Have you ever wondered about vegetarianism and beauty products? Many people do not realize the same principles that often lead to avoiding meat and other animal products extend to household goods and the products you use in your beauty regimen.
Vegetarianism and Beauty
Vegetarians do not consume meat, poultry, or fish, and vegans do not consume any animal products or byproducts whatsoever. Many vegetarians incorporate aspects of veganism into their diet, which can extend into home and beauty products. Some such products do contain animal proteins or derivatives or are tested on animals as part of their development process.
Types of Beauty Products
If you're trying to eliminate animal products from your beauty regimen, you may need to do a little research. While some companies do the footwork for you by labeling products as "vegan" or "vegetarian," others do not. The ingredient lists on makeup, lotions, soaps, and body washes can also be somewhat confusing, so it's important to look for high-quality, plant-based ingredients in the following products. You may also want to take care to seek out organic items, which may use more Earth-friendly methods of manufacturing and development.
- Makeup (Includes foundation, powder, rouge, lipstick and lip gloss, eyeshadow, mascara, and other products)
- Facial cleansers
- Toner
- Blemish products
- Cold cream
- Hand and body lotion
- Night cream
- Face masks
- Eye repair solutions
- Wrinkle reducers
Animal-Free Ingredients
Many of the most hydrating products for the face and body are actually already plant-based. Here are a few of the most common plant-based ingredients to look for when trying to locate animal-free beauty items:
- Soy
- Cocoa butter
- Beeswax
- Aloe vera
- Shea butter
- Collagen
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A
- Essential fatty acids
Why Choose Plant-Based Products?
When it comes to vegetarianism and beauty, there are many reasons to go animal-free. Not all individuals who become vegetarians or vegans do so for the same reasons. Some people follow certain religious practices that encourage their diet choices; others feel vegetarian eating is simply better for the body and the whole life. Still others are compelled to adopt an animal-free diet based on moral or ecological reasons related to farming and manufacturing practices. Many people believe limiting or completely eliminating animals and animal products in diet and life can go a long way toward creating a more sustainable Earth. Finally, some vegetarians and vegans cite animal cruelty as their primary motivation and thereby seek to eliminate as many animal products from their diets and lifestyles as possible.
Some believe many common cosmetics and skin-care products contain a whole host of toxic ingredients, such as:
- Pesticides
- Degreasers
- Carcinogens
- Endocrine disruptors
- Artificial fragrances
Several brands take special care to produce only vegetarian or vegan products. Their products are made with both quality and sustainability in mind and can be purchased at a variety of specialty and retail stores as well as online.
For more information on how to go vegetarian with your beauty regimen, visit online vegetarian communities, talk with friends or family, or search online for the best animal-free products.
