Best Cruelty-Free and Vegan Makeup Brands to Support

Choosing cruelty-free and vegan makeup isn’t just a passing beauty trend—it’s a conscious lifestyle choice. More consumers today are prioritizing ethical beauty, steering away from products tested on animals or containing animal-derived ingredients. By supporting brands that are both cruelty-free and vegan, you not only care for your skin but also take a stand for animal welfare and sustainability.

What Does Cruelty-Free and Vegan Mean?

Cruelty-free makeup ensures that a product hasn’t been tested on animals at any stage of its development. Vegan makeup goes a step further—it contains no animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax, carmine, lanolin, or gelatin. While cruelty-free products may sometimes include animal ingredients, vegan makeup eliminates all animal-based components. Choosing products that are both cruelty-free and vegan is the gold standard for ethical beauty.

Accessible and Budget-Friendly: e.l.f. Cosmetics

For those looking for high-quality makeup without breaking the bank, e.l.f. Cosmetics is a top choice. Known for its wallet-friendly prices and trend-forward products, e.l.f. is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. Popular products like the Power Grip Primer and Halo Glow Liquid Filter have garnered cult followings for delivering professional results at an affordable price. Whether you’re looking for foundations, eyeshadows, or skincare-infused makeup, e.l.f. offers an inclusive range that makes ethical beauty accessible to everyone.

Plant-Powered and Eco-Friendly: Pacifica Beauty

If sustainability is important to you, Pacifica Beauty is a brand to explore. Their vegan and cruelty-free products are infused with plant-based ingredients and housed in recyclable packaging. The Alight Clean Foundation provides a natural, radiant finish, while the Stellar Gaze Mascara is perfect for everyday wear without compromising your values. Pacifica combines clean beauty with performance, making it ideal for eco-conscious makeup lovers.

Trendy and Skin-Friendly: Milk Makeup

For bold, modern, and playful products, Milk Makeup is a favorite among younger beauty enthusiasts. All their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that provide hydration and comfort. Their Lip + Cheek Stick and Hydro Grip Primer have become staples for effortless, dewy looks. Milk Makeup proves that you don’t need animal-derived ingredients to achieve high-quality, trendy makeup.

Gentle Formulas for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 Beauty

Tower 28 Beauty is designed with sensitive skin in mind, offering vegan and cruelty-free formulas that are dermatologist-tested and non-toxic. Products like the ShineOn Lip Jelly and SOS Spray are gentle, hydrating, and effective, making them perfect for daily use. Tower 28 is a rising star in the ethical beauty world, proving that makeup can be safe, soothing, and fun without harming animals.

Professional Performance: Cover FX

If you’re looking for makeup that delivers professional, high-performance results while staying clean and ethical, Cover FX is a top choice. Their products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, offering everything from customizable foundation drops to mineral powders. Cover FX caters to makeup artists and enthusiasts alike, blending ethics with flawless coverage and long-lasting wear.

Luxury and Sustainability: Aether Beauty

For those who appreciate a touch of luxury, Aether Beauty combines high-performance, vegan formulas with sustainable, zero-waste packaging. Their eyeshadow palettes are buttery, blendable, and infused with ethically sourced pigments. Aether Beauty is perfect for consumers seeking ethical indulgence, proving that sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand.

Celebrity-Backed Ethical Beauty: Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez has quickly become a go-to for cruelty-free, vegan-friendly makeup. The brand is praised for its inclusive shade ranges and lightweight, natural-feel formulas. Popular products like the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and Liquid Touch Foundation highlight the brand’s commitment to accessible, ethical beauty without compromising performance.

Bold and Iconic: KVD Beauty

KVD Beauty, formerly Kat Von D Beauty, is now fully vegan and remains a leader in cruelty-free, bold makeup. Known for long-lasting, statement-making products, their Tattoo Liner and Everlasting Liquid Lipstick are cult favorites for dramatic looks. KVD proves that ethical makeup can also make a daring, artistic statement.

How to Choose Cruelty-Free and Vegan Makeup

When shopping for ethical beauty, always look for trusted certifications like Leaping Bunny or PETA’s cruelty-free logo. Check ingredient labels for hidden animal-derived substances and read brand websites for transparency in sourcing and testing practices. Even small changes in your makeup bag can make a significant impact, promoting a kinder, more sustainable beauty industry.

Why Supporting Cruelty-Free and Vegan Brands Matters

Choosing cruelty-free and vegan products isn’t just about personal preference—it’s about driving change. Every purchase supports brands that value animal welfare, clean ingredients, and sustainable practices. Over time, consumer demand for ethical products pushes the entire beauty industry toward more responsible and humane practices. By integrating these products into your routine, you’re not only enhancing your beauty but also contributing to a more compassionate world.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to ethical beauty or looking to overhaul your routine, brands like e.l.f. Cosmetics, Pacifica, Milk Makeup, Tower 28, Cover FX, Aether Beauty, Rare Beauty, and KVD Beauty set the standard for cruelty-free, vegan makeup. From budget-friendly staples to luxury indulgences, there’s something for every taste, skin type, and lifestyle. Supporting these brands helps promote a sustainable, compassionate future while keeping your makeup bag full of high-performing, ethical products.