Best Vegan Makeup Brands in the US

Please note that I may earn a small commission from purchases made through product links in this article. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Last updated: March 8, 2023

Being vegan isn’t a sub-culture anymore. It’s a mainstream trend, and there are so many products and brands available now for you to try.

We’ve put together a list of the best vegan makeup brands you can find in the US today, to narrow down your search.

Vegan brands do not use any animal-derived ingredients or by-products, which can be a more ethical choice for those who are concerned about animal welfare.



Why Should You Use Vegan Makeup Brands?

Environmental Benefits:

vegan makeup on table

Vegan makeup brands may have a smaller environmental footprint compared to non-vegan brands.

Because they do not use ingredients derived from animal agriculture, which can be resource-intensive.

These brands usually have strong concerns about the environment in general.

Their goal is to have less of an effect on the environment when they produce the makeup, or when it is removed (for example when you wash it down the sink).

The best vegan makeup brands will try to use more natural or organic ingredients, as well as being vegan and cruelty-free.

Often these ingredients are ethically sourced. For example, if they need to source a plant ingredient from a rainforest, they will try to only harvest that plant from forests that are managed sustainably.

The benefit is that this ingredient can grow back quickly, and the rest of the forest is not harmed in the process.

They also tend to make more considered choices on the type of packaging they use, and how to reduce their waste.

Allergic Reactions:

woman applying vegan eyeshadow in mirror

Some people may be allergic to ingredients found in non-vegan makeup, such as lanolin (derived from sheep’s wool) or carmine (derived from crushed insects).

Vegan makeup brands do not use these ingredients, so they may be a good choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Overall, vegan brands can be a good choice for those who are looking for products that align with their ethical values and may be more suitable for sensitive skin.

If you are looking for skincare products that are suitable for easily irritated skin, be sure to check out our article on shaving creams for sensitive skin.

It’s important to note, however, that just because a makeup brand is vegan does not necessarily mean that it is cruelty-free (i.e. the brand does not test its products on animals).

If this is a concern, it’s important to look for makeup brands that are both vegan and cruelty-free.


Top 4 Vegan Makeup Brands

  1. Catrice Cosmetics
  2. OnlyBetter Cosmetics
  3. Ilia Cosmetics
  4. Kosas Cosmetics

1. Catrice Cosmetics

Catrice Cosmetics are making a name for themselves in the US with their range of high-quality, yet cost-friendly vegan and cruelty-free foundations.

From the beginning Catrice products have been endorsed by PETA as being 100% cruelty-free and vegan.

No products found.

Catrice is a German company, and their products are mostly made in Italy. So their products are tested and certified to the high-quality standards of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

These strict standards exclude over 1,500 potentially harmful ingredients, compared to the US which only excludes 11.

If you are looking for an everyday foundation, their HD Liquid Coverage Foundation offers a smooth, creamy finish.

Combine this with their Prime Fine Illuminating Dewy Glow Spray to keep your face hydrated throughout the day.

Top Vegan Makeup Products from Catrice:

No products found.


2. ONLYBETTER Cosmetics

ONLYBETTER are a new brand with bright beautiful makeup that is vegan and cruelty-free.

Their makeup palettes come in a broad range of colors, with the top reviewed model holding 16 different shades. The ingredients are 100% plant based, and at least 88% organically grown.

This includes soothing plant extracts like Sage, Evening Primrose oil and Vitamin E.

No products found.

In addition to this, most of their range are free of toxic nasties including phthalates, parabens and mineral oil.

These palettes and concealers have a light, creamy finish, which is great for those with oily skin.

Also the colors are highly pigmented, meaning a little goes a long way, and has great staying power.

Top Vegan Makeup Products from ONLYBETTER:

No products found.


3. Ilia Cosmetics

Ilia is a brand that takes clean, conscious living to a new level.

Their attention to detail on the ingredients and packaging makes a big difference to the quality of their products.

The formulas are vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free, and flatter a wide range of skin tones.

Ilia’s lipsticks and foundations are buttery smooth to apply, either with your fingertips or beauty tools.

No products found.

To add to this, many of their products are also award winners. For example the Ilia Multi-Stick for Lips + Cheeks has won the following beauty magazine awards:

Best Multi-Use, Byrdie’s Eco Beauty Awards (2019)
Best Blush, Allure’s Readers’ Choice Awards (2021)

Their minimalist packaging has a really luxe look and feel.

Also, they use as much sustainable and recycled materials as possible, including recycled glass and aluminum, and responsibly sourced paper.

Most of their products are designed for convenience as well, and to be used on the go.

They are low mess, and you can use them for more than one application.

Top Vegan Makeup Products from Ilia:

No products found.


4. Kosas Cosmetics

Kosas is a vegan makeup brand with a cult following.

Their products have won a bunch of beauty awards, and their multi-use range keeps us coming back for more.

To start their products are vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free.

Also they are formulated without mineral oil, talc, silicones, fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

No products found.

The Kosas Revealer Concealer is a super creamy concealer that doubles as an eye cream.

So you can hide your dark circles, but also brighten and sooth your skin over the long term.

Available in 20 different shades, this concealer is designed for everyone to use as their everyday wear.

Other standout products include their Air Brow Fluff & Hold Treatment Gel for some serious brow volume, as well as their lightweight Chemistry Deodorant.

Top Vegan Makeup Products from Kosas:

No products found.


Final Thoughts

There are so many vegan makeup brands to choose from nowadays.

So it is much easier for you to swap nearly all of your makeup to an cruelty-free alternative.

Remember to always check the ingredients to understand which parts make the product “vegan”.

Look for certification like the Leaping Bunny, which certifies if a product is cruelty free.

Changing up your makeup game is a journey, but a fun one, and rewarding in the long run for your body and the planet.


Pin for Later!

best vegan makeup brands pinterest

Bel Herron

Ecostalk is your destination for finding and sharing great green ideas to help you live healthier, happier and in a more sustainable way.

Leave a Comment