosmetics to cover household products and toiletries as well.

As of 2021, CCF has merged with Cruelty Free International, becoming a part of the Leaping Bunny family. To qualify for CCF certification, a business must demonstrate that it has been cruelty-free for at least five years and sign a legally binding contract. This ensures that only brands with a genuine commitment to ethical production and distribution receive accreditation. Additionally, companies certified under CCF are prohibited from marketing their products in countries where animal testing is mandatory. The certification is funded through subscriptions, licensee fees, donations, and fundraising activities.

Beauty Without Bunnies

Beauty Without Bunnies is a certification program run by PETA, available to brands that meet PETA’s strict standards for cruelty-free products. Established in 1987, this program requires brands to commit to a fixed cutoff date by which they will have completely phased out animal testing. Additionally, companies must provide a formal statement confirming their commitment to cruelty-free practices and refrain from selling in countries that mandate animal testing.

However, Beauty Without Bunnies has faced criticism for its lack of compliance enforcement. Unlike other cruelty-free certifications, it does not have binding contracts, audits, or reviews to ensure that brands adhere to their promises. This absence of regulatory oversight makes it difficult to confirm whether cruelty-free makeup brands are truly abiding by cruelty-free standards.

The Best Vegan & Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands

As a consumer, it’s important to look for verified logos on products, but also be cautious of false bunny logos. Some cruelty-free makeup brands may feature unverified logos, misleading consumers into thinking a product is cruelty-free when it is not. That’s why we made this best cruelty free makeup brands list.

Cruelty-free makeup brands have come a long way from out-of-date stereotypes and flawed traditional beauty paradigms.

These sustainable makeup brands provide long wear and better pigment with cruelty-free skincare. With the growing demand, almost every brand is going vegan and cruelty-free.

We’ve prepared a list of some of the best cruelty-free makeup brands to choose from! Here are the makeup brands that’ll help you switch to a healthier beauty routine.

Glossier is one of our favorites on the cruelty free makeup brands list, among many others, in no particular order, of course. Whether you’re a fan of their cult-favorite Boy Brow or the buildable Cloud Paint, you can rest assured knowing your beauty routine aligns with your ethical values.

Hourglass also focuses on sustainability, making them one of the best cruelty-free makeup brands that you can indulge in without the guilt.

Whether you’re trying their Super Serum Skin Tint or the versatile Multi-Stick, ILIA ensures your beauty routine is both safe for the planet and free from animal testing, making them one of the most talked about cruelty-free makeup brands 2024.

Whether you’re using their beloved Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer or the award-winning Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream, IT Cosmetics guarantees results-driven beauty that’s as kind to animals as it is to your skin.

Enriched with nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, Jouer’s range— from the Blush Bouquet Palette to the Essential Liquid Concealer—caters to diverse beauty needs while ensuring no harm comes to animals in the process.

Whether it’s their Refillable Lipstick or Cream Blush, Kjaer Weis proves that luxury makeup can be both eco-conscious and ethical. You’ll feel good about every indulgence, knowing your beauty choices respect both animals and the planet.

Whether you’re trying the Lip And Cheek Glow Balm or the Matte Lip Kit, Kylie Cosmetics ensures that beauty and ethics go hand-in-hand, making them one of the most improved cruelty-free makeup brands 2024.

From the Satin Matte Blush to the Essential Drip Lip Oil, r.e.m. beauty delivers glamorous results without compromising on values, proving you can shine brightly while staying cruelty-free.

Their transparency and holistic approach ensure that products like the Forget The Filler Lip Plumper and The One & Done Mascara meet both ethical and performance standards, making them a favorite among conscious beauty lovers.

With products like the Higher Standard Cream Blush and No Limits Cream Bronzer, LYS caters to a wide range of skin tones, proving that ethical beauty can also be inclusive and empowering.

What’s more, their vegan-friendly products ensure that bold beauty doesn’t have to come at the cost of animal welfare, making them one of the best cruelty-free makeup brands loved by many.

Whether it’s the Pocket Blush or the Peptide Lip Tint, Rhode delivers a glowing complexion while staying cruelty-free and environmentally responsible, making them one of the top cruelty-free makeup brands out there.

Being one of the best cruelty-free makeup brands in the market, the brand’s dedication to cruelty-free standards ensures that you can enjoy luxury beauty without ethical compromises.

Meeting strict EU standards and featuring eco-friendly packaging, Merit’s offerings, like the Signature Lip Lipstick and Flush Balm Cream Blush, allow you to look great while caring for your health and the planet.

Whether you’re drawn to the Major Dimensions Eyeshadow Palette or the Double Take Crème & Powder Blush, Patrick Ta Beauty ensures that you can achieve red-carpet-worthy looks without compromising on ethics.

Saie’s cruelty-free products, like the Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer and Glowy Super Gel, meet EU safety standards and deliver high-quality results while keeping animal welfare in mind, making them one of the best cruelty-free makeup brands out there.

Being one of the top vegan and cruelty-free makeup brands, Tarte products like the Tartelette In Bloom Clay Palette and Shape Tape Concealer prove that sustainable beauty can still be bold and vibrant.

Certified by PETA, Too Faced is one of the top cruelty-free makeup brands that ensures that beauty lovers can indulge guilt-free, making it one of the buzzing cruelty-free makeup brands 2024.

With essentials like the Softsculpt Skin Enhancer and Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette, this brand proves that high-performing, artist-driven makeup can be ethical and kind to animals.

From the Shineon Milky Lip Jelly to the Hydrating Serum Concealer, Tower 28 is one of the many great cruelty-free makeup brands that offers gentle yet effective beauty solutions.

Urban Decay is one of the many top cruelty-free makeup brands that ensures that makeup lovers can have fun and express themselves while supporting animal welfare.

The brand’s vegan cosmetics are developed with naturally occurring vitamins and oils and high-performing oxidants. Furthermore, these pristine goods are free of harmful colorants. Heavy metal might be a great music genre, but it is not a good ingredient in your makeup. Founders Susie and James Wang and Ric Kostick are certainly making some ripples for the right cause with 100% PURE.

Milk Makeup is also 100% vegan and does not use milk in any of its products. Founded by Mazdack Rassi, Milk Makeup is an effort to address all that is wrong with the beauty and skincare industry. Fortunately for us, we live in a time where people like Rassi are finding excellent, safe and effective solutions to our beauty predicaments. Milk Makeup meets the toughest cruelty-free standards out there. The brand also does not sell its lineup in countries that make animal testing mandatory. Enriched with naturally good ingredients, Milk Makeup is a beauty company built for the future fashionista indeed.

Jane Iredale’s products are not only cruelty-free but sensitivity tested, dermatologist tested, contain no synthetic fragrances and are non-comedogenic. It must be noted that while Jane Iredale is cruelty-free and does not test on animals, not all its products are vegan. Some of their products, including certain brushes, contain goat hair. However, their vegan products are clearly demarcated for their consumers. Interested? Shop Jane Iredale.

Pacifica aims to provide the best product to a vast array of customers, using safe ingredients and recyclable packaging. Cruelty free makeup brands reddit love it too. If you want to check it out, buy Pacifica here.

Ofra and David Gaito created OFRA Cosmetics in 1994 after spending a long time working in the cosmetics sector. Starting in 2015, OFRA transitioned to direct-to-consumer sales after first developing business-to-business products to establish itself as the top producer of cosmetology school kits. Their corporate office in South Florida develops, produces, and distributes all OFRA goods. The company does not endorse third-party animal testing or selling in countries that make animal-testing mandatory. It is clearly one of the most reliable beauty brands that you should go for. So, if you’re interested, shop OFRA cosmetics now.

The brand’s packaging material is highly sustainable as it is made from FSC-certified paper, corn, sugar and post-recycled materials. Leaping Bunny certified, the brand is game about making a positive choices, and making less seem like more. According to the brand, ‘All people are well people.’ And this is why we adore this plant-powered makeup powerhouse. Several cruelty free makeup brands reddit threads love it too, so see why for yourself and shop W3LL PEOPLE now.

Axiology was founded by Erica who initially sold her products on Etsy but has now become a much bigger brand. All of their packaging, including the Lip-to-Lid Balmies boxes, are produced from trash collected from islands and are completely recyclable.

This brand has a wide range of products that are ethical and sustainable. Clove + Hallow uses the most gentle ingredients such as butter, oils, and waxes as well as ECO-CERT-approved preservatives which are the best for your skin. Don’t worry about chemical-laden regimens, because this brand is here to replace all that is harmful for you and the planet.

Every product from Real Purity lives up to the name- there are no sulfates, parabens, and other toxic chemicals you should worry about. The best thing about this PETA certified brand is that it offers a small sample of its products to try before you buy. We say it is a great approach to help consumers choose what is the best for them, and several cruelty free makeup brands reddit threads agree too. So, go ahead and buy Real Purity now.

Plant Makeup’s ingredients are plant-derived and contain no minerals, palm oil, synthetics, or any preservatives. They are made in fresh, small batches and qualify as zero waste. If this sounds like one of the most ideal vegan and cruelty-free makeup brands for you, then shop Plant Makeup now.

How to Buy Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands Like a Pro

Check the Labels

When shopping for cruelty-free makeup, always inspect the labels. Look for trusted certifications like the Leaping Bunny logo, PETA’s cruelty-free symbol, and the Choose Cruelty-Free mark. These logos ensure that the product comes from a company committed to avoiding animal testing. Remember, the Leaping Bunny certification is considered the highest standard, while Choose Cruelty-Free, based in Australia, accredits only brands with cruelty-free parent companies.

Do Your Research

Before making a purchase, take time to research which cruelty-free makeup brands align with your values. Vegan beauty blogs and websites often provide lists of cruelty-free companies. Additionally, PETA maintains a comprehensive and up-to-date database of over 2,000 cruelty-free makeup brands, easily accessible on their website. These resources can help you ensure your purchases are safe and ethical.

Make a List of What You Need

Having a clear list of what you’re looking for can make it easier to find cruelty-free options. Some brands specialize in skincare, others in hygiene or makeup, so knowing your needs will streamline your search. There’s a wide range of options, whether you want products free from animal testing or free from animal-derived ingredients altogether.

Experiment with Different Brands

Not every cruelty-free product will be your favorite, and that’s okay. Don’t hesitate to try new brands or products until you find what works best for you. This experimentation is key to discovering which cruelty-free products will become your everyday essentials.

Don’t Overthink the Cost

While some cruelty-free brands like Aveda and Alima Pure may be more expensive, there are plenty of affordable options on the best cruelty free makeup brands list. Brands like ELF Cosmetics and Real Purity offer high-quality, cruelty-free products at lower price points. Instead of assuming that higher prices guarantee better products, explore various options to find what fits your needs and budget.

Conclusion

More than 100 million animals get killed every year because of cosmetic testing. When you choose sustainable and cruelty-free makeup brands, you put a stop to animal testing. Besides that, you also take a step towards a sustainable planet by ditching harmful chemicals.

With vegan and cruelty-free makeup brands, you are bringing positive change in your life. Supporting and encouraging cruelty-free makeup brands that are trying to bring a difference will also seep into your life’s philosophy. Buying cruelty-free products is a simple lifestyle change and it doesn’t have to be sudden.

When you run out of something, you may quickly switch to a new cruelty-free option. This helps in reducing waste and invests in long-term ethical causes to promote a healthier lifestyle. Saving bunnies cannot get better than this. It’s about time we embrace being socially responsible while being fashionable.