What Makes a Sunscreen Truly Vegan? It’s More Than Just Animal-Free
- Kaoru Shinozaki
- Apr 5
- 1 min read
In a world where “vegan” is plastered on everything from snacks to skincare, the meaning can sometimes get lost. When it comes to sunscreen, being vegan is about more than avoiding animal testing it’s about questioning what’s inside the bottle.
Common Animal-Derived Ingredients in Sunscreens:
You’d be surprised how many traditional sunscreens contain:
Beeswax (used for water resistance)
Lanolin (from sheep’s wool, used as a moisturiser)
Glycerin (can be animal- or plant-derived)
Silk protein or collagen (for skin conditioning)
Even if the label says "vegan", unless it’s certified, there’s no guarantee.
Why Certification Matters:
Look for logos like Vegan Society or PETA-certified vegan. These ensure no animal products or by-products were used and that the product wasn't tested on animals at any stage.
A Step Further: Ethical Sourcing
Truly ethical vegan sunscreens also consider:
No palm oil (unless sustainably sourced)
No petrochemical UV filters
Mineral-based actives like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
Vegan skincare should be kind to animals, people, and the planet. If it’s not, is it really vegan?
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