It’s a common misconception that all-natural beauty products are automatically vegan. The term “natural” in beauty often implies the absence of synthetic chemicals, but it doesn’t guarantee the absence of animal-derived ingredients. If you’re aiming for cruelty-free or vegan skincare, particularly when choosing a lotion, it’s crucial to be aware of the sneaky animal products that can be found even in products marketed as natural. Let’s explore some common animal-derived ingredients that might be lurking in your everyday lotions.
1. Squalene: Often Sourced from Sharks
Squalene is a popular ingredient in skincare formulations, especially lotions, because of its potent moisturizing and anti-aging properties. However, the source of squalene is often overlooked. Traditionally, squalene is harvested from shark liver oil, specifically from the livers of sharks belonging to the Squalidae family. This ingredient ends up in various lotions, creams, tanning oils, and lip balms. For those seeking to avoid animal products, it’s important to note that vegan squalane (spelled with an ‘a’) is available. This plant-derived alternative is typically extracted from olives or wheat germ, offering the same skin benefits without harming sharks.
2. Carmine: The Crimson from Cochineal Insects
Carmine is a vibrant red pigment widely used in the cosmetics and food industries. In lotions, carmine might be used to impart a subtle tint or color. What many don’t realize is that carmine is derived from cochineal insects. These tiny insects are harvested and crushed to extract carminic acid, which is then processed to create the crimson dye. When checking ingredient lists for lotions, be aware that carmine can appear under various names, including natural red 4, E120, or CI 75470.
3. Guanine: Shine from Fish Scales
For lotions that promise a pearlescent or shimmering effect, guanine could be the culprit. This crystalline material is derived from fish scales and is valued for its light-reflecting properties. The crushed fish scales are processed to extract guanine, which is then incorporated into lotions and other beauty products like nail polishes and eyeshadows to create that desirable shimmer.
4. Honey: Not Vegan, Despite Natural Perception
Honey is often perceived as a natural and beneficial ingredient in beauty products, including lotions. It’s praised for its moisturizing and antibacterial qualities. However, honey is undeniably an animal product, produced by bees. For vegans and those seeking truly cruelty-free options, honey is not suitable. Despite being a natural ingredient, its animal origin disqualifies it from being considered vegan. Honey can be found in body balms, scrubs, and various creams and lotions.
5. Lanolin: Wool Fat from Sheep
Lanolin is a common emollient found in numerous lotions, lip balms, and hair products. It’s lauded for its ability to soften and soothe the skin, making it a popular choice for moisturizing lotions. Lanolin is derived from sheep’s wool. It’s essentially wool grease extracted from sheep fleece. While the process of obtaining lanolin is often considered less harmful than some other animal-derived ingredients, as it doesn’t necessarily involve harming the animal directly, it’s still an animal byproduct. Plant-based alternatives to lanolin exist, usually derived from plant fats like coconut oil or shea butter, and these will be clearly labeled in vegan products.
6. Glycerine: Animal or Vegetable? Know the Source
Glycerine is a versatile moisturizing agent used extensively in the beauty industry, particularly in soaps and lotions. While plant-based glycerine exists, derived from sources like soy, coconut oil, or palm oil, a significant portion of glycerine is still derived from animal fats. Unless the ingredient list specifies vegetable glycerine, it’s difficult to ascertain the source. For those avoiding animal products, opting for products explicitly stating vegetable glycerine is essential.
7. Collagen: Animal Tissue for Anti-Aging Claims
Collagen is a widely celebrated ingredient in anti-aging skincare, including lotions. It’s marketed for its ability to improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. Collagen is a fibrous protein sourced from animal tissues, bones, skins, ligaments, and tendons. The collagen used in beauty products is primarily derived from beef or fish. Vegans and those avoiding animal products should be aware that collagen, by its very nature, is animal-derived. While “vegan collagen” products are emerging, these typically contain plant-based ingredients designed to boost the skin’s own collagen production, rather than containing actual animal-derived collagen.
Making Informed Choices for Cruelty-Free Lotion
Navigating the world of beauty product ingredients can be tricky, especially when seeking to avoid animal products. While “natural” labels can be misleading, being informed about common animal-derived ingredients like squalene, carmine, guanine, honey, lanolin, glycerine, and collagen empowers you to make conscious choices. Always scrutinize ingredient lists, look for vegan certifications, and opt for brands that transparently disclose the sources of their ingredients. By doing so, you can ensure your lotion choices align with your values and are truly cruelty-free.
