You might not expect it, but animals are everywhere in our personal care products. Maybe it doesn’t bother you, or maybe, like me (check out my TEDx Talk!), it makes you a bit upset.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg: 10 common animal-derived ingredients you should definitely check for on your labels.
What it is: Collagen is a protein found naturally in the skin, bones and connective tissue of animals, usually from cows or fish.
Where it is used: You often find collagen in anti-ageing creams and serums that improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
INCI name: Collagen, Hydrolyzed Collagen.
Why it is used: Collagen helps to restore skin firmness and gives a youthful appearance by replenishing proteins in the skin.
Animal-based? Yes, always. Although there are plant-based ingredients that stimulate the natural production of collagen, collagen itself is always animal-based.
What it is:Gelatin is a protein made from cooked animal skin, bones and tendons-mostly from cows or pigs.
Where it is used: You will find gelatine in cosmetics such as face masks, hair products and even in supplements for the skin.
INCI name: Gelatin, Hydrolyzed Gelatin.
Why it is used: It acts as a binder and helps products maintain a certain texture. It can also add shine and strength to hair.
Animal-based? Yes, always. Gelatine comes from animal connective tissue, so there is no vegan form of gelatine, although there are plant-based alternatives such as agar-agar.
What it is:Keratin is a structural protein found in the hair, feathers and horns of animals.
Where it is used: You often see keratin in hair products, especially in treatments that make hair smoother and stronger.
INCI name: Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin.Why it is used: It helps repair damaged hair, reduces frizz and adds shine by strengthening the hair structure.
Animal-based? Yes, always. Keratin is an animal protein, although there are synthetic and plant-based alternatives that try to mimic the same effects.
What it is: Lanolin is a waxy substance extracted from the wool of sheep. Where it is used: Lanolin is often found in lip balms, moisturisers and lotions as an emollient for the skin.
INCI name: Lanolin, Lanolin Alcohol, Lanolin Acid.Why it is used: Lanolin is hugely hydrating and works great against dry or chapped skin. It locks in moisture and is therefore widely used in skincare products
Animal-based: Yes, always. Because it comes from sheep's wool, it is a by-product of the wool industry, but it is still animal-derived.
What it is: Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees. (I'm sure this wasn't a surprise, but just in case).
Where it is used: It is used in products such as lip balms, creams, lotions and mascaras as a thickening agent and to retain moisture.
INCI name: Cera Alba, Beeswax.
Why it is used: Beeswax forms a protective layer on the skin, retains moisture and gives products a soft texture.
Animal-based? Yes, always. Beeswax is a by-product of the honey industry, although there are plant-based alternatives such as candelilla or carnauba wax. We also use sunflower or japanese berry wax in our products.
What it is:Squalene is a fat often extracted from the liver of sharks, although it can also come from plants (such as olives).
Where it is used: You can find squalene in facial serums, moisturisers and anti-ageing creams because of its exceptional moisturising properties.
INCI name: Squalene.
Why it is used: It acts as an emollient and leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated without being greasy.
Animal-based? Sometimes. Squalene can come from sharks or from plants such as olives. Look for ‘plant-based’ or ‘vegan’ on the label if you want to avoid the animal version.
What it is:Carmine is a red dye made from ground cochineal lice.
Where it is used: It is often used in red and pink make-up products such as lipstick, blush and eye shadow.
INCI name: Carmine, CI 75470, Cochineal.
Why it is used: Carmine gives a vibrant, natural red colour that is hard to match with synthetic dyes.
Animal-based? Yes, always. Carmine comes from insects. Vegan and synthetic alternatives exist, but are labelled differently. Sometimes even beets can be used, now that's lekker.
What it is:Stearic acid is a fatty acid that can come from animal fats (such as tallow) or from vegetable oils (such as coconut or palm oil).
Where it is used: It is used in lotions, soaps and creams as a thickener and emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water.
INCI name: Stearic Acid.
Why it is used: It stabilises and thickens formulas, giving products a creamy texture.
Animal-based? Sometimes. It can come from both animal and plant sources. If you want to avoid animal products, look for plant-based or vegan labels. (We use this ingredient, it is however vegan in our case.)
What it is:Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in animal cells.
Where it is used: You often find cholesterol in hair conditioners and skin creams because of its moisturising and softening properties.
INCI name: Cholesterol.
Why it is used: Cholesterol helps maintain moisture and elasticity in both skin and hair, and is therefore widely used in conditioning treatments.
Animal-based?Yes, always. Cholesterol comes from animals, although there are synthetic alternatives in some products.-
What it is:Elastin is a protein found in the connective tissue of animals.
Where it is used: You can find elastin in anti-aging products, just like collagen, where it helps to make skin firmer and more elastic.
INCI name: Elastin, Hydrolyzed Elastin.
Why it is used: It helps keep the skin taut and elastic, which is why it is widely used in anti-ageing serums and creams.
Animal-based? Yes, always. Like collagen, elastin is always derived from animals and mostly from animal connective tissue.
It is important to be aware of what is in our skincare and make-up, especially if you want to avoid animal ingredients. Many of these common ingredients have plant-based or synthetic alternatives, so always check the labels!
By understanding what each of these 10 ingredients is, where they come from and what they are used for, you can make better choices for your beauty routine. Keep following our TikTok series for more tips and in-depth information on ingredients, and let me know which of these animal ingredients surprised you!
