The ethical beauty market is stronger than ever before. Gone are the days of compromising on a product’s efficacy or luxury in choosing to support a particular set of values.
In fact, a number of contemporary beauty brands are positioning themselves as the leaders in research and high-performing formulas, all whilst maintaining a cruelty-free moral stance. Here, our Editor talks through some of the best cruelty-free, vegan and organic beauty products of the moment.
The ethical beauty market is stronger than ever before. Gone are the days of compromising on a product’s efficacy or luxury in supporting a particular set of values. Here, our Editor talks through some of the best cruelty-free products of the moment.
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% +HA Spheres, £5
Contemporary skincare brand The Ordinary made waves in the beauty industry when they launched their range of completely vegan and cruelty-free affordable products. This anti-ageing treatment contains concentrated levels of vitamin C – an effective antioxidant that brightens and improves uneven skin tone – with hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate skin. Apply to dry, cleansed skin at night before your moisturiser.
Aveda Shampure Shampoo, £14.50 and Conditioner, £16.50
Aveda pride themselves on setting an example for environmental responsibility with their naturally derived formulas, 100% wind-powered facilities and promise of cruelty-free testing since they launched in 1978. Their popular shampure™ range – infused with the brand’s iconic aroma of 25 pure flower and plant essences – gently cleanses and fortifies hair with the protein-rich shampoo and conditioner.
Evolve Organic Beauty Lip Treat, £10
Vegan lip balms are pretty hard to come by – their formulas often containing lanolin or beeswax – but Evolve’s entire range is vegan and cruelty-free. Their Lip Treat blends organic shea and cocao butter to nourish and replenish dry lips. Plus, blood orange essential oil promotes the production of collagen, whilst providing a beautifully fragrant aroma.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation, £32
It’s surprisingly difficult to find 100% vegan friendly make-up products, but Charlotte Tilbury's line is made up of a high proportion of products that do not contain animal by-products. Her bestselling Magic Foundation is a medium to full coverage foundation with SPF 15 and vitamin C to fight the signs of ageing whilst collagen-boosting ingredients, such as hyaluronic filling spheres and mushroom extract firms and plumps the skin for a smoother finish.
REN Neroli and Grapefruit Body Cream, £20
REN pride themselves on their approach to clean skincare, championing natural bio-actives that stay clear of harsh chemicals, unnecessary waste and testing on animals. Thankfully, their cult products do not disappoint – their vegan body cream is a creamy moisturiser that hydrates, softens and sinks into skin fast. Plus, the neroli and cold pressed grapefruit oil leaves a zesty, invigorating fragrance on the skin that’s a perfect morning pick-me-up.
Aurelia Botanical Cream Deodorant, £18
If you’re looking for a natural, aluminium-free deodorant that really works, Aurelia’s Botanical Cream Deodorant is for you. Formulated for all skin types, including ultra-sensitive, this cream-to-powder formula harnesses antimicrobial arrowroot and kaolin to absorb your natural perspiration throughout the day. Natural shea butter gently hydrates whilst tea tree and eucalyptus acts as a natural antiseptic that blends with lavender for a natural, delicate fragrance.
Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner, £18
Pixi’s best-selling Glow Tonic is a liquid exfoliator that purifies and soothes the skin with a balancing blend of glycolic acid, ginseng and aloe vera. The vegan formula gently removes dead skin cells and accelerates cell renewal for a brighter, glowing complexion.
NIOD Survival 30, £25
This is no ordinary sunscreen. Using the latest in UV protection technology, this lightweight formula contains purified lutein, deep sea algae and anti-inflammatory properties with a mineral-only UVB and UVA SPF 30 protection to deflect free radicals, pollution and infrared light. The vegan, gluten and cruelty-free formula sinks into the skin quickly and provides a protective shield that prevents the signs of ageing and stress on the skin throughout the day.
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, £16.50
As well as being cruelty-free since launch, Liz Earle’s line of products are all suitable for vegetarians. Their most iconic product, Cleanse & Polish, champions the hot cloth cleansing method. The rich, luxurious formula infused with cocoa butter, rosemary and chamomile removes all traces of make-up and dirt leaving the skin feeling smooth and clean.
Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream, £30.50
The majority of Dr. Hauschka’s 100% natural and organic face and body products maintain the original formulations the brand initially launched back in 1967. Their Rose Day Cream Light has all the protective and fortifying qualities of the beloved original Rose Day Cream, but in a lighter formula that’s perfect for sensitive skin or warmer weather.