Vegan cosmetics: what do you mean by that?

The last years have seen the development of diets based on an ecological conscience and a greater sensitivity for its environment: flexitarians, vegetarians and vegans. These positions on food now extend beyond. We have therefore seen the gradual appearance of vegan cosmetic products. But how do you know what’s behind this allegation?

Above all, you should know that there is currently no official definition of vegan cosmetic products. Certification is also not mandatory in order to be able to put forward this argument. Brands are therefore free to create their own logo and their own specifications.

One can ask the question of the added value of such a claim for a cosmetic product. Indeed, “veganism” is based on the absence of consumption of animal products and the refusal to participate in speciesist activities (lifestyle based on the ideology of the superiority of the human being over other animal species and animal exploitation).

The vegan claim in cosmetic products will be based on two main criteria: the absence of animal raw materials and animal tests.

You should know that raw materials of animal origin are nowadays much more reduced and less and less used. Some types of products don’t even use them at all.

The vegan claim is sometimes associated with logos such as the “leaping bunny” or a “cruelty free” claim. Be careful because, as the DGCCRF reminds us, animal testing has been banned in cosmetics in the European Union for several years. It is therefore prohibited to claim it as a marketing argument because it is simply a matter of complying with the regulations. All cosmetic products sold on the European Union market are subject to the same rules.

Should we then, to bring real added value to vegan cosmetic products, go further by engaging in the whole process? That is to say by including sourcing, harvesting, transporting raw materials to eliminate any involvement and exploitation of the animal?

And you, what do you expect from a vegan cosmetic product? What do you think such a definition should contain?