The KInd Life Community Forum

So as a new Vegan, I am having quite a hard time understanding exactly when a cosmetic brand is vegan and when it's not. I know that different stuff used in cosmetics can sometimes either derive from plants or animals. So basically I would like to know how I know if a cosmetic brand is vegan without it being stated on the box? A lot of brands state that they don't test on animals, which is great, but how do I know if some of the stuff in the brand is derived from an animal? I have products from both Sisley (paris) and Gurlain, that I got before going Vegan, and I of course don't feel like using them if some of the "stuff" in them is derived from animals. So could somebody please help me figure out how to figure this stuff out :S? And while I am on the topic, I know in some foods there is the same problem, like with vitamin A, vitamin D - they can derive from both plants and animals, how will I know?? Thanks!!

I've struggled with this problem as well! I wrote a post listing the major ingredients to watch out for when buying products. I also put together a printable list that you can take with you if you want. Just be aware that some ingredients may or may not be animal-derived, so you may have to contact the company to be sure. You can find the articles/links here:
http://www.kaylinskit.com/2012/07/article-ingredients-to-avoid-in-vegan.html

It may be difficult to determine if an entire brand is vegan, but most will clearly state on their website if they are cruelty-free and avoid animal products. Those that don't state this likely use animal products in some if not all of their products.

When in doubt, you can go with vegan companies and, as Alexia mentioned, PETA has some excellent resources. You can start here and look for the search box on the lower portion of the page:
http://www.peta.org/living/beauty-and-personal-care/default.aspx

Some of my other favorite resources include vegan stores such as Vegan Essentials and articles on websites such those for vegan magazine VegNews.

A vegan makeup product should have the bunny symbol with the words 'Cruelty Free'. Some makeup lines have the term 'Vegan' on the product box. If you have a "Whole Foods" grocery store around you they have a whole section of "Vegan" makeup products. I recently purchased "Zuzu" eyeliner. Companies have "Gluten Free" described on their product boxes also. I have also found vegan and gluten free makeup online. If a natural foods store is not available around where you live, "Wet N'Wild" has vegan products. I purchased a great Kabuki brush from this company. It has a bunny face with the term "Cruelty Free".
Well, I wish you all the best of luck!
From,
Julie Swartout