Vegan is often a way of life. This means that vegans usually not only pay attention to vegan food when it comes to nutrition but also avoid animal products in all areas of life (clothing, shoes, cosmetics, cosmetic accessories, cleaning, and detergents).
Cosmetics: The problem with animal testing
All animal experiments in the field of cosmetics and the marketing of corresponding products have been banned throughout Europe for several years. However, it cannot be assumed that all cosmetics in the EU are free from animal testing. There are various reasons for this: On the one hand, products based on animal testing have only been banned since 2013.
This means that cosmetics based on animal testing can still be on the market if they were on the market before 2013. On the other hand, the ban only applies to products and ingredients that are manufactured exclusively for use in cosmetics. This means that raw materials that are also used, for example, in the manufacture of medicinal or cleaning agents may/must also be tested on animals.
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Identify vegan cosmetics
If you want to use a vegan cosmetic, you should pay attention to independent labels such as the V-Label. This is available in two categories, V-Label vegetarian (may contain animal products, but the animals did not have to die for it) and V-Label vegan (free from animal products).
The V-Label is an internationally recognized brand and a Europe-wide independent seal that is used in numerous areas. Manufacturers who want to provide their product with this seal must apply for certification from the European Vegetarian Union (EVU). The information is then checked by independent laboratories. Not only food can be labeled with it, but also cosmetics, cleaning agents, fashion, accessories, and gastronomy.
The PETA-Approved Vegan label or the Cruelty-Free & Vegan seal also makes it possible to identify vegan cosmetics. The vegan flower from the English Vegan Society also indicates that the product is free from all animal components.
It is not uncommon for companies to put their own seals on their products. However, these may not be subject to independent control.
How do vegan cosmetics differ from natural cosmetics?
Does natural cosmetics also mean vegan? No-vegan cosmetics differ from natural cosmetics in that products designated as natural cosmetics can also contain animal components, e.g. B. honey, beeswax or carmine. In addition, natural cosmetics is not a protected term and is not legally defined. Products that contain individual herbal ingredients are often referred to as natural cosmetics, but in addition to these they can also contain synthetic and environmentally harmful raw materials.
Nevertheless, there are certified natural cosmetics. They can be recognized by various seals such as the test seal of the BDIH (Federal Association of German Industrial and Commercial Companies for Drugs, Health Products, Dietary Supplements and Personal Care Products).
The seal of the International Association of Manufacturers of Animal Welfare-Certified Natural Cosmetics, Cosmetics and Natural Products e. V., the International Association of Manufacturers of Animal Welfare-Certified Natural Cosmetics, Cosmetics and Natural Goods e. V. and the Leaping Bunny label make it possible to identify natural cosmetics, but it is not possible to tell whether the product is vegan.
