Vegan - a lifestyle conquers the bathroom

Whether meat-free mortadella, tofu mince or oat milk - vegan is now on everyone's lips. But those who consciously deal with the topic will soon notice, that the vegan lifestyle is not just limited to food.

There are also more and more vegan alternatives when it comes to body care. What exactly does that mean in terms of cosmetic products?

The articles are made completely without any substances of animal origin. On the one hand, this ensures that no animal has to be harmed for a cosmetic product. Another advantage is sustainability: vegetable substances are biodegradable, and are also a renewable raw material. The reason why vegan cosmetic products are still in the minority, is that animal-based raw materials are often cheaper than mineral or vegetable alternatives. In addition, the development of an awareness for the benefits of vegan products takes some time, on both the consumer and the producer side.

In order to give you a better idea of the animal ingredients found in body care products and cosmetics, we have compiled some examples and their possible alternatives:

Keratin

With a share of 90%, keratin is the main component of our hair. However, the raw material used in shampoo and conditioner is of animal origin. The fibre protein is obtained from grounded hooves, feathers or horns. Animal-free alternatives include soy protein and almond oil, which are also able to strengthen and nourish the hair.

Carmine

Also known as cochineal, carminic acid, E 120, CI 75470, carmine red or Natural Red 4, it is a colouring agent extracted from pregnant female cochineal scales. It is still used in the cosmetic industry, preferably in lipsticks, where it provides an intense red colour. Alternative substances of vegetable origin are betanin (E162) from beetroot and alkannin from the alkana root.

Collagen

The structural protein is found in bones, ligaments and tendons in humans and multicellular animal species. Collagen ensures that the cells and tissues retain their firmness while remaining elastic and flexible. These properties make collagen a popular ingredient in (hair) cosmetics. The collagen used in the cosmetic industry is mainly derived from pig skin. Collagen can only be obtained from animals, however, vegan alternatives are available. Vegetable collagen can be obtained from corn, soya and wheat proteins.

In the extensive range of products offered by manufacturers, it is not so easy to find out which products are really purely vegan. Especially since the increasing demand for organic and vegan products or natural ingredients leads to the fact that many manufacturers label their products with the non-protected term "natural cosmetic". However, this term only requires that the products contain ingredients of natural origin. Whether these come from plant, animal or mineral sources and in what quantity they are used in the specific product is not relevant.

With the help of some labels, however, it is possible to keep an overview in the jungle of offers. So one can find suitable products, whether it is vegan, without animal testing or both at the same time. You can watch out for these symbols, for example:

Our portfolio also includes a number of companies dedicated to animal welfare and, in some cases, veganism. Maria Nila is one of them. This Swedish company produces 100% vegan and animal-testing-free products and is also actively committed helping the environment by supporting the Taking Root project. In this project, forests are reforested in cooperation with farmers, which helps to mitigate the effects of climate change. All products are produced in Sweden. In addition to the positive effect of supporting an ethically exemplary company by purchasing the products, and doing something really good for your hair with the high-quality, natural ingredients, the pretty product design will look gorgeous in your bathroom.

Even younger beauty fans can also look forward to a vegan and additionally non-animal-tested product line. Paediprotect offers a range of useful care products from shampoo to body oil. No substances with known allergy potential are used. The products perfectly nourish sensitive children's skin, but are also suitable for adults with sensitive skin types. Silicones, parabens and mineral oil as well as colourings and preservatives are also not included. In addition, environmental protection plays an important role at Paediprotect, so they try for example, to produce their goods completely without microplastics.

The product names "Shake your Coconuts" and "Hibisciss" from Foamie already promise something special. The novel product - a solid shampoo - is not only free of parabens, silicones, sulfates, mineral oils, lilial, soap and PEG, but is also 100% vegan and recyclable. Due to its solid form, which reminds one of a piece of soap, it avoids a significant amount of waste, as there is absolutely no need of any shampoo bottle. To use it, you simply make it wet, foam it up and massage it into your hair. Due to the mild PH value of 5.5, the hair is cleaned in a pleasantly gentle way. After use, simply hang it up somewhere with the attached band and let it dry.

At Organicum, great attention is paid to the fact that all products are 100% vegan. The company strictly rejects animal testing within their whole production process. Also, ecological thinking and local action is very important in the entire production process. The basic substance is organic hydrosol (plant water / hydrolate) in a very high concentration. The wild herbs used for production are hand-picked in the high forests of the Turkish Taurus Mountains and are free of any environmental toxins, pesticides and fertilizers.

If you would like to browse through our range of vegan products yourself, simply enter the word "vegan" in the search mask at the top of our homepage. You will then receive an extensive selection of our vegan products. Some renowned manufacturers, such as L'Oréal, Davines or Paul Mitchell, meanwhile have product lines in their range that are 100% free of animal substances and are definately worth a look.

We wish you a lot of succes with your search for your favourite vegan products!