In this article
In this article

The beauty industry has always been a driving force in setting the pace for novel trends and paradigms. Recently, one trend has taken center stage – the vegan beauty movement. This trend is an echo of a broader societal shift towards ethical consumption, with consumers expressing increased preference for cruelty-free and environmentally friendly products. As vegan beauty products – from cosmetics to skincare lines – rise to prominence, brands are looking for reliable means to source these products. 

Why vegan beauty products?

The rise of vegan beauty is more than a passing trend. It reflects a significant shift in consumer preferences and expectations. Consumers are becoming more informed and conscious about their choices, increasingly favoring products that are not only good for them but also for the environment and society at large.

Vegan beauty products exclude any ingredients derived from animals or animal by-products. This ethical choice resonates with customers who are looking for cruelty-free options. By offering vegan beauty products, brands show their commitment to the welfare of animals.

Moreover, vegan beauty products are generally healthier than conventional cosmetics. Vegan formulations typically do away with harsh chemicals and potential allergens that often feature in standard beauty products. As such, consumers with sensitive skin or those looking to reduce their exposure to chemical compounds find vegan beauty products an attractive choice.

Vegan vs. non-vegan beauty products

Understanding the difference between vegan and non-vegan beauty products is essential for brands looking to cater to conscious consumers. Vegan beauty products are made without any animal-derived ingredients or by-products, including common components like lanolin, collagen, gelatin, and certain types of squalene, among others.

In contrast, non-vegan beauty products may contain these and other animal-derived ingredients. Additionally, vegan beauty brands often prioritize cruelty-free practices, meaning they do not test their products on animals.

On the other hand, non-vegan beauty products may or may not be cruelty-free, depending on the brand’s practices and regulations of the country in which they are made. It’s important to note that “cruelty-free” does not automatically mean “vegan,” and vice versa. Brands aiming to offer vegan beauty lines must ensure both the ingredients and the manufacturing processes align with vegan principles.

Understanding vegan ingredients in beauty products

Vegan beauty products are crafted using a variety of plant-derived ingredients, minerals, and safe synthetic materials that provide similar, if not better, benefits than their non-vegan counterparts.

For instance, ingredients such as plant oils, like coconut, jojoba, or argan, are often used in vegan products for their nourishing and moisturizing properties. Essential oils from various plants serve as natural fragrances and can also have therapeutic benefits. Minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are commonly used in vegan makeup, offering safe alternatives for sun protection and color pigmentation.

It’s also vital to recognize that ‘vegan’ does not always mean ‘natural’ or ‘organic’. A product can be vegan and still contain synthetic ingredients. So, if your brand values natural and organic formulations, it’s important to look out for those characteristics as well when choosing your vegan beauty manufacturer.

Key factors in evaluating when choosing a vegan beauty contract manufacturer

1. Check if the manufacturer really embraces vegan principles

When selecting a vegan beauty manufacturer to source from, there are a few crucial factors to consider. First and foremost, ensure the brand truly embraces vegan principles. This means all products should be free of animal-derived ingredients and by-products. It’s also essential to verify the brand’s cruelty-free status. Especially when sourcing from outside the EU, companies claim to be vegan but still test their products or ingredients on animals, which contradicts the spirit of veganism.

2. Check that your vegan beauty manufacturer has the necessary certifications

Secondly, check for certifications. A reputable vegan beauty brand will often have certifications from recognized bodies such as The Vegan Society, Leaping Bunny, or PETA, which can assure you of their vegan and cruelty-free production claims.

3. Make sure to also include sustainability factors into your product sourcing activities

Thirdly, consider the manufacturer’s sustainability practices. Many consumers who opt for vegan beauty products also value environmental responsibility. This can include factors like packaging, sourcing of ingredients, and production processes.

One primary component of sustainability is the brand’s packaging choices. Does the brand opt for minimal packaging? Is the packaging recyclable or, even better, made from recycled materials? Does the brand offer refillable options? Brands with a strong commitment to sustainability will often use eco-friendly packaging and adopt practices that minimize waste.

Another critical factor is the sourcing of ingredients. Brands truly committed to sustainability will source their ingredients responsibly. This means ensuring their ingredients are sustainably grown and harvested, and that the sourcing process doesn’t contribute to deforestation or harm biodiversity. Some brands take this a step further by ensuring their ingredients are ethically sourced, providing fair wages and working conditions for those involved in the ingredient cultivation and harvesting.

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Vegan product with sustainable ingredients

On top of that, consider the brand’s production processes. A sustainable brand will strive to minimize its carbon footprint throughout the production process. This can include using energy-efficient manufacturing methods, minimizing water use, and implementing waste management systems in their factories.

Lastly, take note of the brand’s reputation and reviews. Consumer feedback can provide invaluable insights into the quality of the products, the brand’s customer service, and whether they live up to their vegan claims. As a business, aligning with a vegan beauty brand that enjoys a strong positive reputation will be beneficial for your image and customer trust.

Transforming your brand with a vegan beauty product line

The choice to include vegan beauty products in your offerings can significantly transform your brand image and market positioning. Whether you are an established brand looking to diversify your portfolio or a startup launching your first product line, Wonnda can facilitate your journey into the vegan beauty space.

By sourcing vegan beauty products through Wonnda, you can elevate your brand image, cater to an evolving consumer base, and stay ahead in the increasingly competitive beauty industry. Adding vegan beauty product lines can help your brand capture a growing market segment, improve customer loyalty, and position your brand as a forward-thinking player in the industry.

Create your next product line with Wonnda

Our platform lets you source, launch, and scale your product line with over 250 trusted European suppliers. So whether you’re looking to request products from our private label catalog of over 1,500 items or develop custom products from scratch, Wonnda has everything you need to get started. Best of all, it’s free to start today!

Set up your account in less than 3 minutes and begin your journey with Wonnda. Unlock endless possibilities for your business, bring new products to market and streamline your sourcing process from idea to launch on one single platform.

About the author
Barbara Jankowska
Meet Barbara Jankowska, an upbeat and curious writer who originally comes from Poland. She moved to Berlin to pursue her Master's degree in International Marketing, where she developed her skills in research and analysis. Always eager to learn more, Barbara remains up-to-date with the latest trends and enjoys exploring new topics. Currently, Barbara is participating in an Erasmus exchange program in Porto, where she is discovering the unique culture and traditions of Portugal. Barbara's natural positivity and love of discovery make her a valuable new member of Wonnda. Her research and analysis skills, coupled with her ability to write engaging and informative content, ensure that she provides her readers with valuable insights and fresh perspectives on a range of topics.
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