Vegan and Cruelty-free Beauty Brands You Need

Switching up your routine for Veganuary? You’re in the right place. #VeganBeauty has been trending on TikTok with over 132.3 thousand posts and it’s never been easier to be a little more conscious without compromising on performance. 

From cruelty-free to must-have vegan beauty products, we’ve rounded up the very best to give your routine a refresh. Think: high-performance skincare, makeup, haircare, and fragrance that deliver results while staying kind, ethical and totally on-trend. Whether you’re starting small or going all in, these picks make it irresistible to embrace a conscious beauty routine.

Discover the best vegan and cruelty-free beauty brands at a glance - our top picks:

Youth to the People Superfood Skin Drip™ - Smooth + Glow Barrier Serum with Kale + Niacinamide, £25

BYOMA Universal Skin Heroes Set, £22

OLAPLEX Rich Hydration Mask, £39

Nécessaire The Lip Balm, £26

The 7 Virtues Buttercream Haze Eau de Parfum, from £30

By Sephora UK Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 19 January 2025

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

A: Brands well-established and new to the beauty sphere have been seriously addressing their eco-conscious stance in recent years, but what does it mean to be a cruelty-free and vegan beauty brand? 

Cruelty-free accreditation assures you that there has been no form of animal testing at any point in the creation of a brand's products - not during production, not the final product or by any third-party. For peace of mind, our list contains only brands that have been certified cruelty-free. And does 100% vegan mean cruelty-free? A common misconception is that cruelty-free means vegan and vice-versa, when this is not always the case. The best vegan beauty brands mean there are no animal ingredients or animal-derived ingredients in a product, like Honey, Beeswax, and Collagen.

Q: Which makeup brands are vegan and cruelty-free?

A: If you’re looking to create your next look using makeup brands that are planet-caring and cruelty-free, look to Fenty Beauty, HAUS LABS by Lady Gaga, ILIA and Rare Beauty to name but a few. So many beauty brands are now responsibly-sourcing vegan ingredients for their products, so head to Clean at Sephora to add even more to your go-tos.

Q: What skincare is vegan and cruelty-free?

A: Skincare brands that are serious about their ingredients range from the long-established to the new kids on the block. Some of our faves include Aveda, Pai, Aesop and indē wild, and you’ll find even more to try at Clean at Sephora. You’re welcome.

Q: What are the best vegan beauty brands for beginners?

A: Making the switch to vegan beauty has never been easier thanks to so many great brands and products. We love Youth to the People, Nécessaire and BYOMA for high-performance products that do good on every level. From hydrating creams and glow-boosting serums to must-have lip balms and makeup essentials, these brands all make it super fun to experiment and build a cruelty-free routine that actually works.

Q: Is vegan makeup more sustainable?

A: On the whole, it’s often more sustainable because it skips animal-derived ingredients, which reduces environmental impact. A lot of vegan brands also focus on ethical sourcing, cruelty-free practices and eco-conscious packaging, too. While “vegan” doesn’t automatically mean zero waste, vegan products typically prioritise recyclable materials, minimal packaging and clean, responsibly sourced ingredients which helps you build a more eco-friendly beauty routine.