Vegan Skincare & ingredients that might be hiding in your skincare.

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?