ULTIMATE Cruelty-Free & Vegan Makeup Guide

Looking for cruelty-free and vegan makeup brands? This list is curated to ensure ALL brands are 100% vegan and 100% cruelty-free, including their parent company (if they have one).

VEGAN RABBIT STANDARD:

  • 100% VEGAN PRODUCT LINE (NO animal-derived ingredients)
  • 100% CRUELTY-FREE
    • NO animal testing for finished products
    • NO animal testing for ingredients
    • NO selling in mainland China
    • MUST be certified by Leaping Bunny
  • 100% VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE PARENT COMPANY (if they have one)

How is this list DIFFERENT from other cruelty-free lists out there?

You probably won’t recognize the cruelty-free makeup brands on this list if you’re just starting your cruelty-free or vegan journey. That’s because brands like Kat Von D, Urban Decay, Becca, Too Faced, NYX, Tarte, and CoverGirl often steal all the cruelty-free spotlight. But here’s the thing: buying from those brands still funds animal testing because all of them are owned by parent companies that test on animals. Most of them aren’t totally vegan brands either.

My detailed list of 40 brands is small compared to a lot of other “cruelty-free” makeup lists out there, but only because I’ve weeded out all the FAKE “cruelty-free” brands that frequently make it onto other supposedly “cruelty-free” lists.

I’ve made sure to include and note how expensive or inexpensive brands run and there’s something for everyone of all budgets.

How to Use This List

BRANDS ON THIS LIST SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST CHOICE WHEN SHOPPING FOR CRUELTY-FREE AND VEGAN MAKEUP.

Many of these cruelty-free makeup brands ship internationally. If you’re in a location where finding the companies and brands on this list is impossible in stores, try purchasing from these companies using delivery through their website.

BRANDS ARE LISTED A-Z


14e cosmetics

14e cosmetics, makeup, make-up, vegan, cruelty-free

The main thing that sets 14e cosmetics apart from other cruelty-free makeup brands is that they use aloe vera as a base (instead of water), which is better at penetrating and delivering soothing ingredients deep into all skin layers. Most of their ingredients are organic and all of their products are gluten-free and formulated on Ayurvedic principles.

BUDGET: $$$

PRODUCTS: foundation, blush, lip color, foundation primer

LOCATED: San Diego, CA, USA

RETAILERS: You can order from the 14e cosmetics website or from their retail partners.


Affordable Mineral Makeup

Affordable Mineral Makeup is not kidding around when they say “affordable.” Their foundation costs between $7 for 5 grams to $30 for 30 grams (compare that to Bare Minerals, which costs $31 for only 8 grams). And if you think this means their products are lower quality, think again.

In addition to being totally vegan and certified cruelty-free, ALL Affordable Mineral Makeup’s products are completely free of: micronized minerals/nano-particles, talc, coated minerals, bismuth oxychloride, synthetic dyes, parabens, fragrances, preservatives, petrochemicals, and phthalates. Their entire line is also non comedogenic (won’t clog pores).

They also offer vegan makeup brushes (made with synthetic bristles).

BUDGET: $

PRODUCTS: foundation

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: Affordable Mineral Makeup website


Aromi

aromi, makeup, aromi makeup, make up, cruelty free, vegan

Aromi is a fun brand which primarily focuses on lip color like lipstick and lip gloss, though they also offer fragrance products like perfume and cologne.

This indie makeup brand manufactures all of their products by hand in small batches and they take a firm stance on maintaining a 100% vegan and 100% cruelty-free product line.

ALL of their lip products are gluten-free.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: lipstick, lip gloss

LOCATED: Minneapolis, MN, USA

RETAILERS: You can order directly from the Aromi website or their Etsy shop or from the brand’s brick & mortar retail partners.


Au Naturale Cosmetics

Created by a scientist who wanted to use her knowledge of chemistry to create a line of cosmetics without any harmful chemicals, Au Naturale Cosmetics offers a line of exclusively vegan, organic, paraben-free, and ethically-sourced makeup.

They also offer vegan makeup brushes (made with synthetic bristles).

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: foundation, concealer, finishing powder, blush, highlighter, bronzer, eyeshadow, eye liner, lipstick, lip gloss, lip stain, lip liner, makeup brushes

LOCATED: Wisconsin, USA

RETAILERS: You can find Au Naturale Cosmetics in retail stores around the US by using their store locator.


BEAUTÉNOTIONS

BEAUTÉNOTIONS offers a unique mascara with dual wands which you can use together or separately to create different looks.

BUDGET: $$$

PRODUCTS: mascara, lip gloss

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: BEAUTÉNOTIONS is available exclusively on their website.


Beauty Without Cruelty

beauty without cruelty, makeup, vegan, cruelty free

A true pioneer in cruelty-free makeup, Beauty Without Cruelty started in 1963 during a time when no other makeup brands were manufacturing cruelty-free products.

They also offer vegan makeup brushes.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: mineral foundation, cream foundation, nail polish, eye pencil, concealer, mascara, lip pencil, lip gloss, lipstick, makeup brushes

LOCATED: UK / USA

RETAILERS: Beauty Without Cruelty products are available for purchase via their website or through these online retailers.


beets and blush

beets and blush is a natural makeup brand that uses beets to add color to their products, which are all gluten-free.

BUDGET: $$$

PRODUCTS: lipstick, lip balm, bb cream blush

LOCATED: Ohio, USA

RETAILERS: beets and blush is available on their website.


by/ rosie jane

by/ rosie jane is a fragrance brand, but they also make a small line of beauty products for the cheeks and lips.

They use eco-friendly packaging which is recyclable and made using wind power, vegetable-based inks, and sustainable paper.

BUDGET: $$$

PRODUCTS: blush, lip color

LOCATED: Los Angeles, CA, USA

RETAILERS: You can purchase by/ rosie jane makeup online through their website or from their retail partners.


CADŌ

cado, lipstick, makeup, cosmetics

CADO prides itself on being a luxury lipstick brand — their entire focus is just on making high-quality lipstick that’s vibrant in color, smooth in texture, and made with the highest-quality ingredients.

As with the rest of the makeup brands on this list, CADO offers makeup that is both vegan and cruelty-free. On top of this, all their products are gluten-free, sustainably-sourced, non-toxic, and eco-friendly.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: lipstick

LOCATED: Canada

RETAILERS: Order directly from the CADO website or through their retail partners.


Carlucce

Created by a makeup artist who frequently works on television actors, Carlucce was created with the goal of providing full-coverage, clean cream foundation for both the film industry and for everyday life.

They also offer a vegan makeup brush for applying their products.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: cream foundation, makeup brush

LOCATED: California, USA

RETAILERS: You can purchase Carlucce products directly from their website.


Chentilly Cosmetics

chentilly cosmetics, chentilly, makeup

Chentilly Cosmetics is a POC-owned indie beauty brand focused on creating vibrant beauty products for women of color (though people of all complexions can use their products).

BUDGET: $

PRODUCTS: eyeshadow, highlighter

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: Available for purchase directly from their online store.


Concrete Minerals

concrete minerals

High-quality, affordable, gluten-free mineral makeup is what Concrete Minerals is all about. All their products are free of parabens and preservatives, and are all fragrance-free.

BUDGET: $

PRODUCTS: eye shadow, lip color, eye primer

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: Concrete Minerals is available for purchase directly through their website.


Cupid & Psyche Beauty

Cupid & Psyche Beauty was created by a highly-regarded makeup artist who has worked with many well-known magazines and brands and wanted to create cruelty-free and vegan beauty products fit for the red carpet. Their lipsticks are relatively inexpensive considering their quality.

Another cool thing about Cupid & Psyche is they donate a percentage of their profits to animal-friendly charities like Pollinator PartnershipElephant Nature ParkHumane Society International and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: lipstick

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: You can find Cupid & Psyche Beauty products on their website.


Elate Clean Cosmetics

elate cosmetics, make up, makeup

Elate Cosmetics is a really impressive brand that offers a full line of cruelty-free and vegan makeup. They are focused on producing ethical beauty products that are fair trade, sustainably-sourced, gluten-free, and mostly organic.

Their palettes are made of sustainably sourced and water-treated bamboo and all products are shipped with minimal packaging materials (they use biodegradable seed paper that can be planted directly in the ground to grow wildflowers).

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: eye liner, mascara, brow balm, eyeshadow, foundation, foundation primer, lipstick, lip gloss, concealer, blush, bronzer, makeup brushes

LOCATED: Canada

RETAILERS: Elate Cosmetics can be purchased directly on their website or at one of their retail partners.


Eleman Beauty

Eleman Beauty makes gorgeous eyeshadows that are all rich and vibrant in color.

BUDGET: $$$

PRODUCTS: eyeshadow

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: Eleman Beauty is available for purchase through their website.


Elixery

Elixery isn’t specifically a makeup brand, but they do offer a great line of hand-poured lipstick (and like the rest of the brands on this list, are completely cruelty-free and vegan).

They’re an ethical company with a focus on creating sustainably and ethically-sourced original products from scratch from their own formulations (as opposed to some beauty brands which out-source their formula creation and manufacturing).

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: lipstick

LOCATED: Minneapolis, MN, USA

RETAILERS: You can find Elixery online on their website or at their brick and mortar retail partners.

EVXO

evxo, cosmetics, makeup, make up

Organic, gluten-free, non-toxic makeup is what EVXO prides itself on (along with being both vegan and cruelty-free). They offer a full line of cosmetics that are formulated to be good for your skin.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: foundation, highlighter pencil, primer, lip tint, blush, mascara, brow pomade, eyebrow powder

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: EVXO products are available through their online store.


Fairy Girl

fairy girl, fairy girl cosmetics, makeup, make up

Fairy Girl shares Vegan Rabbit’s philosophy about cruelty-free beauty, which is that beauty products should not be considered truly cruelty-free unless they are completely free of any animal-derived ingredients.

BUDGET: $

PRODUCTS: lipstick, loose minerals

LOCATED: Hawaii, USA

RETAILERS: Fairy Girl Cosmetics are available exclusively through their website.


Faraday Face

Faraday Face offers vegan, non-toxic, cruelty-free, gluten-free, non-GMO cosmetics in zero waste packaging that’s good for you and good for the planet.

They also donate 5% of all profits to The Ocean Cleanup project.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: eye shadow, blush, brow wax, setting powder, bronzer, lip color

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: Faraday Face cosmetics are available through their website.


Feral Cosmetics

Feral wears their principles on their sleeve and they firmly believe in helping animals, the planet, and our fellow humans. They offer high-end cosmetics with deep and rich colors.

They donate a portion of their profits each month to charitable organizations that fall in line with their ethical philosophy.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: lipstick, lip gloss

LOCATED: Los Angeles, CA, USA

RETAILERS: Feral Cosmetics are available for purchase online through their website or through these retailers.


FiOR Mineral Cosmetics

fior mineral cosmetics, fior minerals, mineral makeup, make up

FiOR offers a full range of products that in addition to being cruelty-free and vegan are also handmade in small batches, USDA certified organic, and free of harmful chemicals, dyes, parabens, synthetic fragrances, GMO’s, talc, bismuth, nano particles, gluten, and soy.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: eye shadow, eye liner, foundation, setting powder, concealer, highlighter, blush, bronzer, lipstick, lip gloss

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: You can find FiOR Cosmetics on their website.


Flickable

flickable, lip gloss, makeup, lollipop

Flickable makes fun non-sticky flavored lip glosses that look like lollipops.

BUDGET: $

PRODUCTS: lip gloss

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: Flickable can be found online via their website.


Freedom Naturally

All beauty products from Freedom Naturally’s full line of vegan and cruelty-free makeup are phthalate-free, sulfate and paraben free, Non-GMO, gluten-free and talc-free.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: foundation, concealer, setting powder, bronzer, highlighter, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, brow pomade, lipstick, lip gloss

LOCATED: Chicago, IL, USA

RETAILERS: Available on their website.


GIRLPALOOZA

Lip gloss is the focus for GIRLPALOOZA, but possibly equally important is their focus on helping young women gain self-confidence by donating a portion of their profits to a different charity for young women each year.

BUDGET: $

PRODUCTS: lip gloss

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: GIRLPALOOZA is available in the USA through their website.


Glam Hippies

Glam Hippies is a cruelty-free and vegan beauty brand that offers eyeshadows and lipsticks.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: eyeshadow, lipstick

LOCATED: Huntington Beach, CA, USA

RETAILERS: Glam Hippies beauty products are available to purchase directly from their website.


Harvest Natural Beauty

Harvest Natural is all about ethics from their ingredients to their packaging. They are organic, fair-trade, non-toxic, Phtalate-free, Paraben-free, and like the rest of the brands on this list, 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: liquid foundation, primer, concealer, mascara, blush, eyeshadow, lip gloss

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: You can find Harvest Natural Beauty on their website.


Hush + Dotti

Hush + Dotti is a fun brand that makes really great certified organic cosmetics (and also skincare products) that are 100% free of a multitude of toxic ingredients like nano particles, gluten, and of course, any animal ingredients.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: foundation, concealer, highlighter, blush, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, liquid eyeliner, gel liner, eyeshadow, brow pomade

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: Shop for Hush + Dotti products on their website or at one of these authorized retailers.


JACQUIE. Cosmetics

Ethically sourced, non-toxic, sulphate-free, phthalate-free, and paraben-free products are what JACQUIE. Cosmetics does best.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: concealer, liquid lipstick, transluscent powder

LOCATED: Canada

RETAILERS: You can get products from JACQUIE. Cosmetics by shopping on their website or at one of these retailers.


Lemonhead.LA

Glitter!!! It’s everywhere! Lemonhead.LA is well-known for their line of PET (polyester) body and face glitter products which are better for the environment than common non-biodegradable alternatives you’ll find on most drugstore shelves.

This stuff is high-quality, versatile, and gorgeous. They even have glow in the dark glitter pastes. Applies, dries, and removes with ease.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: body and face glitter balms

LOCATED: Los Angeles, CA, USA

RETAILERS: Lemonhead.LA products can be found on their website or at one of these authorized retailers.


Milk Makeup

An award-winning cruelty-free and vegan beauty company, Milk Makeup is a millenial-inspired brand for misfits and is all about personal style experimentation and self-expression.

Beyond an extensive line of cosmetics, they offer a skincare line as well.

They even offer a student discount.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: foundation, concealer, primer, blush, highlighter, bronzer, tattoo stamps, setting powder, glitter, mascara, lash primer, waterproof mascara, liquid eye pigment, brow gel, eyeliner, brow pencil, lipstick, liquid lipstick, lip stain, charcoal swabs, blotting papers, applicator

LOCATED: New York, NY, USA

RETAILERS: You can find Milk on their online store or at these retailers.


Morning Blossom Studio

Morning Blossom Studio is an ethics-focused company that makes products which are safe to use on very sensitive skin (such as those with eczema). Their entire line is made without EWG chemicals of concern, is non-toxic, and comes in eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging.

In addition to cosmetics, they also offer a line of skincare products.

This ethical company actually donates 15% of proceeds to at-risk children living in extreme poverty, which is really generous.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: lipstick, lip gloss, mineral powder

LOCATED: Anaheim Hills, CA, USA

RETAILERS: You can find Morning Blossom Studio at their website.


NCLA Beauty

Primarily an award-winning nail polish brand, NCLA Beauty also offers a line of cute lip products.

Celebrities adore this brand (if that’s something you care about) and NCLA Beauty has collaborated with major brands like Hello Kitty and Barbie.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: lipstick, lip gloss

LOCATED: Los Angeles, CA, USA

RETAILERS: NCLA Beauty products can be purchased from their website or at the retailers listed in their “About” page.


Nude Envie

Cosmetics from Nude Envie are designed to enhance, not to hide your natural beauty. All products are gluten-free and paraben-free.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: eyeshadow, lipstick, lip liner, lip gloss

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: You can find Nude Envie products on their website.


River Organics

Created by a chemist who worked in the Chanel skincare laboratories in the South of France, River Organics is a natural beauty brand built on the foundation of organic oil-based skincare. Everything is made in small batches and their makeup packaging is totally recyclable.

BUDGET: $

PRODUCTS: eyebrow color, highlighter, bronzer, concealer, blush, lip tints

LOCATED: Wilmington, NC, USA

RETAILERS: Find River Organics on their website and at their retail partners.


Rock Candy Beauty

Vegan airbrush makeup! This is something unique in the realm of vegan makeup, so if you’re an airbrush makeup person or are curious about trying it out, Rock Candy Beauty is the brand for you.

They also donate to marine animal rehabilitation organizations.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: airbrush kit, airbrush foundation,

LOCATED: Laguna Beach, CA, USA

RETAILERS: Rock Candy Beauty airbrush makeup is available to ship from their website.


Spela Cosmetics

Spela Cosmetics is a woman-owned company that offers non toxic long-wearing liquid lipstick (and nail polish).

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: liquid lipstick

LOCATED: Portland, OR, USA

RETAILERS: Spela products can be found on their website and at these stockists.


Thrive Causemetics

Thrive Causemetics offers a full line of high-quality, paraben-free, and sulfate-free makeup, including vegan false eye lashes.

This brand was created with the goal of helping women thrive and they’re not called Thrive Causemetics for nothing: for every product you buy from them, they donate that product, a more suitable product, or a cash donation to a charitable cause, such as to women who need faux lashes during chemotherapy.

They also offer vegan makeup brushes.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: cream foundation, blush, highlighter, setting powder, bronzer, mascara, eye brightener, eyeshadow, eyebrow liner, eyebrow gel, waterproof eyeliner, faux eyelashes, lipstick, lip liner, lip gloss

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: You can find and order Thrive Causemetics on their website.


Tropic

tropic skin care, skincare, makeup, make up

Tropic is a multi-award winning skincare and beauty company. Their ingredients are sustainably sourced and their high-quality makeup comes in customizable palettes.

They also offer a range of vegan makeup brushes.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: liquid foundation, mineral foundation, concealer, setting powder, lipstick, cream blush, pressed powder blush, brow powder, eye liner, bronzer, eyeshadow, highlighter, mascara, mascara primer, liquid lipstick

LOCATED: UK

RETAILERS: Tropic is available for purchase through their online storefront.


Trust Fund Beauty

trust fund beauty, makeup, make up

Trust Fund Beauty is a sassy indie beauty brand with a unique style and voice. Their products are non-toxic, paraben-free, GMO-free, and like the rest of the brands on this list, also cruelty-free and vegan.

BUDGET: $

PRODUCTS: highlighter, liquid lipstick, lip gloss, eyeshadow

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: Buy Trust Fund Beauty products directly from their website.


The Vamp Stamp

Perfect winged liner is finally possible with The Vamp Stamp’s patented eyeliner stamps. You just stamp it on the outer corners of your eyes and you’re done. It’s pretty amazing and makes me wonder where this was when I was in 6th grade trying to figure out how to apply eye liner.

The Vamp Stamp was created by co-founder of the beautyblender, Veronica Lorenz, who was diagnosed in 2013 with a spinal tumor which caused her to lose strength in her hands. She decided to invent The Vamp Stamp so that even people with physical limitations can apply perfectly winged eyeliner.

BUDGET: $$

PRODUCTS: eyeliner stamp, eyeliner, eyeshadow, highlighter, lipstick

LOCATED: USA

RETAILERS: The Vamp Stamp can be purchased directly from their online store or from these authorized retailers.


Looking for more than cruelty-free and vegan makeup?

Check out these related cruelty-free and vegan lists: