The most common reason many people go vegan is to live a cruelty free lifestyle. Animal welfare is incredibly important, and often even animal products, which are labelled as organic and free range can still have less than suitable standards. The perceived health benefits of going vegan are mainly due to an increased consumption of plants such as vegetables and pulses, which can help reduce mortality and cancer risk.
Going vegan also helps the planet by reducing the carbon footprint and replenishing depleted oceans and wildlife, which is why we feel very strongly about only representing ethical vegan brands and the reason why in 2019 we became a 100% exclusively vegan online store.
There is actually a lot of miscommunication around vegan skin care products. What’s on the label may not always be what it seems and vegan beauty does not always mean ‘no animal testing’.
A product that is labelled ‘cruelty-free’ usually means that the product has not been tested on animals. A product labelled as ‘vegan’ means that it does not contain any animal or animal by products. So, legally a product can be labelled as ‘vegan’ yet may still use ingredients that have been tested on animals. Likewise with a product that is labelled ‘cruelty-free’, this product is likely not tested on animals but may contain some non vegan ingredients.
- Lanolin – Derived from sheep’s wool, lanolin is used as a moisturiser and is often found in creams and balms
- Squalene – Squalene is actually a component of our own skin, and it can be derived both from animal and non-animal sources. It is used in many anti-aging creams and serums, due to its anti-oxidant and hydrating properties. Animal sources of squalene are derived from shark liver oil, however, it can also be derived from olives and wheat germ
- Shellac – Used in nail polish and some hair sprays as a resin for setting, shellac is made from crushed up insects (lac bugs)
- Glycerine – Used as a lubricant and humectant in most beauty products. Animal sources are derived from animal fat, however, glycerine can also be derived from soy, coconut oil or palm oil (known as vegetable glycerine)
- Stearic Acid – Used as a surfactant and emulsifier, stearic acid is most commonly sourced from animal fat from pig, cow or sheep stomach. Vegan stearic acid is derived from vegetable fats
- Collagen – Used in anti-aging skin care products for its skin plumping effects, collagen is derived from animal tissues, usually the bone, skin or ligaments of cows
- Beeswax – Lip balms, lipsticks, and mascara commonly contain beeswax to keep the oils and liquids in the product from separating. Vegan alternatives include Shea nut butter and cocoa butter It does take a little bit of research on your part as a consumer to know which brands are ethical, vegan and cruelty-free, which can be confusing and time consuming.
Aida is the proud founder of Sassy Organics and a long time user of organics products. Aida launched Sassy Organics after discovering that there was an abounding count of chemicals absorbed by our bodies found in our daily everyday products like toothpaste, hair, and body products. Aida’s idea for Sassy Organics came from her belief that prevention is better than cure. Her ethical business makes it possible for anyone to embrace this lifestyle.