With the rise of ethical beauty, more brands are offering vegan and cruelty-free products that deliver high performance without animal testing or animal-derived ingredients. Whether you’re looking for makeup, skincare, or haircare, these brands prioritize clean beauty, sustainability, and ethics. We researched and tested the best vegan & cruelty-free beauty brands based on ingredient quality, effectiveness, and ethical standards to bring you the top picks for conscious beauty lovers.
Our Pick: e.l.f. Cosmetics
Best overall for affordable, high-quality vegan beauty
💰 Price Range: $ | 🛒 Products: Makeup, Skincare, Brushes | 🌿 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Why We Picked It
- Budget-friendly with high-performance formulas.
- Expansive product range from makeup to skincare.
- Vegan alternatives to high-end products (dupes for luxury brands like Tatcha & Charlotte Tilbury).
- Widely available online & in drugstores.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Not as long-wearing as some high-end brands.
- Limited shade range in some complexion products.
📌 Best for: Budget-conscious beauty lovers looking for quality vegan makeup & skincare.
Runner-Up: Milk Makeup
Best for trendy, innovative vegan beauty
💰 Price Range: $$-$$$ | 🛒 Products: Makeup, Skincare | 🌿 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Why We Picked It
- Innovative, multipurpose products (stick formulas for easy application).
- Clean, hydrating ingredients like hemp seed oil & hyaluronic acid.
- Trendy, dewy skin finishes with a focus on minimalism.
- Eco-conscious packaging & sustainability initiatives.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Some formulas (like their Hydro Grip Primer) may not suit oily skin.
- Higher price point than drugstore brands.
📌 Best for: Trendy beauty lovers who want multipurpose, clean makeup with skincare benefits.
Best Luxury Pick: Hourglass Cosmetics
High-performance, luxurious vegan beauty
💰 Price Range: $$$ | 🛒 Products: Makeup, Brushes | 🌿 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Why We Picked It
- Luxurious formulas with long-lasting wear.
- Ultra-fine powders & foundation with skin-like finishes.
- Known for their Ambient Lighting Powders & Veil Translucent Setting Powder.
- Supports animal rights through partnerships with the Nonhuman Rights Project.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Expensive compared to other vegan brands.
- Some complexion products cater more to lighter skin tones.
📌 Best for: Luxury beauty lovers who want premium-quality vegan & cruelty-free makeup.
Best for Skincare: Youth To The People
Vegan superfood-powered skincare for all skin types
💰 Price Range: $$-$$$ | 🛒 Products: Skincare | 🌿 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Why We Picked It
- Superfood-based ingredients (kale, spinach, green tea) for antioxidant-rich skincare.
- Sustainable glass packaging to reduce plastic waste.
- Known for their Superfood Cleanser & Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream.
- Supports environmental & social justice initiatives.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Higher price point for a clean skincare brand.
- Glass packaging may not be travel-friendly.
📌 Best for: Skincare lovers who want clean, plant-powered formulas with sustainability in mind.
Best Drugstore Skincare: Pacifica Beauty
Affordable, effective skincare & makeup with clean ingredients
💰 Price Range: $-$$ | 🛒 Products: Skincare, Makeup, Haircare, Perfume | 🌿 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Why We Picked It
- Affordable yet high-quality skincare & makeup.
- Huge range of products, including SPF, perfumes, & haircare.
- Eco-friendly packaging & clean formulations.
- Widely available at drugstores & online.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Some scented products may not suit sensitive skin.
- Makeup line is not as extensive as their skincare.
📌 Best for: Budget-friendly shoppers looking for clean, vegan beauty at an affordable price.
Best Clean Beauty Brand: Ilia Beauty
Vegan makeup infused with skincare benefits
💰 Price Range: $$-$$$ | 🛒 Products: Makeup, Skincare | 🌿 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Why We Picked It
- Skin-loving formulas with ingredients like niacinamide & squalane.
- Buildable, breathable makeup that looks natural.
- Best-selling Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is a cult favorite.
- Sustainable packaging & eco-conscious mission.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Light coverage—may not be ideal for full glam lovers.
- Some products (like their mascara) can be pricey.
📌 Best for: Minimalist beauty lovers looking for skincare-infused, natural-finish makeup.
Best for Bold & Colorful Makeup: KVD Beauty
High-pigment, long-wearing vegan makeup
💰 Price Range: $$-$$$ | 🛒 Products: Makeup, Brushes | 🌿 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Why We Picked It
- Intensely pigmented, long-wearing formulas.
- Legendary Tattoo Liner & Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks.
- Full-coverage, transfer-proof complexion products.
- Rebranded with a focus on ethical beauty after Kat Von D’s departure.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Some products (like their foundation) may feel heavy.
- Matte lipsticks can be drying if not prepped properly.
📌 Best for: Those who love bold, edgy makeup with extreme pigmentation & longevity.
Best Haircare: Briogeo
Vegan, sulfate-free haircare for all hair types
💰 Price Range: $$-$$$ | 🛒 Products: Shampoos, Conditioners, Treatments | 🌿 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Why We Picked It
- Silicone & sulfate-free formulas safe for all hair types.
- Best-selling Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask.
- Products cater to curly, straight, & color-treated hair.
- Eco-conscious packaging & clean ingredients.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Higher price than standard drugstore haircare.
- Some scents may be strong for sensitive users.
📌 Best for: Those looking for clean, sulfate-free, vegan haircare with salon-quality results.
The Bottom Line
| Brand | Best For | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e.l.f. Cosmetics | Best Overall | Affordable, high-quality, widely available | Some formulas not long-wearing | $ |
| Milk Makeup | Best Trendy Brand | Multi-use, clean ingredients, hydrating | Some formulas not for oily skin | $$ |
| Hourglass | Best Luxury | High-performance, long-wearing | Expensive | $$$ |
| Youth To The People | Best Skincare | Superfood-based, sustainable | Pricey | $$ |
| Pacifica Beauty | Best Drugstore | Affordable, clean ingredients | Some scents may irritate skin | $ |
| Ilia Beauty | Best Clean Makeup | Skincare-infused, natural finish | Light coverage | $$ |
| KVD Beauty | Best for Bold Looks | Intense pigment, long-wearing | Some products feel heavy | $$ |
| Briogeo | Best Haircare | Silicone-free, great for curls | Higher price | $$ |
✨ Which vegan & cruelty-free beauty brand is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!