Ingredient Spotlight-The Rise of Veganism in Beauty
, par LiuYong, 3 min temps de lecture
November marks World Vegan Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the growing global shift toward plant-based living—including in the beauty and personal care industries. As veganism gains momentum, brands are responding with innovative formulations that meet the demands of consumers seeking products that are ethical, clean, and cruelty-free.
What Is World Vegan Month?
World Vegan Month is celebrated every November to honor the founding of The Vegan Society in 1944. The term “vegan” was coined by its original members in the UK, and in 1994, the first official World Vegan Month was launched to recognize this milestone. Today, it serves as a global platform to promote vegan values—extending beyond food to include cosmetics, fashion, and lifestyle.
What Does “Vegan” Mean in Beauty?
Veganism is a lifestyle rooted in avoiding the use of animal products in all forms—for ethical, health, and environmental reasons. In cosmetics, this means no animal-derived ingredients and no animal testing at any stage of production. Instead, vegan beauty products rely on plant-based components and alternative actives to deliver results.
Common non-vegan ingredients often replaced in vegan cosmetics include:
-
Beeswax
-
Honey
-
Lanolin
-
Collagen
-
Carmine
-
Shellac
-
Gelatin
-
Milk derivatives
The Vegan Cosmetics Market: Growth & Opportunity
The vegan cosmetics market is on a steady upward trajectory. Valued at $2.84 billion in 2024, it's projected to reach $3.95 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.83%.
What’s driving this growth?
-
Consumer Awareness: Shoppers are becoming more conscious of what goes into their products—and the impact those ingredients have on animals, their skin, and the environment. Vegan products are often perceived as safer, cleaner, and more aligned with holistic wellness.
-
Demand for Cruelty-Free Alternatives: Ethical concerns around animal testing are leading more consumers to seek out vegan and cruelty-free certifications.
-
Ingredient Transparency: Many people, particularly Gen Z, are actively researching ingredients and favor brands that clearly communicate their values. Clean beauty and veganism often go hand in hand.
-
Innovation in R&D: Brands are investing in research to develop plant-based alternatives for traditionally animal-derived ingredients. New botanical actives, algae-based proteins, and fruit-derived emollients are just a few examples of how innovation is reshaping beauty formulas.
Seasonal Spotlight: Why November (and January) Matter
Both World Vegan Month in November and Veganuary in January have become key moments for brands to spotlight and launch new vegan products. These months serve as an invitation for consumers to explore and try out plant-based alternatives across beauty, skincare, personal care, and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As awareness continues to grow, so too will the demand for ethical, sustainable, and animal-free beauty products. The movement toward veganism in beauty isn’t a passing trend—it’s a reflection of a larger cultural shift toward conscious consumption.
Whether you're fully plant-based or simply curious about cleaner, more compassionate products, now is the perfect time to explore the ever-expanding world of vegan beauty.
