For many people, navigating skincare can be a stressful ordeal. The USD $153 billion industry just keeps growing, and there are a huge number of different products and ingredients to choose from. So, how do you choose what to use?

We’re constantly hearing about the importance of skincare regimes on TV, adverts, and social media, and many of us simply don’t know where to start. A great deal of modern skincare products are packed full of sulfates, parabens, unnecessary fragrances, and other chemicals that your skin may not be happy with. If you’re new to skincare and want the best for your skin, opting for all natural plant-based ingredients is a great way to get your skin looking younger and healthier. 

With help from Purity Woods, we’ve compiled a list of the top eight natural ingredients to look out for in your skincare. 

The best natural skincare ingredients

Maple leaf extract (acer spp)

Many of us associate maple leaves with beautiful fall scenery, as well as maple syrup. What they’re less known for, though, is their ability to elevate skincare products. 

A few years ago, researchers discovered that red maple leaf extract contains compounds called glucitol-core-containing gallotannins (GCGs), which may protect the elasticity of skin. It was even dubbed “plant-based botox” by one of the researchers (though it’s of course applied topically, rather than injected). 

Maple leaf has also been found to possess protective antioxidant properties, which supports healthy inflammation levels in skin. It also may reduce the appearance of dark spots. 

Indian gooseberry (phyllanthus emblica)

This special fruit is packed with vitamin C, and is considered to be one of the richest antioxidant foods on the earth. This magic combination is thought to promote collagen synthesis, help to neutralize free radicals, and even provide protection against UV radiation (you should, of course, always protect yourself with sunscreen). 

Indian gooseberries could also brighten up your skin, even out your skin tone, and give you a natural glow. 

Astaxanthin 

Astaxanthin is sourced from specific types of red algae, and is a powerful antioxidant. It belongs to a larger group of antioxidants known as carotenoids that double as red, yellow, and orange plant pigments.

According to some studies, astaxanthin may help protect against UV damage that makes skin look “weathered.” It can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity.

Camu camu (myrciaria dubia)

If you’ve never heard of camu camu, it’s a small berry-like fruit that grows in the Amazon rainforest. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C, possessing 30-60 times the amount found in oranges. 

Vitamin C is thought to be a natural collagen booster, meaning it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while fading dark spots. Camu camu’s antioxidant content may also have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. 

Sunflower seed oil (helianthus annuus)

You’ve probably enjoyed eating sunflower seeds in salads and baked goods, but did you know they can up your skincare routine too?

We all have a skin barrier, which is a protective layer of dead skin cells. Keeping this layer healthy is essential for maintaining moisture in the skin. The oil found in sunflower seeds is one of the best ingredients for enhancing skin barrier function. 

This is because it’s full of fatty acids, which fill out any gaps to smooth out dry and flaky skin. Studies have shown that sunflower oil is better for your skin barrier than olive oil. 

Aloe vera (aloe barbadensis)

Most of us will have used aloe vera on our skin at some point, but very few people realize just how powerful it can be. 

Aloe vera is famously used to soothe sunburn, as it has a very strong soothing effect when applied to skin. But this isn’t the only thing aloe vera is good for… 

This magic ingredient has been used for skincare for thousands of years, and for good reason – aloe vera gel contains over 130 plant compounds as well as numerous vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, and amino acids. It’s thought to boost collagen, as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fade dark spots, and improve skin elasticity.

Green tea (camellia sinensis)

Newsflash: green tea is not just for drinking. It may be a comforting and healthy beverage, but its uses extend to skincare as well. 

It contains a powerful antioxidant known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been found to reduce inflammation and protect cells from free radical damage. This can slow down the aging process of your skin. The antioxidants and chlorophyll in green tea may also fade the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.

Jojoba oil (simmondsia chinensis)

Jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-ba) is technically a wax, rather than an oil, and it’s popular for its ability to deeply moisturize the skin, without clogging pores. 

It’s packed full of vitamin E, which helps protect your skin from photodamage. This helps to keep the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots at bay, keeping your skin looking younger for longer. 

Purity Woods serum

Purity Woods is known for its natural skincare range, and some products are suitable for vegans. The Elastin Boost Hyper-Lift Serum is our top pick, which is described by the company as a “Fountain of youth in a bottle.” 

The cruelty-free serum contains all natural ingredients (including the beloved maple leaf extract), and the company has confirmed that the organic glycerin is plant derived, meaning all ingredients are animal-free. 

“Combat the telltale signs of aging and enjoy a lifted, smoothed, brightened, and firm appearance with our revolutionary Hyper-Lift Serum,” the description reads. “Our USDA Certified Organic product contains an exclusive blend of plant-based ingredients that revitalize your skin naturally, eliminating reliance on harsher chemicals found in non-certified, greenwashed products.”

* This is paid-for content. Funds from this article help Plant Based News continue to provide millions of people around the world with free content they know and love. We only work with brands we support and use ourselves.

The post 8 Natural Ingredients To Boost Your Skincare Regime appeared first on Plant Based News.

On episode 10 of the 21st series of the show, Nick King and his sons Daniel and Ricky presented their Somerset-based business Goats Of The Gorge to the panel of angel investors. They brought a two-week-old baby goat with them, who was passed around and fed by the panel. King explained that the idea for the skincare came when his doctor recommended drinking goat’s milk for his osteoporosis condition. Goats Of The Gorge claims that their products are cruelty-free. 

Dragon’s Den is a popular British television programme, in which startup companies and aspiring entrepreneurs have an opportunity to pitch their business to a panel of experts and attempt to procure investment from them. 

One of the show’s longest-term stars and investors, Deborah Meaden, was the “dragon” who raised concerns about the company’s animals, and how ethical they could claim to be alongside their plans to grow and expand their manufacturing.

Deborah Meaden raises concerns

Meaden took the discussion in a new direction when she explained that she is plant-based. She initially said she was vegan, but then corrected herself as she is not “strict about her use of skincare products.” 

She told the family: “I don’t eat any animal product, whether dairy or animal, I’m not so strict on the skincare as long as it’s high welfare animals, so what sits behind this in terms of welfare?” They claimed that all their animals were “very well looked after,” and that they use milk from “show goats” which was otherwise going to be thrown away. Meaden was impressed by this, saying it was a “good answer.”

She decided not to invest, saying “I’m not that supportive of the dairy industry, or the goat industry. I would cause you a problem because right now you’re quite small scale and you can see the goats that you’re buying from. But, as you get bigger, I suspect you’re going to have to think about those things, and I’m going to be standing in your way saying ‘you can’t do that.’”   

Viewers criticize the company

Writing online, several people further questioned the “cruelty-free” claims. Cruelty-free is generally used to refer to products that aren’t tested on animals, and companies that use animal products in ingredients often promote themselves as cruelty-free.

“Hmm, not sure about cruelty-free. Where you use animal products, there’s cruelty”, was one comment.

Another said: “This is a dairy industry business so without a doubt it is not cruelty-free!”

A third commented: “No deal for goat’s milk beauty products! Thank goodness! Goat’s milk is for baby goats – not slathering on human skin!”

And a fourth said: “Talking about goat products such as goat milk and soap and bringing on a goat, is that ethical?”

The goat milk industry is inherently exploitative, and it’s also on the rise. Find out more about the ethical costs of goat farming here. 

More like this:

• You Can Now Buy Vegan Goats Cheese In UK Supermarkets
• Is ‘Dragons Den’ Star Deborah Meaden Vegan?
• Person Shouting ‘Help’ Was Actually A Dairy Goat Crying Out For Her Babies

The post Deborah Meaden Raises Concerns Over Goat Milk Skincare Range On Dragons Den appeared first on Plant Based News.

Fur from minks has been used to make false lashes valued for providing a natural appearance. About a decade ago, the celebrity penchant for these fur lashes made them popular in beauty salons across the UK. 

Some salons and companies selling the lashes claim they are cruelty-free. But in truth they come from minks farmed in horrible conditions.

Confusingly, false lashes made from synthetic material can also be labeled as “mink.” Meanwhile, some false lashes are made using silk – some of which are made with real silk. Others are synthetic silk, making them vegan-friendly.

Here’s everything you need to know about the animal products used in false lashes – and what vegan and cruelty-free options there are instead.

Mink fur lashes

Luckily, synthetic lashes are more common these days than ones made with real mink fur. But there are still some real fur options available to buy online and at some salons. They are often labeled cruelty-free because they are said to be made with fur that has simply been “brushed” from living minks. 

This doesn’t mean the minks are not subjected to cruelty – or to slaughter. The fur used in false eyelashes comes from minks who will eventually be killed and skinned, their pelts sold for fashion.

Mink farming

Fur farming is among the cruellest forms of animal farming. In order to keep the fur in good condition, the animals are kept in solitary wire cages as otherwise they would be likely to fight each other.

Last year, a Finnish animal rights group obtained footage and images from inside more than 100 fur farms across Europe. The minks – and other animals including foxes and raccoon dogs – were found to be living in appalling conditions.

Self-mutilations and festering untreated wounds were common. In cases where more than one animal was kept in a cage, they frequently cannibalized each other.

These “stereotyped” behaviors are a well-known problem among animals kept in battery cages. Stereotypes are abnormal, repetitive behaviors born of extreme mental distress.

“Wearing mink eyelashes essentially means wearing fur on your face,” PETA’s Vice President of Programmes Elisa Allen tells Plant Based News. “[The animals] are driven to insanity by extreme privation and fear. After a life of abject misery, they’re crudely gassed or electrocuted or their necks are broken, causing them to suffocate slowly.”

Minks don’t need brushing

Claims by manufacturers or sellers of false eyelashes that the fur is merely “brushed” from the minks are likely untrue. Minks are not domesticated animals and would not willingly let humans handle them. Nor do they need to be brushed, as in the wild they do not require human intervention to maintain their coats.

For these reasons, according to PETA, it is likely that fur sold for making eyelashes comes from minks that have in fact been killed first.

Pandemic risk

Mink farms came under the international spotlight in 2020 when minks were found to have contracted Covid-19 from farm workers. Many mink farms around Europe were subsequently shut down, with millions of minks killed as a result.

In 2023, scientists warned that minks pose more of a risk “than any other farmed species” for disease outbreaks and pandemics in the future. This is because minks can easily be infected with many of the same viruses that infect humans.

Silk lashes

Real silk lashes are pretty uncommon, but they do exist. Some people may prefer the idea of silk eyelashes as a more ethical but still “natural” alternative to mink fur lashes. 

Silk comes with its own ethical costs, however. On silkworm farms, the worms – which are actually moth pupa – spin their cocoons and enclose themselves inside. The cocoons are then placed in very hot water to unravel them, boiling the pupa alive. Left to live, they would have become moths.

There is growing evidence that insects might be sentient and able to feel stress and pain. Many ethicists now argue that we should air on the side of caution and avoid farming and killing them. This is particularly because making products from insects, like silk, require millions to be killed at a time. The potential levels of suffering involved are therefore enormous.

Cruelty-free options

Luckily, there’s no need to give up false eyelashes. You just need to choose ones free of animal products. “People may wear mink lashes because they’re unaware of the cruelty behind them,” says Allen. “But once they learn that the animals used for these products are treated as appallingly as those whose fur is turned into mink coats, they invariably opt for animal-free choices.”

Faux mink and synthetic silk

Quite a few false lashes are marketed as “mink” or as “silk” but quite often they are actually made of synthetic materials. “Mink” and “silk” are used to denote the type of texture and look someone can expect from the lashes.

“PETA and our international affiliates have alerted beauty brands to the unethical production of mink lashes – and companies such as Tarte, Too Faced, Urban Decay, Sephora, and, most recently, Velour have committed to selling only cruelty-free, vegan lashes,” says Allen. One company that is yet to do so is Lilly Lashes, and PETA is urging the company to move away from fur.

Synthetic lashes are often made from polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), a type of plastic. While these are cruelty-free and vegan, some people may wish to avoid having yet more plastic products in their life that will end up breaking into microplastics in landfill.

Plant-based false lashes

Canadian company Velour has begun selling false lashes made from hemp fibers. The plant-based lashes come in a range of styles and can be reused at least 20 times, according to Velour. The packaging is also recyclable, and the ink is soy-based.

Plant-based lashes aren’t common yet. But as more people seek vegan and eco-friendly beauty options, there could be an untapped market for such a product.

More like this:

• Inside The Fur Farming Industry: Can Fur Really Be ‘Ethical’ Or ‘Sustainable’?
• 14 Non-Vegan Ingredients To Look Out For In Makeup And Beauty Products
• Global Beauty Brand The Body Shop To Go 100% Vegan By End Of 2023

The post What’s The Problem With False Eyelashes? The Hidden Suffering Behind Them appeared first on Plant Based News.

What is shellac?

Shellac is a natural resin with a long history of use by humans. Raw shellac flakes are mixed with alcohol to make a brushable glaze, varnish, sealant, dye, or tannin, odor, and stain blockers. Shellac can be found in countless corners of human history over the last 3,000 years of documented use, including pre-vinyl gramophone records and electrical insulation.

Outside of its many industrial and household applications, shellac is a particularly common ingredient in confectionery, as it gives candy a desirably shiny finish. It can also be found in a number of cosmetic products such as lip gloss and nail varnish for the same reason. (Shellac the ingredient is not to be confused with the nail polish brand name CND Shellac, which contains no actual shellac).

Due in part to this versatility, processed shellac could be considered a natural form of plastic. This has led some to hypothesize that shellac – humanity’s polymer of choice prior to the first mid-century boom in plastic – could provide an eco-friendly alternative moving forward.

However, shellac production comes with its own environmental and ethical costs…

Where does shellac come from?

Shellac is secreted by the female lac beetle (part of the Kerriidae family), a small-to-medium-sized insect with a distinct, oval, red-brown carapace. In the wild, lac beetles produce shellac to form intricate, tube-like structures on tree branches which protect their larvae.

When harvested, shellac is scraped from the branches – along with any attached lac beetles – before being crushed, liquefied, and sieved to remove carcasses and tree bark. This liquid shellac is then dried into sheets and broken up into “cakes” or flakes. Rough estimates suggest that around 100,000 lac bugs die to produce a single pound of shellac flakes.

Because shellac is produced by bugs, and because such a huge number die during harvesting, shellac products are not considered vegan, and animal advocates argue that “farming” the resin is both unethical and unnecessary.

What are the negative impacts of shellac?

A growing body of evidence indicates that bugs experience pain, as summarized in this analysis by Queen Mary University London.

Let’s talk about the figure of 100,000 deaths per pound of shellac again with that in mind. If the industry produces approximately 20,000 tons of shellac per year, that equates to nearly 4.5 trillion lac bug deaths.

While shellac farming has a minimal effect on the localized environment (the host trees are already well-established and the lac bugs help boost local wildlife such as moths) the processing of shellac requires volatile compounds that negatively impact the environment – as with silk production and leather treatment.

Ethyl alcohol, which is typically used to re-liquify shellac flakes, can be considered an indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) because it contributes to climate change via chemical processes and the production of ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone can trigger a variety of health problems if ingested, and it damages any exposed plants and vegetation.

There are also immediate humanitarian concerns related to the shellac industry, which has been implicated in exposes and campaigns by anti-child labor groups as recently as 2010. At the very least plantation workers are required to climb the trees where shellac is produced in order to harvest it, causing some concern over working conditions and safety.

How do I know if shellac is an ingredient?

As with a variety of animal-derived ingredients that crop up in common products, shellac has a selection of names which it may be listed under. These include “confectioner’s resin,” “lac resin,” “confectioner’s glaze,” “resinous glaze,” “candy glaze,” “pure food glaze,” “natural glaze,” and potentially under its food additive code “E904.” This can make it tricky to avoid.

In food and makeup, two of the most common places you might come across shellac, the easiest way to avoid purchasing items that contain the ingredient is by looking specifically for both vegan and cruelty-free labels, of which there are now many brands and products.

What are some alternatives to shellac?

There are a variety of vegan alternatives to shellac as an ingredient, including corn protein – a comparably natural, plant-based product that achieves the same glossy results and protective layer that shellac does, whether used on food or in cosmetic products.

A 2013 study by Ana Lúcia Fadini ​in the journal Food Hydrocolloids also found that hydrolyzed collagen film and cocoa butter could also be used to create effective, alcohol and shellac-free film coatings for confectionery and other food products.

For cosmetics, one recent vegan and cruelty-free alternative is BIAB Nails. (BIAB stands for “builder in a bottle,” or builder gel.) BIAB-style nails are described as lasting longer than shellac but easier to remove than standard gel manicures. Many varieties are also vegan and cruelty-free, including The GelBottle Inc.’s range of products.

Demand for vegan products

Overall, consumers are demanding more vegan and cruelty-free products than ever before, and the cosmetics industry is no exception. Between 2013 and 2018, vegan cosmetics launches more than doubled, according to Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD).

Mintel noted that younger consumers (ie. Gen Z and Millenials) are overwhelmingly driving the shift towards vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics, with a growing desire both to follow a plant-based diet and to accommodate ethical and environmental concerns.

Furthermore, research from UNiDAYS indicates that almost half of Gen Z never purchase beauty products that have been tested on animals. The global vegan cosmetics market reached nearly 17.5 billion USD in 2022 and is predicted to reach 24 billion by 2028.

More like this:

• 14 Non-Vegan Ingredients To Look Out For In Makeup And Beauty Products
• What Is Veganism? And How Is It Different To A Plant-Based Diet?
• 9 Positive Things That Happened For Animals In 2023

The post What Is Shellac? The Ethical Costs Of The Popular Ingredient appeared first on Plant Based News.

Injecting sperm into your face sounds gross – though it isn’t actually sperm that’s used. But the bigger problem is the industry behind the trend: salmon farming and fishing.

Here we delve into the dark side of the salmon sperm facial and the problem with using animal products in cosmetics.

What is a salmon sperm facial?

The “sperm” in the facials is actually DNA derived from the sperm of salmon. It’s technical name is Polydeoxyribonucleotide, or PDRN, which is how the ingredient may be labelled on cosmetics products. PDRN refers to several bioactive molecules derived from purified and sterilized DNA taken from salmon sperm.

A treatment involves having PDRN injected into your face using a small needle. It is supposed to stimulate collagen production and help cell renewal. Several sessions are recommended across several months to see results. PDRN is also found in some luxury skincare products like lotions and supplements. The fad originated in South Korea, the home of skincare regimes that have become a global phenomenon known as K-beauty.

There is some research showing that PDRN can help wounds to heal, discovered through animal experimentation. But there have been few human trials to test it’s efficacy for cosmetic or medical purposes.

Where does the sperm come from?

According to Metro, the salmon-derived ingredient in the treatment is a by-product of seafood production. “[R]ather than it being tossed away when wild Alaskan salmon is prepared, instead the beauty industry snaps it up.”

It’s not clear whether the PDRN used by beauty companies comes exclusively from wild Alaskan salmon, or whether some is obtained from farmed salmon. Either way, both industries are deeply problematic, and the use of their by-products by the beauty industry is not as harmless as it sounds.

Taking fishes from the wild

Populations of wild Atlantic Salmon are declining globally, with some communities in crisis. For example, in UK rivers – a breeding ground for the species – populations hit a record low in 2022.

This is despite efforts to conserve Atlantic salmon numbers through fishing exclusion zones being established since the 1980s. The global decline is likely due to illegal and unregulated fishing activity, according to one study. Dammed rivers, warming waters due to the climate crisis, and sea lice proliferating at salmon farms attaching to wild fishes may also impacting the health of wild salmon populations.

Salmon farming

Farming salmon is supposed to help alleviate pressure on wild populations. Most of the salmon sold in supermarkets in the UK come from Scottish farms. Indeed, globally more fishes killed for food now come from farms than from the wild. This makes it seem more likely that the PDRN in cosmetics is currently, or will in future be, derived from farmed salmon (though we don’t know its origins for sure).

Salmon farming has many negative impacts on the fishes and the marine environment. Undercover investigations have shown how farmed salmon suffer from predation, sea lice infestations, and disease outbreaks. Mortality rates on farms have also been rising due to warming waters – a problem only set to get worse in future.

The sea lice infestations on farms are bleeding into wild salmon who swim past the pens of their captive kin. In Scotland, there are plans to establish protection zones for wild salmon to keep them safe from the sea lice outbreaks on farms.

Pollution including waste and pesticides from farms has been rising and wreaking havoc on surrounding ecosystems.

By-products aren’t harmless

Using by-products from the meat, fishing, and farmed fish industries – known as rendering – does not simply reduce waste from those industries. It financially supports them by adding value to their products.

Slaughtering animals for food produces a lot of waste, such as blood, bones, skin or scales, hoofs, intestines, and fish swim bladders. Treating and disposing of it in an environmentally safe way is expensive, which is why animal industries would rather sell it. Development in technology are increasingly enabling them to extract materials from waste and monetize it.

The value that rendering adds to animal industries can lead to the products derived from waste becoming a driver of destructive practices. 

For example, bovine collagen, used like PDNR as an anti-ageing treatment, has become extremely popular. In 2023, an investigation by several news organizations uncovered links between collagen supply chains and Amazon deforestation. The booming collagen industry means that, along with leather, collagen makes up an increasing portion of the profit made from cows raised in the Amazon who are killed for beef.

Marine collagen, derived from the skin of fishes, is also becoming popular. It could potentially provide a new revenue stream for seafood companies. Collagen, salmon sperm, and other fish waste products that can be rendered could thus become more of a reason in themselves for slaughtering fishes.

More like this:

• 14 Non-Vegan Ingredients To Look Out For In Makeup And Beauty Products
• The Body Shop Becomes 100 Percent Certified Vegan
• What Is Aquaculture? Inside The Hidden World Of Fish Farming

The post What Is A Salmon Sperm Facial? The Dark Side To The Beauty Trend appeared first on Plant Based News.

The beauty retailers has long advocated against animal testing for cosmetics, and already had many vegan products available. In 2021, when 60 percent of its range was vegan, it set the target to become 100 percent vegan by 2023.

While there are already many vegan beauty brands, The Body Shop is thought to be the first major international cosmetics company to transition to making only vegan products. The Body Shop is one of the world’s most well-known beauty brands, with around 3,000 stores in more than 65 countries. 

“We did it!” Ian Bickley, CEO of The Body Shop, said in a statement. “We know that vegan beauty matters to millions of people around the world, and we’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this huge milestone.”

New formulations

The Vegan Society assessed more than 4,000 ingredients to certify more than 1,000 Body Shop products as vegan.

“We’ve gone through an extensive process with The Vegan Society to ensure there are no animal products, by-products or derivatives in the manufacture and/or the development of our ranges,” Bruno de Oliveira, Global Head of Research and Innovation at The Body Shop, told Plant Based News.

Honey and beeswax were the most common animal-derived ingredients found in The Body Shop’s previously non-vegan products. A few products contained shellac, secreted by lac insects, or lanolin, an oil extracted from sheep’s wool. 

Formulas that used animal-derived ingredients have been changed to use plant-derived ingredients instead.

“We see a future of a worldwide cruelty-free beauty industry, something we’ve been campaigning for since our founder, Dame Anita Roddick, started the business in 1976,” said de Oliveira. “We hope more beauty companies will follow suit in creating vegan formulas.”

What animal products are used in cosmetics?

Beeswax, honey, lanolin, and shellac are not the only animal-derived ingredients often found in cosmetics and toiletries. Others include glycerine, squalene, and stearic acid, all of which can be made from plants.

Glycerine made from animal fats can be found in soaps, hair care products, makeup, and moisturizers. It might sometimes be called glycerol in ingredient lists. Vegetable-based glycerine can be made from soy, coconut oil, or palm oil.

Squalene is an ingredient derived from shark liver oil, popular for its purported anti-ageing properties. To be used in cosmetics and skin care, it is hydrogenated into a more stable form called squalane. It is used in lip balms, moisturizers, and hair case products. Vegan squalene comes from olives and wheat germ, but the origin of squalene isn’t always clear on labels. 

Stearic acid, often used in soaps, hair products, and moisturizers, is usually derived from the stomachs of pigs, cows, or sheep. There is a plant-based version but as it is also called stearic acid, determining its origins in products not certified vegan requires further investigation. 

Are cosmetics tested on animals?

The Body Shop started campaigning against animal testing to make cosmetics in 1989. The UK banned the practice in 1998. 

But in May 2023 it emerged that the UK government was allowing animal testing for some ingredients used in cosmetics. This was to bring it in line with European Union rules on chemical testing. The EU allows animal tests for ingredients to ensure they were safe for workers manufacturing the ingredients.

More like this:

• A-List Celebrities Are Jumping On The Vegan Beauty Trend
• ‘Major Breakthrough’: 10 Brands Including Aussie And Dove Now Verified As Cruelty-Free
• Canada Bans ‘Cruel And Unnecessary’ Animal Testing For Cosmetics

The post The Body Shop Becomes 100 Percent Certified Vegan appeared first on Plant Based News.

If you’re a vegan considering getting inked, you may wonder if tattoos are vegan and whether it’s possible to find a cruelty-free option. Here’s everything you need to know. 

The history of tattooing

This article will primarily refer to the experiences of visiting contemporary tattoo parlors in the US and UK. However, it’s important to note that tattooing is not a practice confined to the modern, Western world. Tattoos have countless forms, meanings, and cultural contexts, and the earliest evidence of tattoo art dates back to 5000 BCE Japan.

Otzi – a mummified Bronze Age man from around 3300 BC and named after the region of the Alps he was found in – is still thought to be the oldest known human with preserved tattoos and has 57 distinct markings on his skin. (Something to bear in mind when you’re telling your parents about your already in-progress bodysuit.)

In the US, tattooing had a long Indigenous history before European colonization, a practice that some Native American communities are working to bring back. Meanwhile, the African continent has one of the single oldest histories of tattooing, dating back to Ancient Egypt and Sudan around 2000 BC.

As with previous ebbs and flows in tattoo culture throughout history, the ongoing Western boom is notable specifically because it follows a period where tattoos and other body modifications were discouraged or considered taboo by society at large.

In Italy, for example, national attitudes have changed a great deal in the last decade alone, and according to an online study by WorldAtlas, nearly half of Italy’s population now has tattoos – making it one of the most tattooed countries in Europe. In the US, a recent study carried out by Pew Research Center revealed that 32 percent of Americans have a tattoo, including 22 percent who have more than one.

Are tattoos vegan?

Due in part to the tattooing boom, there are countless different shops, artists, machines, inks, and aftercare products available today. This can make it tricky to figure out exactly what materials go into making a tattoo, and whether the process is vegan or not.

Some tattoo inks may contain animal products, including bone char for deep blacks, glycerin to stabilize the ink, and gelatin or shellac as binding agents.

Bone char, or “natural carbon,” is created via the charring of animal bones. It’s used in a variety of other products and processes along with ink, including the processing of cane sugar and, in some countries, for the treatment of drinking water.

Glycerin can be derived by manufacturers from plant or animal fats by separating the fatty acids from the desirable glycerol. In tattoo inks, glycerin helps prevent the liquid from drying out in the bottle, but it also determines viscosity and carries pigment.

Animal-derived gelatin is produced by boiling bones, skin, ligaments, and tendons. These materials are typically obtained from slaughterhouses, making them products of the meat and dairy industries and unsuitable for vegans.

Shellac, which is the second most common binding agent after gelatin, is a substance secreted by lac bugs. Much like honey, the way shellac is “farmed” from exploited beetles means it is not considered vegan-friendly. Furthermore, around 25 percent of shellac the product includes crushed beetles themselves.

Can you get vegan tattoo ink?

Some tattoo inks are unsuitable for vegans as they contain the animal products listed above. However, if you already have tattoos and you aren’t sure if they were made with non-vegan ink, please don’t panic – we live in a non-vegan world, and many people have no idea that some tattoo ink contains animal products. (Though you may prefer to use one of the many vegan-friendly tattoo shops for your next one!)

During production, most of the animal ingredients in tattoo ink can simply be swapped for vegan versions, such as plant-derived pigments and glycerine, which are also widely used in the industry. Many tattoo parlors are already using vegan ink without advertising it, and there are also an increasing number of businesses that explicitly market themselves as vegan. 

A huge number of vegan tattoo ink brands – along with the artists and shops – are either aware of or specifically choosing cruelty-free options during manufacturing. In fact, many renowned ink manufacturers including Eternal, Intenze, Silverback, and StarBrite all produce vegan inks.

Californian brand Quantum Tattoo Ink breaks down its ingredients list here and lists Organic vegan pigment and Kosher vegetable glycerin as alternatives to bone char and animal-derived glycerin. (Some companies claim that plant-based inks are better for clients’ health and more reliable overall, but there is no evidence to show this.)

Other tips for a vegan tattoo

Ink isn’t the only part of getting a tattoo that may not vegan-friendly. The stencil papers which artists use to transfer designs onto their customers are sometimes made using lanolin, the natural grease produced by wool-bearing animals like sheep.

Meanwhile, glycerin can be found on some disposable razors and in many of the aftercare soaps often used in tattoo shops, not just in the ink itself.

As with tattoo inks, the easiest way to find out about veganizing your entire tattoo experience is to speak with the artist. As the customer, your comfort is paramount, but tattoo artists are pros with vast knowledge of materials, processes, and results, so it’s worth taking their expert advice.

For a few simple workarounds, you could bring your own fresh razor to the appointment if the body part you’re getting tattooed is likely to need shaving. You could also choose an artist who tends to draw on designs freehand – circumventing the need for stencil paper at all.

As noted above, there are some all-vegan tattoo shops out there, and third-party aggregators like Vegan Tattoo Studios list many of them. Some shops and artists may specify that they are vegan on their websites or Instagram profiles, while others may not. The easiest way to find out if a tattoo will be vegan is to contact the shops or artists you’re interested in directly beforehand.

Even if a tattoo artist isn’t explicitly vegan themselves, requesting plant-based ink or a cruelty-free experience is common enough that many will be happy to accommodate you – or advise you of another shop or person to get in touch with.

Vegan tattoo aftercare

Following your tattoo, aftercare is important both as a way to prevent infection and ensure the long-term quality of the piece and the health of the surrounding skin. There are countless ways to do this, and the majority of people have their tried-and-true methods and products to achieve a clean heal with minimal flaws.

If it’s your first time, or you don’t know exactly what works for you yet, the best option is to simply ask the artist for any tips or recommendations. But if you want to do your research beforehand, there are a number of different vegan products.

The Aftercare Company produces a vegan version of its flagship balm, as does Easy Tattoo with its vegan Tattoo Wax, and After Inked with its Vegan Lotion Cream. Some folks simply use coconut oil, which works both as a moisturizer and anti-bacterial agent, or even unperfumed and aloe vera-rich body moisturizers.

However, even if you’re choosing your own aftercare regime, it’s best to talk to your tattoo artist about this as well, as the size, color, and location of a tattoo – plus the artist’s style – can all inform how you need to take care of it.

More like this:

• Non-Vegan Ingredients To Look Out For In Makeup And Beauty Products
• What’s The Problem With Collagen? What To Know About Its Ethical Costs
• Why Isn’t Wool Vegan? The Reality Of Sheep Shearing

The post Are Tattoos Vegan? Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Plant Based News.

The human body naturally produces collagen, which is responsible for healthy joints and supporting blood clotting. But collagen production slows down as we age, and many people buy collagen products because they believe they reduce wrinkles.

Beauty brand FaceGym’s vegan Active Blast collagen booster has been getting glowing reviews after relaunching this year in plastic-free and more climate-friendly packaging. But the Active Blast is actually unusual in the collagen business for its eco-credentials. 

Aside from being sourced from industries that exploit animals, collagen production has also been found to have environmental costs. Here’s how the global appetite for anti-ageing remedies is impacting animals and the planet.

What is collagen made from?

Collagen is a protein that the body makes from amino acids. In beauty and wellness products, the two main types come from cows and fish, known as bovine and marine collagen. It can also be sourced from pigs.

Bovine collagen is found in cows’ connective tissue, bones, cartilage, and skin – the latter of which is the source of most supplements available in stores. Marine collagen comes from the skin of fish as well as other sea animals such as jellyfish and sea cucumbers.

Collagen companies say that their supplements are natural and sustainable by-products of the beef and fishing industries. Vital Proteins, promoted in adverts by its Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Aniston, says that its marine collagen helps to reduce waste, and that its bovine collagen is “sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine.”

Bovine collagen and deforestation

Despite the healthy and sustainable image of collagen products, producing them from animals has been found to support, and even encourage, destructive practices.

An investigation released in March this year by the Guardian, Bureau of Investigative Journalism, Center for Climate Crime Analysis (CCCA), ITV, and Brazil’s O Joio e O Trigo in Brazil, uncovered links between collagen supply chains and Amazon deforestation. 

Cattle ranching is the leading cause of deforestation in the Amazon, largely for beef. But the booming collagen industry means that, along with leather, collagen makes up an increasing portion of the profit made from cow carcasses. 

The investigation found that some of the deforestation-linked collagen can be traced to Vital Proteins, which is owned by Nestlé. Yet marketing “grass-fed” and “pasture-raised” bovine collagen gives consumers the impression that this is a more ethical and natural choice than collagen from feedlot cattle.

Evidence of deforestation in beef supply chains has resulted in some companies making voluntary commitments to become deforestation-free. The European Union is also soon to ban the sale of some deforestation-linked products. But the collagen industry has so far avoided such scrutiny and is not obliged to track its environmental impacts.

Is marine collagen sustainable?

Demand for marine collagen also increasingly supports the fishing industry, which is depleting wild fish populations and degrading marine ecosystems. It has risen in popularity, with some in the beauty and wellness industries promoting it as superior to bovine collagen, as well as being suitable for people who don’t eat meat from land animals.

It is also marketed by manufacturers as more sustainable because it often comes from the skin of fishes who have been processed for food, thus reducing waste from fishing. But, as with bovine collagen, this could potentially provide a new revenue stream for seafood companies, making it more of a reason in itself for catching fishes.

Exploiting new species

The demand for high-quality collagen is also stimulating research into the best species for making beauty and wellness products. Collagen from sea cucumbers is a recent trend in the marine collagen industry, with proponents hailing its benefits for their skin. Several species of sea cucumber are already threatened or endangered due to being prized as a delicacy in some countries. 

Fishing industry bycatch may become another target for the collagen industry. One study argues that “bycatch organisms, such as undersized fish, jellyfish, sharks, starfish, and sponges” which are rich in collagen could be used in addition to fishing industry waste. This could incentivize fishing vessels to keep non-target species that end up in their nets and lines as bycatch.

In fact, the US National Bycatch Reduction Strategy actively encourages the “increased utilization” of bycatch, “finding incentives and developing markets to help reduce economic discards and increase the portion of the catch that is landed and sold.” This suggests that instead of eliminating bycatch, it could be recategorized as part of the intended catch if markets develop to give it more economic value.

The growing popularity of marine collagen is also driving some companies to start farming fishes specifically to produce it. This will supposedly address concerns about the sustainability of harvesting wild fish from the oceans. But farming fish to feed people and livestock has already given rise to many other environmental and ethical problems.

Can collagen be vegan?

Plants do not produce collagen, but there are plant ingredients which can supposedly boost our collagen production. These include aloe vera, ginseng, and foods rich in vitamin C, which is said to support collagen production.

Vegan collagens that are the same as that produced in the human body are also being developed using yeast. FaceGym’s Active Boost is made with fermented yeast. 

Other vegan collagen products have been on the market for a while. Mostly these are powders, gummies, and tablets made with ingredients which are supposed to stimulate collagen production. 

Some popular options include Starpowa Vegan Collagen Support Gummies, Botanycl Skinclear Elixir Vegan with Coconut Oil Powder, and Bioglan Superfoods Beauty Protein.

Does collagen work?

Studies into the efficacy of collagen supplements for skin and joint health have shown some positive results. But the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health warns that these studies have either been funded or partially funded by collagen companies or written by people with ties to the industry.

The Harvard School of Public Health also notes that it may not always be clear what collagen supplements contain, and in the US they are not reviewed for safety before being sold to consumers. 

Other medical professionals say that it isn’t clear that there is any benefit to taking collagen supplements. They recommend eating more foods that contain the amino acids collagen is made from in the human body. Plant foods that contain these amino acids include legumes, tofu, and spirulina.

The post What’s The Problem With Collagen? What To Know About Its Ethical Costs appeared first on Plant Based News.

Dubbed OHH! (standing for “Oh Hey Hero”), the gender-neutral collection of skincare basics currently stands at 10 items strong. Focused on personal grooming, lip balm, deodorant, and razors are all included.

“We don’t believe in complicated routines, layer upon layer of product and overpriced formulas – this collection is about inclusivity and accessibility while also being innovative and dependable,” Sabina Odqvist, head of Private Label H&M Beauty, said in a statement. 

Empowering Gen Z to ‘be their own hero’

The H&M OHH! range is unapologetically aimed at Gen Z shoppers, vegan or not. As such, it is focused on themes of “acceptance, expression, and individuality.”

Moreover, H&M revealed the vegan beauty launch was “inspired by every young person’s potential to be their own hero.”

The OHH! range also allows consumers to be a “hero” for non-human animals. Buying cruelty-free and vegan products lowers demand for alternatives that were developed using animal testing, or with animal-derived ingredients such as lanolin, beeswax, and cochineal.

Everything in the H&M OHH! beauty range

Clear Up Charlie Clarifying Body Serum – €7.99

Get Into The Smooth Body Scrub – €7.99

Little Champ Functional Moisturizing Stick – €7.99 

Little Mx Magic Body Lotion – €6.99

Prom Clean Body Wash – €4.99

Skin Saver Sidekick Shaving Gel – €7.99

Smells Like Rainbows Anti-Odor Spray – €7.99

Smells & Whistles Anti-Perspirant Roll-On – €7.99

The Caretaker Razor – €7.99 (comes with five blade refills with a vegan conditioning strip).

The Caretaker Razor Refill – €7.99 

Wonder Kid Hand Cream – €3.99

The OOH! Vegan beauty range from H&M is available online and in 2,000 selected stores worldwide.

The post H&M Taps Into The Vegan Beauty Trend With New OHH! Line appeared first on Plant Based News.

Going vegan is about more than just food, and shopping for suitable cosmetics can be a challenge. Without some prior knowledge, it can be difficult to know what is and isn’t vegan-friendly.

While many companies – including the likes of Kylie Cosmetics, Ariana Grande’s God Is A Woman, and Stella McCartney’s STELLA – are fully vegan, many brands offer just a few animal-free products.

Just to add to the confusion, some ingredients which can be derived from plants or animals have the same name – without the source identified (i.e. stearic acid). The only option here is to look up the manufacturer and see if it has gone into more detail on its website.

Below is a list of some of the most common animal ingredients, and their vegan alternatives.

Non-vegan ingredients in beauty products

1. Lanolin

This emollient is derived from sheep wool. It is a common ingredient in lip products (balms, sticks, glosses), as well as hair products. 

It’s used to soften and moisturize. Synthetic (and plant-based) lanolin exists, but be wary of so-called “cruelty-free” lanolin, which may be still be derived from wool. 

Alternatives include plant oils (i.e. coconut, olive) and butters (shea and coconut).

2. Shellac

A resinous product, obtained from lac bugs, shellac is used in nail products, as well as some hair lacquers. Shellac producers kill hundreds of thousands of these insects to create small amounts of this product.

3. Glycerine

This often comes from animal fats, and is commonly used in a range of products including soaps, hair care, makeup, and moisturizers. Some products use vegetable glycerin, which is suitable for vegans. 

It can be derived from soy, coconut oil, or palm oil (which some vegans choose to avoid).

4. Casein aka sodium caseinate or caseinate

Casein – used in conditioning hair products and face treatments – is usually derived from cow’s milk, and is therefore a non-vegan ingredient. Some vegan alternatives are made from plant-based milks, and will usually be labeled as a vegetable protein.

5. Squalene

Squalene producers extract this chemical from shark liver oil. It is commonly used in lip balm, deodorants, and moisturizers, among other products. 

It is considered a powerful ingredient with anti-ageing properties. Vegan squalene exists, and can be derived from olives and wheat germ. However, it is not always labeled as such, so you may have to do further research to establish whether it is plant-based.

6. Guanine

Created by scraping the scales off dead fish, guanine is sometimes used to make sparkly nail polish, eyeshadow, highlighters, bronzers, and blushes.

7. Oleic acid – aka oleyl stearate, oleyl oleate, or tallow

Companies use this animal fat as a softening and conditioning emollient in nail polish, soap, moisturizers, and makeup. Oleic acid can be plant-derived from a number of sources, including coconut, olives, and nuts. These forms may be labeled as vegan.

8. Animal hair

This can be found in brushes – even ones listed as “cruelty-free” – and is often sourced from fox, sable, horse, goat, mink, and squirrel. 

Animal hair – particularly mink – is also sometimes used in false eyelashes. Synthetic options are available.

9. Stearic acid

Generally derived from pigs’ stomachs (as well as cows and sheep), stearic acid is often found in deodorant, soaps, hair products and moisturizers. A vegan alternative (also called stearic acid) can be derived from plant fats. 

As well as being cruelty-free, the vegan version is also less likely to irritate the skin.

10. Carmine – aka cochineal, natural red 4, E120, and C.I. 75470 

This red colorant, which is often used in lipsticks, blushes and nail polish, is derived from insects. The cochineals are crushed and the color is extracted, with tens of thousands of the creatures killed to produce mere grams of dye.

11. Collagen

Used in lots of anti-ageing products, as well as lip plumping items, this fibrous protein is derived from animal tissue, bone, skin, or ligaments – often from cows. The efficacy of collagen, in terms of whether it can even penetrate the skin, is questionable. 

Plant-based alternatives include soy protein and almond oil.

12. Elastin

Often used in the same kind of products as collagen, elastin is also a protein extracted from the muscles, ligaments and aortas of animals. Vegan alternatives include hyaluronic acid and MSM.

13. Keratin

Keratin comes from the hair and horns of animals, and is often found in strengthening nail and hair products. Soy protein and almond oil are used as vegan alternatives.

14. Beeswax

Sometimes labeled as cera alba, this wax is often used in cosmetics to keep emulsions from separating into its oil and liquid components. Beauty brands use it in mascara too. 

Alternatives exist in the form of plant and soy waxes.

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This article was originally published on February 7, 2018. It was last updated on March 21, 2023.

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The post 14 Non-Vegan Ingredients To Look Out For In Makeup And Beauty Products appeared first on Plant Based News.

The fashion designer-turned-beauty-mogul has partnered with ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall, climate activist Xiye Bastida, and ecology advocate Poppy Okotcha. Social transformation campaigner Christabel Reed and climate communicator Tammy Gan complete the line-up of collaborators. 

In a statement, McCartney iterated that the STELLA skincare brand looks to drive change. It aims to do so by offering its global platform to “change-makers,” and “amplifying the important messages.”

McCartney added: “I am thrilled to be collaborating with [the Stella Voices], building together this bold community who believe in doing things differently.”

The concept also centers around individuals being environmentally conscious and mindful about personal care, while still being focused on significant issues.

“It’s about informing people that don’t know about the work that we’re all individually doing, and bringing to the forefront this idea that caring about beauty and beautiful things means you can also care about the planet,” McCartney told British Vogue.

Who do the Stella Voices being to?

Xiye Bastida

A globally recognized youth activist, Bastida campaigns for climate awareness and is leading the charge to make younger generations environmentally aware.

Aged 20, she has already been given a UN Spirit Award (in recognition of her climate activism) and co-founded the international organization Re-Earth. This project, launched with Joseph Wilkanowski, shines a light on the intersectionality of the climate crisis. Particular focus is given to Indigenous communities.

Dr. Jane Goodall

Considered to be one of the world’s leading experts on chimpanzees, Goodall is a committed conservationist and environmental advocate. 

Her work continues through the Jane Goodall Institute, which has branches in 25 countries. Furthermore, she is globally regarded as one of the most influential and important women of our time. To this end, she was immortalized as a limited-edition Barbie doll in 2022.

Poppy Okotcha

Taking a holistic approach in line with McCartney’s own, Okotcha talks in depth about replenishing the Earth and its ecosystems.

Another major focus for Okotcha is the idea of circularity and the nourishment of our bodies. She looks at how growing food at home can embrace both.

Tammy Gan

Gan is a digital content creator and a self-proclaimed “activist in progress.” She uses her platform to share and distribute information about the climate crisis and potential solutions. However, she prioritizes doing so in the most egalitarian ways possible.

Taking her activism further, Gan campaigns for climate justice, not just awareness. She also wants to contribute to the regeneration of the world.

Christabel Reed

Combining climate education with spirituality, Reed has launched two separate platforms, EcoResolution and Adaya, to promote wellbeing in every sense.

She is in the process of launching a third enterprise, called Earthed. This will offer users the chance to gain nature skills for conservation purposes.

The post Stella McCartney To ‘Amplify Message’ Of Climate Activists In New Campaign appeared first on Plant Based News.

Cruelty Free Kitty, a website that verifies and maintains a database of cruelty-free brands, announced the news. It confirmed that it had added 10 new cosmetics brands to its books. 

Previously, any company that sold products in mainland China could not be certified due to the fact that Chinese laws mandated animal tests for all cosmetics sold there. 

In recent years, however, China has gradually relaxed its rules, meaning these brands have been able to bypass pre-market and post-market animal testing. Their products are reportedly now not tested on animals anywhere in the world. 

The brands newly verified as cruelty-free are as follows:

• Herbal Essences
• Dove
• Wet n Wild
• Physicians Formula
• First Aid Beauty
• Supergoop!
• Rituals
• Aussie
• Simple
• Suave

“This is exciting news for the future of a more ethical beauty industry in 2023 and beyond, and we’re looking forward to more brands taking the humane route to enter the Chinese market,” Cruelty Free Kitty wrote on Instagram.

What does cruelty-free mean?

Cruelty-free brands are those that do not test their products – or their ingredients – on animals at any point.

It is not a regulated term, meaning companies are legally allowed to use it even if they do test on animals. 

Despite the fact an increasing number of countries are cracking down on cosmetics animal testing (it’s illegal in the EU and many US states), many make-up and beauty brands are not currently certified as cruelty-free. This is partly due to the fact that most larger companies choose to sell their products in China.

China’s relaxing of laws could, therefore, signal that more brands will become cruelty-free in the future. 

What’s the difference between cruelty-free and vegan?

While the above 10 brands are now considered cruelty-free, that doesn’t mean they’re vegan. 

Cruelty-free products may not be tested on animals, but they can still contain animal-derived ingredients (such as beeswax or dairy milk protein). 

However, many cruelty-free brands are also vegan, or offer at least some vegan products. If you’re not sure, you should always check with the manufacturer.  

The post ‘Major Breakthrough’: 10 Brands Including Aussie And Dove Now Verified As Cruelty-Free appeared first on Plant Based News.

There’s a good chance either you, or someone you know, is vegan or veg-curious. And, as Christmas fast approaches, you may be looking for that perfect cruelty-free gift to treat your loved one (or yourself, no judgment here…).

Many people think veganism just covers diet. But vegan living involves making plant-based and cruelty-free choices whenever possible, including clothing, beauty products, and entertainment, among others.

With this in mind, we’ve rounded up our picks of the best vegan gifts for 2022 – including cookbooks, shoes, accessories, skincare, and perfumes.

Vegan book gift ideas

‘This Is Vegan Propaganda’ – Ed Winters

If you’re just getting started on your vegan journey, or simply want to learn more about the movement, This Is Propaganda (& Other Lies The Meat Industry Tells You) is a must-read.

It was written by activist Earthling Ed (real name Ed Winters), and will likely answer any question you have about veganism. Whether you want to learn about animal rights, the environment, or human health, the book provides a readable and digestible account of everything plant-based.

Cost: £12.09

Click here to buy

Asian Green cookbook

A cookbook is sure to be a well-received gift for any vegan. This recipe book from Ching-He Huang is ideal for anyone who may not be particularly well-versed in the kitchen, as it creates simple recipes that are as easy to follow as they are delicious.

Highlights include Wok-Fried Orange-Soy Sticky Sprouts & Wild Rice Salad, Peking Mushroom Pancakes, and Smoked Tofu & Brocollo Korean-style Ram-don. The book even shows you how to make your own tofu and seitan.

Cost: £15

Click here to buy

Vegan air fryer cookbook

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll be aware that pretty much everyone had good things to say about air fryers in 2022. Whether you’re at a party, the office, or somewhere in the middle of the woods, you’re almost guaranteed to be near someone talking about how “life-changing” theirs is.

Luckily, it couldn’t be easier for vegans to join in the fun – as demonstrated by this incredible cookbook. From fried green tomatoes to crunchy onion rings, there’s an air-fried plant-based dish for everyone.

Cost: £12.21

Click here to buy

The Vegan Travel Handbook

If you’re a vegan who’s done a lot of traveling, you’ll be aware that it can be an *experience* to say the least.

While veganism is seeing a surge in popularity across the globe, it can be tricky to know where to go, and what foods are safe to eat, in countries you’re not familiar with. This handy book is a guide to vegan-friendly travel, offering expert advice on areas to visit and the best restaurants to eat at.

Cost: £9.09

Click here to buy

Vegan food and drink gift ideas

The LoveRaw selection box

LoveRaw is quickly achieving icon status for its delicious range of plant-based chocolate. This year, the brand has launched two gift boxes, which make for a perfect gift for any sweet-toothed vegan.

You can choose from its Selection Box, which features an array of bars, or a box filled with LoveRaw’s Christmas Nutty Choc Balls.

Cost: varies

Visit the LoveRaw website to buy

The Big Vegan Cheese Making Kit

It’s safe to say that vegan cheese has a pretty bad reputation. While there was once a time when it was indeed a highly questionable option found hidden away in health food shops, there is now an abundance of delicious plant-based cheeses available to buy in supermarkets across the UK.

But if you aren’t a fan of the usual brands, why not make your own? This Big Vegan Cheese Making Kit comes complete with everything you need to create nut-based Mozzarella, Ricotta, Mascarpone, Halloumi, Feta, and Parmesan.

Cost: £28.50

Click here to buy

Vegan wine duo – Virgin Wines

It may come as a surprise to some that many wines aren’t vegan-friendly. This is because of how it’s filtered, with many manufacturers using animal-derived ingredients like egg whites or milk protein as part of the process.

Thankfully, though, there are now many wines that only use plant-based ingredients. It can sometimes be difficult to tell which are vegan-friendly, so Virgin Wines has created this handy duo that would make a perfect gift this Christmas, or any other special occasion.

Cost: £29.99

Click here to buy

Cruelty-free fashion gift ideas

Vegan Rebel cap – Sarah Regensburger

Sarah Regensburger was recently named PETA UK’s designer of the year – and we can see why.

The vegan designer uses sustainable materials like cactus leather in her edgy and thought-provoking designs. Her mantra is “We Are The Rebels With A Cause,” as showcased by this gorgeous “Vegan Rebel” cap.

Cost: £59

Click here to buy

Cruelty-free bag – JW PEI Gabbi

Anyone who’s been vegan for any length of time will know that buying clothes and accessories can be a struggle. Many mainstream brands have traditionally used leather to make bags, and cruelty-free options were previously hard to come by.

But now, many designers are getting the memo that consumers want leather-free accessories. This bag from JW PEI is made with vegan leather and animal-free suede, and also comes in a range of colors.

Cost: £59

Click here to buy

Vegan sneakers –  Løci 

Sneakers have also been traditionally tricky to navigate for vegans, with many using leather as a main material.

In recent years, there has been an influx of vegan sneaker brands aiming to tackle this problem. LØCI is one of them. The London-based company uses sustainable materials, and counts Mila Kunis, Jessica Alba, and Ben Affleck among its fans. What’s more, actor Leonardo DiCaprio invested in the brand earlier this year.

Cost: £140

Click here to buy

Vegan grape leather sliders – GANNI

If you want to really treat your loved one this Christmas, these luxury sliders made from grape leather will be a great addition to any fashion-lovers summer wardrobe.

While the warm months may seem like a million years away right now for those in the UK, it’s never too early to start planning your holiday clothes.

Cost: £122

Click here to buy

Vegan beauty gift ideas

STELLA vegan skincare line

Earlier this year, Stella McCartney delighted conscious consumers everywhere when she announced a new vegan skincare line. The collection, which is not tested on animals, is described as a sustainable and minimalist approach to skincare.

It features just three products – a cleanser, a daily-use serum, and a moisturizing cream.

Cost: varies

Click here to buy

Ariana Grande ‘God is a Woman’ perfume

It’s not widely known that many perfumes aren’t suitable for vegans. A large number contain animal-derived ingredients, and most mainstream products come from brands that test on animals.

As cruelty-free perfume can be hard to come by, it would make an ideal gift for any vegan in your life. Ariana Grande’s God Is A Woman fragrance has racked up a number of five-star reviews from happy customers.

Cost: £40

Click here to buy

Kylie Cosmetics

Kylie Cosmetics – which comes from entrepreneur and reality star Kylie Jenner – is one of those rare make-up brands that’s entirely vegan (meaning cruelty-free and made with all-vegan ingredients).

There are a wide range of make-up sets to choose from, but the Holiday Collection Pressed Powder Palette would make an ideal seasonal gift.

Cost: £46

Click here to buy

See here for a roundup of Black-owned businesses to support this holiday season, or here for some zero-waste gift ideas.

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The post Plant Based News’ Ultimate Vegan Christmas Gift Guide For 2022 appeared first on Plant Based News.

The accreditation covers every product produced under the Rimmel banner. Present in more than 80 countries, the portfolio is large. As per CFI’s rules, in-depth auditing was conducted across the whole range, which Rimmel reportedly welcomed.

The Coty-owned cosmetics brand has committed to ongoing independent audits of its entire supply chain. This is necessary to remain a verified cruelty-free manufacturer.

“At Coty, we know that consumers don’t want to make trade-offs; they want accessible, kind and cruelty-free beauty,” Stefano Curti, Coty’s chief brands officer, said in a statement. 

“Rimmel stands for a better kind of beauty for all, and I’m thrilled that it has achieved Leaping Bunny approval. We are proud to stand with Cruelty Free International in its aim to end animal testing in the cosmetics industry,” he concluded.

A beauty giant hops on board the cruelty-free trend

Coty has worked with CFI since 2018 and including Rimmel, now has four brands certified by the Leaping Bunny Programme. Alongside Rimmel, Manhattan and Risqué both just gained approval. Covergirl led the way with certification back in 2018.

“We began our partnership with Coty in 2018, and I’m delighted to enter the next phase of that with Leaping Bunny approval for Rimmel, Manhattan and Risqué,” Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty-Free International, said in a statement.

“It’s such an important time for Coty and major brands like these to demonstrate their commitment to a beauty industry based on kinder science. Welcome to the Leaping Bunny family!”

Coty claims that it is vigorously fighting to end animal testing across the entire cosmetics sector. In its Against Animal Testing Policy, it states that it continues to work closely with CFI, to gain Leaping Bunny approval for more of its brands.

Official accreditation for Kylie Cosmetics, the highly successful and influential brand Coty bought from Kylie Jenner in 2020, would be a high-profile addition to the Leaping Bunny Programme. However, no plans have been announced to date.

More cruelty-free and vegan beauty lines

It’s been a busy year for skincare and beauty launches, with multiple big names showcasing cruelty-free and vegan lines.

Stella McCartney recently debuted her STELLA range; a minimalist approach to skincare made with animal-free ingredients and certified by the Leaping Bunny Programme. However, the fashion designer is in the minority as most other celebrity launches haven’t had cruelty-free accreditation.

Ariana Grande’s God is a Woman skincare line is yet to be Leaping Bunny approved. Her prior perfume releases do carry the logo, leading to speculation that her skincare will follow.

Similarly, Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs and Kim Kardashian’s SKKN, another Coty brand, both claim to be vegan and cruelty-free. But neither carries official cruelty-free certification.

Earlier this year, Rimmel launched its new vegan Kind & Free range. Every product avoids fragrance, mineral oils, and animal-derived ingredients, while also being cruelty-free.

The post Rimmel London Is Now Certified Cruelty-Free By Leaping Bunny appeared first on Plant Based News.

Four products are confirmed currently, including a cleanser, two creams, and a serum. The least expensive item in the range is the cleanser, which comes in at $80 (£70). The other three formulations each cost more than $300 (£265). This makes it potentially one of the most expensive celebrity-backed collections to date.

It appears that a former flame was at least partially influential in Pitt’s decision to launch a skincare line. Speaking to Vogue, he said: “I love what Gwyneth [Paltrow]’s done [with Goop]. She is still a really dear friend, and she has built this empire.” 

Pitt worked with existing business partners from the Perrin family. The organic wine growers in the Southern Rhône Valley previously collaborated with the actor to produce a successful rosé wine line.

What is commanding the high price tag?

Pitt and his development team have used two expensive patented active ingredients in the formulas. Called GSM10 and ProGR3, both claim to offer advanced anti-aging capabilities for all skin types.

GSM10, which helps to prevent collagen breakdown, is the result of a decade of research into the efficiency of Grenache grape seeds and Syrah grape seeds and skins. ProGR3 has been developed using chamomile, green tea, and plant extracts and has been shown to improve visible signs of aging.

Also driving up the price is the local approach to ingredients selection. All components are listed as having a “100 percent traceable origin,” with between 96 and 99 percent coming from natural sources.

Combined, the ingredients have created an uncertified vegan skincare range. There is no clarification on the cruelty-free status. However, cosmetics animal testing is banned in France, thanks to a 2009 EU-wide ban.

Tapping into the sustainable trend

In addition to jumping on the popular celebrity vegan beauty trend, Pitt’s brand seeks to earn eco credibility with conscious packaging choices.

All of the products are refillable, with containers made from glass, with oak caps. The wood is sourced from leftover wine barrels. Plastic is kept to a minimum but features in refill containers. When needed, all plastic is said to be post-consumption recycled material, which can be recycled afterward.

Also prioritizing sustainable packaging, Stella McCartney also recently launched her own skincare range. Certified vegan and cruelty-free, the entire portfolio has been designed to minimize emissions and was audited by an independent sustainability consultancy prior to being unveiled.

McCartney’s line is on the higher end of the price scale but is still dwarfed by Pitt. The most expensive product in the “STELLA” range comes in at $140, less than half of most of Pitt’s items.

Taking the Kardashian crown

Prior to Pitt’s pricey launch, Kim Kardashian came under fire for her own vegan skincare line’s pricing. Costing $673 for a nine-piece collection, SKKN by Kim has been accused of up-charging due to Kardashian’s celebrity status.

“The products don’t look like they’re anything groundbreaking or novel that you couldn’t find elsewhere, and there are much more affordable products on the market that have very similar formulations,” certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi told USA Today.

Kardashian was also lambasted for claiming that her skincare is highly sustainable when in fact, her products feature non-recyclable plastic outer sleeves for aesthetic purposes.

Find out more about Le Domaine and its range of products here.

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The range, called STELLA, is described as a minimalist and sustainable approach to effective skin care.

It was launched in collaboration with high fashion conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (known simply as LVMH). The whole product line contains just three products: a cleanser, a daily-use serum, and a moisturizing cream, costing from $45 to $140 each.

“I want less, and I want it to work,” McCartney said in a statement.

“I want it to be honest and to complement my way of thinking, and of living life. Obviously I wanted to do the cleanest skincare that we could do in luxury, the purest of the pure.”

The full range has been certified by the Cruelty-Free International Leaping Bunny Programme, alongside the Vegan Society.

‘Years in the making’

McCartney claims that she has been working on her three products for two years. The extended development time has been attributed to the designer’s unyielding approach to sourcing environmentally sustainable ingredients and packaging.

The brand states that it was able to disregard nearly 2,000 commonly used ingredients. This was due to emissions attributed to the extraction or production of them. The result is a range made with a minimum of 99 percent natural ingredients, all of which were audited by environmental sustainability consultancy Quantis before being selected.

Products are supplied in reusable and recycled glass containers with pumps made from recycled plastic. The brand offers refills in conscious packaging in the form of biodegradable pouches, made from wood waste.

Looking to reduce the carbon footprint of the range further, McCartney prioritized shipping over air freight. This allowed for a one-third reduction in overall impact.

“At every stage, I have challenged myself to make the most responsible decisions, that ranges from the mode of transportation (maximizing sea-freight over air-freight) to banning single-use products through the innovative refill system we implemented,” McCartney told Glamour Magazine.

Celebrity vegan beauty: the trend that keeps growing

McCartney becomes the latest in a long line of celebrities to enter the lucrative vegan beauty sector, which is predicted to reach $21.4 billion by 2027.

Kate Moss recently announced the launch of her own luxury brand, Cosmoss. It features an array of self-care items, including perfume and, unconventionally, tea bags. The new brand is marketing the products as vegan and cruelty-free.

Last month, Ariana Grande unveiled her God is a Woman beauty line, created with Ulta. Having been vegan for more than 10 years, the range follows multiple perfume releases from Grande and the opening of an animal rescue center in 2019.

The STELLA range is available to buy now at Stella McCartney Beauty.

The post Stella McCartney Launches Vegan Skincare Range appeared first on Plant Based News.