Firstly you might be wondering what the difference between Cruelty-free and Vegan products is? Surely they mean the same thing right? No.
Cruelty-free means the product wasn’t tested on animals, and Vegan means that the item in question does not contain animal derivatives. You can (in theory) have a cruelty-free product that is NOT vegan. OR a Vegan product that WAS tested on animals. Check packaging, certifications and the ingredients list.
So you can shop confidently: Clementine is BOTH Vegan and certified cruelty-free. Read more about our cruelty-free policy here.
Animal derivatives in skincare are surprisingly common and can appear under various names. Here are some of the most common ones to watch out for:
1. Lanolin
- What it is: Derived from sheep's wool, it’s used as an emollient to moisturise and protect the skin.
- Common uses: Lip balms, moisturisers, and hand creams.
- Vegan alternatives: Plant-based waxes like candelilla or carnauba, or butters like shea and cocoa.
2. Beeswax (Cera Alba)
- What it is: Produced by bees, it’s often used to create a protective barrier on the skin.
- Common uses: Lip balms, salves, and creams.
- Vegan alternatives: Candelilla wax, soy wax, or rice bran wax.
3. Collagen and Elastin
- What it is: Typically sourced from animal connective tissues (e.g., cows, fish) to improve skin elasticity.
- Common uses: Anti-aging products and serums.
- Vegan alternatives: Plant-based collagen (from yeast or algae) and elastin boosters like hyaluronic acid.
4. Carmine (CI 75470)
- What it is: A red pigment made from crushed cochineal insects.
- Common uses: Lipsticks, blush, and eyeshadows.
- Vegan alternatives: Plant-based pigments like beetroot, red radish extract, or synthetic dyes.
5. Squalene
- What it is: Originally derived from shark liver oil, it’s used as a skin-conditioning agent.
- Common uses: Moisturisers, serums, and sunscreens.
- Vegan alternatives: Plant-derived squalane from olives or sugarcane.
6. Keratin
- What it is: Derived from animal hooves, feathers, and horns, it’s used to strengthen hair and nails.
- Common uses: Hair treatments, shampoos, and conditioners.
- Vegan alternatives: Hydrolyzed wheat protein or soy protein (we use wheat protein in our shampoo bars)
7. Stearic Acid
- What it is: Often sourced from animal fats but can also be plant-based.
- Common uses: Soaps, moisturisers, and cosmetics.
- Vegan alternatives: Ensure stearic acid is plant-derived (from coconut).
8. Gelatin
- What it is: Derived from animal collagen, it’s used as a thickener or stabiliser.
- Common uses: Masks, hair gels, and some capsules.
- Vegan alternatives: Agar-agar or pectin.
9. Shellac
- What it is: Made from the secretions of the lac bug, it’s used to add shine.
- Common uses: Nail polishes and some hair sprays.
- Vegan alternatives: Plant-based resins or synthetic polymers.
10. Tallow (Sodium Tallowate)
- What it is: Rendered animal fat, sometimes used in soaps.
- Common uses: Bar soaps and shaving creams.
- Vegan alternatives: Plant-based oils like coconut oil or olive oil.
11. Guanine (CI 75170)
- What it is: Made from fish scales, it gives products a pearlescent sheen.
- Common uses: Nail polish, eyeshadows, and highlighters.
- Vegan alternatives: Synthetic or mica-based shimmer.
12. Casein
- What it is: A milk protein used for its conditioning properties.
- Common uses: Creams, masks, and hair conditioners.
- Vegan alternatives: Plant proteins like soy or oat.
Any that surprised you?
