Cruelty-free and vegan makeup has moved from being just a buzzword in the beauty world to something that's simply indispensable. Not only have these cruelty-free products are expected to eliminate harm done to animals, but also contain cleaner and skin-friendly ingredients. As more attention is paid to the ethics of the living world, the need for sustainable and compassion-based beauty is at its high tide.
In 2025, beauty brands are meeting these demands with tremendous innovations ranging from budget-friendly essentials to more luxurious indulgences. The better news is, that you don't have to cut back on what matters the most: quality and performance. Whether one is a full-time makeup geek or just beginning a journey into good ethical beauty practices, there's surely something suitable for everyone in the store.
Here is a well-curated list of the 10 best cruelty-free vegan makeup brands to try in 2025.
These companies have established themselves for commitment to animal welfare, plant-based formulations, and great product lines. Discover how these brands may help you nail your looks in line with your values.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
e.l.f. Cosmetics demonstrates that high-quality makeup can be affordable. The brand is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. The brand shows that beauty products don't have to cost the Earth. The prices are more affordable, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly. Offering wide shade ranges for silky foundations and bold eyeshadow palettes, this brand addresses all skin tones. With light formulas and on-trend launches, e.l.f. continues to bring excitement to makeup lovers and professionals alike.
Pacifica Beauty
Pacifica Beauty is a brand which, itself, shows sustainable lifestyle representation. Pacifica is known as a natural ingredients brand, and its packs are biodegradable. It has an inventory full of makeup: from creamy lip balm to volumizing mascaras. Its product refills come as eco-friendly yet economical favorite of the most concerned environmental people.
KVD Beauty
KVD Beauty has stayed true to itself on its journey of being 100% vegan and cruelty-free. The brand carries high-performance iconic products such as Tattoo Liner and Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks. Bold packaging and long-wearing formulas make KVD Beauty perfect for statement faces.
Aether Beauty
Aether Beauty is the leader in clean and sustainable beauty. The brand is excited about its eco-friendly packaging with its ethically sourced ingredients. It puts together elegant eyeshadow palettes and other makeup essentials prioritizing performance and sustainability. It is an example of how a brand with clean ingredients can also be chic and innovative.
Rare Beauty
Founded by Selena Gomez, Rare Beauty is changing the face of beauty through inclusive campaigns paired with lightweight and buildable formulas. Of course, bestsellers include the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation, both of which are versatile and easy to apply. Being cruelty-free and vegan-friendly propels this brand's appeal.
Ilia Beauty
Ilia Beauty gathered the best of makeup and skincare together to be a wholesome incorporation of beauty. The creamiest one among them is the Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, which offers lightweight coverage, hydration, and sun protection all in one. This is also minimalist and sleekly packaged, with clean, vegan formulations that care for both aesthetics and functionality.
Bite Beauty
Bite Beauty is synonymous with high-performing lip products, though the brand has branched out into foundation and blush, among others. Agave+ Lip Mask and creamy lipsticks are two very popular products in terms of their nourishing formula and bold color payoff. The brand continues to work towards delivering clean, vegan products that have excellent results.
The Lip Bar
The Lip Bar is fueled by a need to challenge traditional beauty and standards. This company started with only bold, colorful lipsticks and has since grown to include foundation, blushes, and all-eye products.
One example is the "Fast Face Kit," which takes all of your makeup and condenses it into six essentials to match your skin tone. All their formulations are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, using nourishing ingredients that include jojoba oil and shea butter. The mission behind The Lip Bar is not makeup; it is individuality and diversity.
Cheekbone Beauty
Cheekbone Beauty is a cruelty-free brand. It is a brand that focuses on clean beauty with sustainable packaging. It specializes in vibrant, high-performance makeup, donating a portion of its profits to support indigenous youth.
Subtl Beauty
Convenience with no compromise in ethics, this is Subtl Beauty. The perfect innovation for the busy on-the-go individual, it is offered in stackable makeup products. From foundation, bronzer, and blush, to highlighter, it offers varieties of products. What sets it apart from its theme is its use of minimalism and quality. Formulas are light but highly effective in their vegan and cruelty-free range. Subtl Beauty proves that beauty with a conscience can be functional, chic, and fit for the modern way of living.
From just a niche area, cruelty-free and vegan makeup has turned out to be the new big movement that blends ethics with great beauty solutions. The list demonstrates to you that with quality, variety, or performance, there's no reason why you should give up on being more sustainable and compassionate.
You are contributing to a more ethical, eco-friendly future by supporting these brands. Be it affordability or splurge luxury, the option to go for the right product is available for everyone. Do check out these brands and find some great matches for your values. Your makeup bag and your conscience will thank you.
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