Q&A: Is Lipstick Vegan?

One of the most popular cosmetic products, lipsticks generally contain animal derivatives, some of which include squalane, carmine and beeswax.

Squalane, or shark liver oil is a commonly used substance in moisturizing products such as lip balms and creams. The substance is used to make the product easier to spread.

2.7 million sharks are a victim of squalane fishing every year. Squalene fishermen often extract this substance from the shark and throw its remains back into the ocean.

Another substance which is exclusively found in red lipsticks is carmine. Carmine or cochineal is a red dye found in the shells of cochineal beetles which usually reside on cacti. Native to Latin America, millions of cochineal beetles are crushed every year for the extraction of carmine.

Beeswax is derived from honeycomb, and is not vegan.

Another common substance found in lipsticks is lanolin, which is used in lipsticks and other cosmetics for its moisturizing properties. Also known as 'wool wax' or 'wool grease', lanolin is a wax-like substance usually derived from sheep's wool. 

Many brands also add collagen and gelatin to their lipsticks, both of which are derived from cattle hides and bones.

Moreover, lipsticks, as well as other cosmetics, are tested on animals like guinea pigs, rabbits, cats and dogs, unless they are certified as cruelty-free.

Due to the presence of animal ingredients, lipsticks are usually not vegan. 

However, many brands such as Fae Beauty, E.L.F., and Disguise Cosmetics today offer vegan lipsticks. Watch out for the vegan and cruelty free symbol!

Read: Is Glycerin Vegan?

Read More: Is Perfume Vegan?