 
Vegan Cosmetics also known as Plant-Based Cosmetics
I think cosmetics should include on the label a symbol stating they contain animal products. Consumers should know what is in their cosmetics. Many cosmetics contain pig oil, cow skin, hoofs, etc. For a list of common animal-based products read this post. The consumer should know if an ingredient is made from the by product of the slaughter of an animal and if that product contains ingredients from an animal. Three labels/logos I would like to see stamped on cosmetics with an industry standard logo are vegan, vegetarian and animal.
Vegan/Plant-Based
Vegan products contain no ingredient from any animal or processed with animal products. This includes honey, beeswax and white sugar produced through animal bone char. Many ingredients from animal flesh are contained in vegan products because of lack of education.
Vegetarian
Vegetarian products may include milk, whey, casein, eggs, honey, beeswax, secretions from the civet cat, lanolin from sheep wool and musk oil from musk deer. Many animal by-product ingredients from the slaughter of animals are contained in vegetarian products because of lack of education.
Animal
Animal-based products are from animals that are killed in order to use the ingredient or used as a by-product. These include tallow (oil from the fat of the cow and pig), emu oil, gelatin, stearic acid (animal derived) and fish scales. Many cosmetics contain animal products especially pig oil and it is not disclosed on the ingredient list. Other ingredients are colorants in make-up from crushed female beetles, gelatin from cow’s skin, tendons, ligaments and bones, keratin and collagen from animals’ horns, hooves, feathers and hair and animal derived hyaluronic acid from the rooster’s comb.
At Joan Morais Naturals we are in the process to clearly state if a formulation is vegan/plant-based or vegetarian. We are transitioning the formulas to vegan containing no animal products, only plant-based.
What are your thoughts? Is it important to you for cosmetic products to be labeled vegan, vegetarian or animal-based?
Joan Morais is a natural cosmetic formulator, instructor, author and the owner of Joan Morais Naturals. Joan assists product makers on how to make high quality, stable and effective natural body, hair and skin care products for personal use and a product making business.
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This is great, Joan! I would like to see this put into action! Thank you! XOXO too!
Hi Laurie!
It is so good to hear from you. You do so much for cruelty against animals. Thank you!
Thank you for this article! One of our driving forces which makes us incredibly proud it to state that we’re vegan and cruelty-free! It’s inspiring to find other businesses who share the same passion.
Hi Kristen,
That is wonderful your products are vegan and cruelty-free! It makes a positive difference for animals.
I have never thought about my cosmetics being vegan. After reading this article, its clear that its something I need to look into. It amazes and disgusts me that some of these animal products would be in cosmetics. Thank you for making us aware of this!
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your comments. The more we know as business owners and producers of products the more it benefits everyone. It’s great you are a business owner open to understanding about cosmetic ingredients and where they come from.
That is a good point, we used to always put vegan on our label but started omitting it to create a cleaner label. We still include it on our soaps. Will have to think about adding a symbol to emphasize this point. Thank you.
That is great you identify your soap as vegan. You also capture another market by doing so. It is a plus all around. Thanks for your comment.
I think that is a great point, Joan. Products should be clearly marked so the consumer can make informed decisions.
Hi Vanessa,
Thanks for your comment. Consumers are becoming more educated and like you said they can then make informed decisions.
thanks for the clear outlining of vegan. We agree, products that are vegan should be clearly marked so the consumer is aware.
Hi Nora,
Thanks for visiting and your comment. It would make things easier to be clearly marked.