Vegan & Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands

Updated April 2023

There are few things we’re as passionate about as the importance of using cruelty-free makeup. Here at Kinder Beauty, we believe that you should support brands whose values align with your personal ones. That’s why we love buying from cruelty-free makeup brands, and we know you will, too.

Today, we’re going to share everything we know about cruelty-free makeup. We’ll quickly recap what it means to be cruelty-free, discuss why you should consider using cruelty-free makeup, and finally, run through some popular makeup brands that don’t test on animals.

You’ll find that once you begin to buy cruelty-free brands that are transparent about their values, you’ll never look back!

What is cruelty-free makeup?

You’ve likely heard the term “cruelty-free makeup” before. When a company is cruelty-free, it means that the brand’s products are not developed using animal testing, whether that's by the company itself or its suppliers.

If you want to stop using cosmetics with animal ingredients entirely, we suggest that you choose vegan makeup. This means that the cosmetic was created without using any animal byproducts, like honey, lanolin, or beeswax. Oftentimes, there’s a bit of overlap, and plenty of your favorite cruelty-free brands are also vegan—but it’s worth checking.

Here at Kinder Beauty, we’re proud to curate monthly subscription boxes that deliver high-quality products straight to your door. All of the products we curate are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. We also think it’s important to be kind to your skin, and that means paying attention to the formulations of your products. That’s why you will never find parabens, sulfates, siloxanes, talcs, or other potentially harmful toxins in our boxes. 

 We’re proud to be a leader in clean beauty, and we’re proud that a portion of our proceeds benefits some of our favorite charities, too. We’re all about helping you put your best face forward while also making a positive impact on the industry. 

Why should I use cruelty-free makeup?

We can create a mile-long list of all the reasons you should opt for cruelty-free beauty products. You’ll find that everyone who chooses cruelty-free cosmetics has their own reasons for doing so, and we encourage you to find your specific reason.

We believe that no animal should ever have to suffer for the sake of cosmetics, and the makeup and skincare products that we put in our monthly subscription boxes reflect that philosophy.

When you buy a product, you’re doing more than just choosing a lipstick shade or a new mascara. You’re making a point about what you’re willing to tolerate. If you buy from brands that test on animals, you’re demonstrating that you don’t think cruelty-free is a deal-breaker.

Cruelty-free makeup also tends to be better for you because it tends to avoid using toxins such as parabens or sulfates. This is definitely the case with the products we put in the Kinder Beauty Box. We only choose vegan, cruelty-free makeup and beauty products that are toxin-free.

What are some popular cruelty-free makeup brands?

If you’re looking to stock your beauty bag with cruelty-free makeup products, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are plenty of outstanding options. The following recs are just a snapshot of the brands we often feature in our monthly subscription box. We know that once you give these beauty essentials a try, you’ll be hooked. Plus, all beauty box subscribers get these goodies delivered right to their front door.

6 fan favorite cruelty-free makeup brands from our monthly beauty box

Bellapierre

Packed with naturally-derived ingredients, Bellapierre Cosmetics is entirely mineral-based. You’ll find that this company offers products that are both trendy and cruelty-free, and you’ll end up with a curated selection of products that you’ll adore, from eyeliner to lip products. 

The best part about Bellapierre Cosmetics is that the company stays true to its values. They’re passionate about using safe, natural ingredients that work. In addition, they have a vegan makeup line, which is ideal for those who follow a vegan lifestyle and want to make a positive impact with their makeup. Plus, you’ll never find toxins such as parabens in Bellapierre’s products.

Aether Beauty

It has never been so easy to manifest your dream beauty routine. We’re inviting you to meet Ather Beauty, which was created with the environment in mind. Ather believes in putting sustainability at the forefront, and that’s just one of the things that makes them so special. This is so integral to the company’s DNA that when you purchase an Ather Beauty product, a portion of your sales go towards an environmental charity. 

That’s not all. This makeup company is also proud to be cruelty-free and vegan, so you can enjoy their gorgeous, colorful eye shadow, powder blush, and more while knowing you’re making a positive impact on the earth and helping to end animal testing. 

HAN

Up next, we have HAN. This beauty brand describes itself as healthy, active, and natural. HAN is passionate about elevating finished product integrity by using ingredients that are better for you. 

They’re also constantly advocating for safer cosmetics that are devoid of potentially dangerous ingredients. All HAN products are gluten, toxin, and cruelty-free. They’re also natural, and most are vegan, too. Sign us up!

INIKA Organic

All-natural makeup?! Yes please! Not only is INIKA Organic makeup is all-natural and totally in line with cruelty-free certification standards, but this beauty brand is committed to using pure botanicals and earth-derived minerals that are proven to perform. The formulas are also entirely free of both toxins and synthetics. 

Because caring for animals is so central to INIKA’s mission, you’ll find that their products are cruelty-free and vegan, formulated without substances like carmine or glycerin. This means that their products and processes will never hurt animals or habitats.

Folly Fire

Up next, we have Folly Fire, which is vegan and cruelty-free. Folly Fire never uses synthetic fragrance or gluten, so rest assured that all of its products are safe for use and have zero preservatives. Also, Folly Fire is known for its commitment to creating clean beauty products—it’s just another way the brand demonstrates how important safety is to them. 

Folly Fire has colorful, bright makeup choices that will make a splash in your makeup bag. Choose Folly Fire products if you're interested in choosing products that are good for you and cruelty-free.

Chella

Last but not least, is Chella. If you want makeup products that are vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and even recyclable, they are the brand for you. Chella is known for creating high-quality products that won’t negatively impact animals. 

Chella offers a variety of products and kits that experienced makeup aficionados and newbies alike will enjoy. If you’re passionate about choosing products that align with your personal values, we know that you will find something to love at Chella. We’re huge fans of their eyebrow-defining gel in particular!

Take the next step and go cruelty-free with your makeup

Cruelty-free is the way to go for so many reasons. Animals deserve rights and respect, too, and we’re passionate about curating our beloved Kinder Beauty boxes only with products that follow this philosophy. Every single product that we include is not only cruelty-free but also made with clean, vegan ingredients that you can trust, from companies that support the same values that you do. 

Whether you’re just making the switch to cruelty-free products or you’ve been using them for years, these brands are sure to inspire you to stock up on beauty essentials that you’ll love.

Sources: 

Cruelty-Free Makeup That's Also Vegan | PETA

13 Best Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands of 2021 | Glamour

Cruelty-Free Make-Up - 14 Socially Responsible Cosmetics Brands To Invest In | ELLE