Jessica Turner While thousands of Australians celebrated The Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, others raised a glass to veganism: November 1 marked World Vegan Day.
For vegans, it’s not only meat that’s off the table. By and large, vegans seek to exclude all forms of animal byproducts in food, clothing and cosmetics. For some, it’s an ethical decision and for others, it’s a health choice.
The term has been extended to include to a movement of people who say “no” to the exploitation and cruelty of animals and are environmentally aware.
“Over the last 10 years, the numbers [of vegans] has soared. We estimate there are now about 400,000 in Australia,” says Greg McFarlane, from Vegan Australia.
And the number of people partially embracing an eco-conscious lifestyle through a vegetarian diet has grown exponentially. According to a study by market analyst Roy Morgan, between 2012-2016, the number of people eating little or no meat has risen from 1.7 million to 2.1 million.
Australians who shun meat for cultural reasons and Millennials who fall into the “fit and fab” demographic are reportedly driving the increase. Plus, celebrities like Alicia Silverstone (pictured above in an Instagram post) who share their lifestyle choices via social media could be influencing the growth.
Seeking to match the values of their eco-consious market, it’s no surprise that the global demand for organic and ethical beauty products is expected to reach 13.2 billon by 2018.
Vegan cosmetics fall under this category. From haircare, skincare and colour makeup to nail products, the concept of vegan cosmetics is becoming more and more important to consumers.
Like a vegan diet, cosmetic products considered “safe” according to the lifestyle do not contain any animal ingredients or animal-derived ingredients.
Animal-derived ingredients include honey, beeswax, lanolin, collagen, albumen, carmine, cholesterol, gelatin, and many others. The cruelty-free factor is important to many vegans too.
“I get more and more clients who are vegan with a good knowledge of vegan cosmetics,” says Liv Lundelius, a makeup artist from Sydney. Professionally, she practises “cruelty free” and follows a vegan diet.
“Cruelty-free makeup quality is amazing these days. The variety of brands of products is huge. While the textures can be slightly different to work with, I can achieve professional results. I don’t have to compromise at all.”
“When buying products, the Choose Cruelty Free seal is the first thing I look out for. It’s proof of no animal testing.”
There’s a suite of seals that cosmetic brands can apply for. But, they are not interchangeable. In fact, some products that are certified Choose Cruelty Free, contain animal byproducts such as honey, so are not vegan.
Official ‘Vegan Certification’ of cosmetics is available in the UK only. While some Australian brands apply for the international seal, there are vegan friendly options that are not tested on animals which simply haven’t been certified.
GREEN MAKEUP
Bodyography: Cruelty Free with myriad vegan options, environmental ethics and animal rights are at the heart of the brand.
Youngblood Minerals: The brand does not test on animals and there are many vegan-friendly options in the range including the Natural Mineral Foundation, which comes in 16 shades.
Synergie Minerals: All this Australian brand’s products are Certified Cruelty Free. The extensive range of foundations is vegan-friendly, too, and does not contain animal byproducts.
“We take our philosophy and business conscience very seriously,” says Amy Dove, Synergie spokesperson. “We have gained the Cruelty Free certification which is no mean feat.
“As an ethical Australian cosmetic company we certify that every product formulated is not only cruelty free, but every ingredient we use must be certified with no animal testing for the last five years.
“Many of our products are also vegan friendly in line with our ethical ingredient philosophy.”
La Glam Minerals: The award winning 2 In 1 Wet/Dry Foundation is vegan. Australia’s La Glam mineral makeup line is passionate about animal rights and does not test on animals.
Inika: “Many people choose our brand because they value a vegan lifestyle,” says Anita Lange, brand manager. “Creating red pigment using natural and vegan ingredients was difficult. The colour is usually synthetic or made from insect wings. For our “dark cherry” shade of lipstick, we used rock pigments.”
Scout Cosmetics: An eco-friendly, cruelty-free ethos is at the heart of this Australian brand. The recently released pressed mineral foundation is certified vegan and cruelty free.
Jane Iredale: This range of mineral makeup has long advocated animal activism. All products are certified cruelty free and there are an abundance of vegan friendly products in the range, such as its best selling loose powder foundation.
GREEN SKIN AND BODY CARE
Esse Organics: A range of probiotic professional skincare, the entire collection is accredited by The Vegan Society.
Synthesis Organics: The Australian skin, body and tea range is certified Cruelty Free, Certified Vegan, and Australian Certified Organic. It was also recently Runner Up in the Green Skincare category at the prestigious global Sustainable Beauty Awards, conferred in Paris last month.
Biology: An Australian skin and haircare brand is proud to be socially responsible and vegan friendly. The Biology Moisture Therapy Body Duo Pack contains coconut oils and fruit sugars.
Simplicite: All products in this Australian professional skincare range are certified cruelty free and certified vegan. “I’m a naturopath from Brisbane and we used our 48 hectare natural bushland farm to formulate the line,” says David Lyons, creator of the brand. “We cleared infestations of weeds and encouraged native wild flowers to regenerate.”
