Your glow-up might be hiding in the fine print of your skincare labels—especially if you haven’t checked what’s really behind that smooth finish.
Let’s be real—most of us have stood in the skincare aisle, scanning a long label while silently wondering if “glyceryl stearate” is a friend or foe.
Add a planet-first mindset, and suddenly you’re not just picking a moisturizer—you’re decoding a chemistry syllabus.
But here’s the kicker: even clean-leaning products can sneak in animal-derived ingredients that don’t align with a vegan lifestyle. Some are obvious (collagen, we see you), but others? Not so much.
If your goal is radiant, healthy skin and a beauty routine that matches your values, it’s time to take a closer look. Below are seven non-vegan ingredients to avoid—and what to use instead.
1. Lanolin
What it is: An emollient derived from sheep’s wool.
Lanolin shows up in moisturizers, lip balms, and hand creams because it locks in hydration. But the process of extracting it often involves animal exploitation, especially in industrial-scale farming where animal welfare isn’t prioritized.
Why skip it: It’s not cruelty-free, and honestly, we’ve got better options now.
What to try instead: Look for plant-based emollients like shea butter, jojoba oil, or cupuaçu butter. These deliver that rich, smooth texture without the woolly baggage.
2. Carmine
What it is: A red pigment made by crushing cochineal insects.
Yes, crushed beetles. Carmine gives lipsticks, blushes, and even nail polish that vibrant pink or red hue. It goes by other names too—cochineal extract, crimson lake, or natural red 4.
Why skip it: Aside from the ick factor, it takes around 70,000 bugs to make one pound of dye. That’s a lot of tiny lives for one lipstick.
What to try instead: Brands like Axiology and E.L.F. use beetroot, radish, and synthetic vegan colorants that are just as bright, without the bug drama.
3. Collagen
What it is: A structural protein found in animal connective tissue—usually from cows or fish.
Collagen’s having a serious moment in the wellness world, thanks to claims about skin plumpness and elasticity. But spoiler: topical collagen doesn’t actually penetrate the skin deep enough to rebuild anything.
Why skip it: Not only is it animal-derived, but it also doesn’t do what it promises—at least not when applied topically.
What to try instead: Reach for vegan collagen boosters made from plant peptides and vitamins like C and E. Ingredients like bakuchiol (a plant-based retinol alternative) and tremella mushroom (nature’s hyaluronic acid) can help the skin produce its own collagen naturally.
4. Beeswax
What it is: A wax produced by bees to build honeycomb structures.
It’s a go-to for lip balms, mascaras, and creams because it adds structure and forms a barrier to lock in moisture.
Why skip it: Commercial beekeeping often involves practices that can harm bee colonies—including cutting off the queen’s wings or replacing honey with sugar water, which weakens hive immunity.
What to try instead: Candelilla wax, derived from a shrub native to Mexico and the Southwest, mimics the texture of beeswax beautifully—and it’s entirely plant-based. Other great swaps include carnauba wax or rice bran wax.
5. Squalene (from sharks)
What it is: A natural lipid originally harvested from shark liver oil.
Squalene is prized for its moisturizing power and is often used in serums and creams. But the shark-derived version is deeply unsustainable and contributes to overfishing and ecological imbalance.
Why skip it: It’s estimated that over 2.7 million sharks are killed annually for squalene. That’s a lot of impact for one ingredient.
What to try instead: Plant-based squalane (with an “a”) comes from olives, sugarcane, or rice bran—and it works just as well. Most ethical brands now clearly label theirs as vegan, so it’s easy to spot.
6. Placenta extract
What it is: A substance derived from the placenta of animals—usually pigs or sheep—used in some anti-aging and firming creams.
Placenta extract is marketed for its supposed regenerative properties, often claiming to reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity. It’s most common in niche or luxury products, particularly in Asia and some high-end Western brands.
Why skip it: Beyond being animal-derived, the production lacks transparency. It raises ethical concerns about how animals are treated and how placental material is sourced.
What to try instead: Plant-based peptides, aloe vera, and bakuchiol (a gentle, botanical alternative to retinol) offer similar skin-renewing benefits—without relying on questionable animal byproducts. These ingredients help stimulate skin repair and boost hydration in a way that aligns with a compassionate beauty routine.
7. Stearic acid (from animal fat)
What it is: A fatty acid that acts as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and softener in everything from lotion to sunscreen.
Here’s the tricky part: stearic acid can be plant- or animal-derived, and labels rarely say which. That makes it a sneaky one to watch for.
Why skip it: When animal-derived, it’s usually sourced from slaughterhouse byproducts—meaning it’s part of a much larger industry chain.
What to try instead: Choose brands that list their stearic acid as “plant-derived” or use alternatives like palmitic acid from palm or coconut oil (bonus points if it’s sustainably sourced).
Why this matters
Choosing vegan skincare isn’t just about ethics—it’s about transparency, sustainability, and self-care that reflects your values.
Many animal-derived ingredients come from industries with heavy environmental footprints, questionable labor practices, and murky supply chains. By opting for plant-based alternatives, you're supporting cleaner formulations and brands that prioritize both people and the planet.
Plus, as more consumers demand vegan and cruelty-free options, the market responds. Every time you buy a beet-colored blush or a rice wax balm, you help normalize ethical beauty. And that ripple matters.
How to make the switch
If you’re ready to upgrade your routine, here’s how to start:
1. Check labels—but don’t panic.
You don’t need a degree in cosmetic chemistry. Just start recognizing the big ones: lanolin, carmine, collagen, beeswax, squalene, placenta extract, and stearic acid.
2. Use apps like CodeCheck or Think Dirty.
These scan products and flag non-vegan or unsustainable ingredients in seconds. Total time-savers.
3. Follow certified vegan and cruelty-free brands.
Think: Pacifica, Youth to the People, Herbivore, and E.L.F. Many are now just as effective (and luxurious) as legacy brands.
4. Replace one product at a time.
You don’t need a full shelf sweep. Start with your daily essentials—like lip balm or moisturizer—and work outward.
5. Stay curious.
New formulations pop up all the time. Keep learning, testing, and finding what feels good on your skin and your conscience.
Final words
Flawless skin doesn’t start and end with a fancy serum—it begins with ingredients that care as much as you do.
By saying goodbye to outdated, animal-derived ingredients, you're not just doing your skin a favor. You're choosing beauty that’s rooted in kindness, sustainability, and transparency.
And that glow? It’s not just from your moisturizer.
It’s from knowing exactly what you stand for—and what you no longer need to settle for.
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