What Do The Public Really Know About Animal By-Products in Makeup?

October 18, 2019

Here in the UK, we are a nation of animal lovers. Here at Flawless Lashes by Loreta, we are no exception.

As consumers, it is important we are aware of exactly what goes in our cosmetics and lashes. We recently conducted a survey of over 500 UK-based vegetarians and we were shocked to discover a staggering 36% were unaware that their beauty products could contain animal by-products.

This could be due to products not being labeled clearly or consumers unaware of what each ingredient is actually made from. We proudly stock our vegan eyeliner and vegan duo brow pen which contain no animal derivatives and are cruelty-free and ensure these are obviously defined on our website.

Nowadays, there is a monumental focus on client change and reducing our carbon footprint. Rearing livestock is one of the largest contributing factors to carbon emissions.

At Flawless Lashes by Loreta, we want to raise awareness of these animal by-products within cosmetics so consumers can make an informed choice. We also want to ensure the public is aware of what ingredients derive from animals.

Below is a list of the most common animal-based ingredients used withing makeup:

1. Keratin - a popular ingredient for products that can help strengthen hair and nails and is very popular in shampoos and conditioners. This protein is taken from the hair and horns of various animals
2. Cera Alba - more commonly known as beeswax. Used to prevent oils and other liquids from separating and helps skin absorb moisture. Cera alba is used within lip balms, lipsticks, soaps, and moisturisers.
3. Tallow- this is animal fat, most often taken from farmyard animals. You can find this in nail polish, soap, foundation, and eye makeup. It can also be listed as oleic acid, oleyl sterate, and oleyl oleate.
4. Guanine - we all love a sparkly eyeshadow or a shimmering highlighter, but their origins are not so glitzy. Fish scales are used to create this glittering effect.
5. Lanolin - sheep's wool used in lip balms, sticks, and glosses. This is also a common allergy so a plant-based version is available of the same name, be careful to check which one you are buying.
6. Shellac - you may not have realised the popular manicure product actually refers to an ingredient - bugs, lac bugs to be precise, these little insects give your nail polish the shine and strength shellac is famous for.
7. Carmine - most commonly used in lipsticks, blushes and nail polish. Carmine is created by crushing tiny insects called cochineals that give a vibrant red. This can also be labeled as natural red 4, E120 and C.I 75470. 

Source: https://www.plantbasednews.org/opinion/14-non-vegan-ingredients-to-look-out-for-in-make-up-and-beauty-products

Whether you choose to use vegan for your love of animals, decrease your impact on the environment or both, this choice should be effortless.

Shockingly, 34% of those surveyed still knowingly use cosmetics with animal by-products. This could be due to the lack of availability of high-quality products on the market. 

Many can also confused cruelty-free with vegan. Cruelty-free means the products were not tested on animals, but this does not mean they do not contain animal products.

If more manufacturers willingly make this change and provide more extensive vegan product ranges, environmentally conscious shoppers and animal adorers will be able to make a wider selection in alliance with their beliefs.

There are a plethora of natural and synthetic alternatives to these animal-based products, there is little reason why brands can not make the change.

We want to establish both consumer satisfaction and environmentally friendly solutions within the industry.

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