There are a lot of beauty brands in the world right now—more than we could ever imagine, in fact. The sheer number of brands and products out there doesn't make beauty shopping any easier, so throw in specific requirements and, like me, you're probably even more at a loss of where to begin. The positive news is that the beauty industry has come a long way in the last few years, and there is certainly no need to skimp on quality when it comes to purchasing beauty products that align with your values. Vegan, cruelty-free and halal beauty products have come on leaps and bounds compared to the slim pickings that were on offer in your local beauty destination just a few years ago.
It may seem complicated due to never-ending labels and claims, but ultimately, vegan, cruelty-free and halal requirements are simple: All vegan products should be free of any animal products, and that includes animal by-products. "Cruelty-free" means no animal testing during any stage of the production of the product. Halal products adhere to strict halal guidelines, which means products should not contain ingredients derived from blood, pigs, human body parts, predatory animals, reptiles, insects, and alcohol.
Gone are the days when vegan, cruelty-free and halal products were notoriously hard to shop for. In 2023, we're welcomed with a myriad of choices that fit the bill. And to make shopping for top-ups or new beauty products just that bit easier, we've done the hard work for you and meticulously put together the crème de la crème of vegan, cruelty-free and halal brands available. Read on to find out about the vegan, cruelty-free and halal brands we really rate.
1. Rouje
When it comes to classic, chic beauty, the French are certainly pioneers. Think a red lip, a fresh and beautiful complexion and flushed cheeks—voilà, you have Rouje. Founder and French icon Jeanne Damas says, "At Rouje, there is not just one take on beauty nor one vision of good taste. There is no such thing as a faux pas." The entire beauty line is 100% cruelty-free and vegan.
Shop the best of Rouje:
If you're going to purchase one thing from Rouje, let it be the iconic Les Filles en Rouje Lip Palette, which comes with four creamy, luxe red tones to mix and match to create your perfect red lip. This also works great on the cheeks and the eyes.
The brand says this one product is the key to the sought-after French glow. Yes, really. It's a lightweight cream that works perfectly underneath makeup and as a night cream. Plus, it leaves the skin with a gorgeous luminous finish.
The perfect natural-looking mascara enriched with 85% natural ingredients to care for and moisturise the lashes.
2. Le Labo
Since launching in 2006, the fragrance brand Le Labo has taken the world by storm. In fact, we don't think there's a person out there who doesn't know about the brand's über-popular Santal 33. But it's not just perfume that has our attention. Don't skip its gorgeous collection of candles, bodycare and haircare.
The brand is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and that ethos—alongside the luxurious, long-lasting and intoxicating scents—has the fashion and beauty set hooked.
Shop the best of Le Labo:
This is one of those clever and enchanting fragrances that smells quite like nothing else. Created in 2010 in collaboration with Jefferson Hack, former editor in chief of Another Magazine, Le Labo's Another 13 is composed of earthy botanicals. Certainly, you need to go give it a sniff.
The key to long-lasting fragrance is layering, and that starts with bodycare. There is a reason why Santal 33 is Le Labo's most popular scent: It's a timeless, classic fragrance that works exceptionally well on everybody. Enriched with vitamin E, vitamin A, aloe vera, coconut oil, white tea extract and olive oil, this paraben-free formula perfumes the skin and leaves it feeling silky smooth and soft.
The latest offering from Le Labo, this candle has woody, creamy, musky and captivating notes that hug a room, ensuring you'll have it burning all year round.
3. Glossier
If there is one brand that needs no introduction, it's Glossier. "We are committed to being cruelty-free: This means we do not test on animals at any stage of product development, and we will only work with vendors who uphold the same standards," the brand says on its website. Not only that, but the brand is also working on developing vegan formulas for its beloved products.
Shop the best of Glossier:
Recently reformulated, this cult fave is now 100% vegan. Created with synthetic beeswax, castor jelly and a plant-based, multifunctional emollient blend, it's the same great product, just 100% animal-free. So that is a tick for vegan, a tick for cruelty-free and a tick for halal. No handbag should be without it in our opinion.
Both vegan and cruelty-free certified, this is one of our favourite tinted foundations, especially for those who solely wear tinted moisturiser. As the packaging says, it's definitely more skin and less makeup, making it perfect for people who dislike the feeling of foundation on their skin, but it still gives enough of a tint to even out the skin and leaves you with a soft, dewy finish. It's a great choice for the warmer weather.
Now, you can get the adored Glossier You scent as a candle. Expect notes of pink pepper, fresh iris, woody ambrette and Ambrox.
4. Aveda
Vegan and cruelty-free can be hard to come by, but Aveda has been the leader in this realm with its range of high-performing and sustainably sourced plant-powered haircare. From hair masks and leave-in conditioners to styling products, the formulas are Leaping Bunny approved and never compromise on salon-esque results.
Shop the best of Aveda:
Formulated using plant-derived technology, this vegan and cruelty-free leave-in treatment works to improve hair health, working from the inside out, preventing hair breakage and repairing hair structures for stronger and healthier hair.
A curly-hair hero product!
Healthy hair starts with good scalp care. Created with wintergreen-derived salicylic acid, a blend of Ayurvedic herbs and certified organic turmeric, this shampoo works to refresh and cleanse the scalp.
5. Mora Cosmetics
A halal certification is hard to come by, as halal for Muslims is more than just the ingredients included or excluded from a product. For something to be halal certified, the production process also needs to be looked at. Mora Cosmetics is one of the few brands that encompass a halal ethos, from how the products are developed to the ingredients used. The brand is simple: It has one hero product that is multiuse in different shades. If you favour a more streamlined beauty routine, this is for you.
Shop the best of Mora Cosmetics:
It's actually refreshing to see a brand with just one product in its range. It really does make the shopping experience simple. Available in three shades, these cream-formula Multisticks, which are enhanced with cocoa-seed butter, sunflower-seed oil and candelilla wax, feel incredible on the skin, are nourishing and add a gorgeous pop of colour.
6. E.l.f. Cosmetics
Meet your go-to for affordable beauty that goes above and beyond. A brand that always hits the mark and is a favourite in the beauty community, E.l.f. is committed to being cruelty-free and working with vegan formulas.
Shop the best of E.l.f. Cosmetics:
This was an instant hit with beauty TikTok. If you're after that super-dewy, fresh skin-like complexion, this is the product for you.
Here's yet another viral E.l.f. product. This may be a bold statement, but take from beauty aficionados: This is one of the best affordable cream blushes available. We'll even go as far as to say it's on par with some of the more expensive blushes, if not better. The texture is absolutely beautiful, and it glides onto the skin and sits on it to leave you with a luminous flush of colour. We adore it.
Don't sleep on E.l.f. skincare. The formulations are great and come with that super-affordable price tag. The Pure Skin Cleanser is incredibly gentle, and it leaves the skin feeling cleansed, refreshed and, most importantly, nourished. This one will suit all skin types.
7. Inika Organic
A pioneer in halal-certified beauty, Inika Organic was one of the first available on the market. The Australian brand is committed to developing formulas that use clean and 100% natural ingredients, and it produces products that work to enhance your natural features. It's definitely a brand for the ethically conscious shopper.
Shop the best of Inika Organic:
A first of its kind, Inika's liquid foundation is makeup enhanced with botanical extracts and hyaluronic acid for added skincare benefits. The finish is soft, dewy and flawless.
Opt for the Baked Bronzer when you're after that sun-kissed glowing finish.
This lip tint is formulated with a blend of coconut oil and vitamin-rich shea butter to moisturise the lips, and peppermint oil works to soothe. It adds a wash of colour for a natural stained effect.
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Promo image: @sasha.mei
