Interactive toolCosmetics
Vegan Cosmetics Checker
Analyze skincare, makeup, or personal care products by name and INCI ingredient list. Cosmetic ingredients use different names than food — we check for lanolin, carmine, beeswax, keratin, and other common non-vegan cosmetic ingredients.
Try it now — enter your details below
Looking for a long read instead? Browse our vegan guides.
How to use this tool
Analyze skincare, makeup, or personal care products by name and INCI ingredient list. Cosmetic ingredients use different names than food — we check for lanolin, carmine, beeswax, keratin, and other common non-vegan cosmetic ingredients.
How it works
- Enter the product name and type (skincare, makeup, etc.).
- Paste the INCI ingredient list from the packaging.
- We scan for known animal-derived cosmetic ingredients.
- Results distinguish vegan ingredients from animal-derived ones.
How to interpret the result
- Flagged ingredients are commonly animal-derived in cosmetics.
- Some ingredients have both plant and animal sources (glycerin, stearic acid).
- Cruelty-free is not the same as vegan — a product can be cruelty-free but contain beeswax.
- Look for certified vegan cosmetics when possible.
Important limitations
- INCI names can be ambiguous without source information.
- Cruelty-free certification doesn't guarantee vegan ingredients.
- Preliminary results are marked as unverified and should not replace reading the actual label.
- Formulations change by country, brand, and over time — always check your specific product.
- We do not have access to proprietary manufacturer data unless it is publicly available.
Examples
Lipstick with carmine
Flags carmine (CI 75470) — insect-derived red pigment.
Moisturizer with lanolin
Flags lanolin — sheep wool derivative.
Shampoo with keratin
Flags keratin — usually animal-derived unless specified plant-based.
Common mistakes
- Confusing cruelty-free with vegan.
- Assuming 'natural' cosmetics are vegan.
- Not checking CI numbers (carmine = CI 75470).
What to check next
- Look for Vegan Society or similar certification.
- Read our vegan vs cruelty-free guide.
- Check individual flagged ingredients.
Related ingredients & products
FAQ
- What's the difference between vegan and cruelty-free?
- Vegan means no animal ingredients. Cruelty-free means not tested on animals. A product can be one but not the other.
- Is lanolin vegan?
- No — lanolin is derived from sheep's wool.
- What CI numbers indicate animal ingredients?
- CI 75470 is carmine (insects). Many other CI numbers are synthetic or mineral.
- Are 'natural' cosmetics vegan?
- Not necessarily — beeswax, lanolin, and carmine are natural but not vegan.
Related tools
Related guides
Check another
Search any product, ingredient or brand