Vegan and Cruelty-Free Skincare: The Labels Are Different

The quick answer
Vegan means a product avoids animal-derived ingredients; cruelty-free generally refers to animal-testing practices. They are not interchangeable claims, and neither automatically guarantees that a product is safer for sensitive skin.

As consumers become more conscious of the products they use and their impact on the environment and animals, the demand for vegan skincare has been on the rise. With the market now offering a wide range of vegan skincare products, switching to cruelty-free options is easy without sacrificing quality.
Cruelty-Free Skincare
Choosing vegan skincare means you're selecting products that don't contain any animal products or byproducts. This includes ingredients like beeswax, honey, and lanolin. Additionally, vegan skincare products are never tested on animals. Choosing cruelty-free products is not only an ethical choice, but it's also better for the planet.
Natural Ingredients
Many vegan skincare products are made from natural ingredients such as plant-based oils, herbs, and botanical extracts. These natural ingredients are often gentler on your skin and provide added benefits such as hydration and nourishment.
Avoiding Harmful Chemicals
Vegan skincare products often exclude harmful chemicals that can be found in many traditional skincare products. Ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, and sulfates can be harsh on your skin and potentially cause long-term damage. Vegan products are often formulated without these harmful chemicals, making them a healthier option for your skin.
Reduce Environmental Impact
Choosing vegan skincare products means you're making a conscious decision to reduce your impact on the environment. Traditional skincare products can contain ingredients that are not only harmful to animals but also contribute to pollution and deforestation. Vegan products often use plant-based ingredients that are sustainably sourced, which reduces the impact on the environment.
Handmade Soap and Artisan Soap

Store Recommendations:
Body Butter and Herbal Skincare
Store Recommendations:
Mango Butter for Lips and Body Butter
Room Spray, Bath Salt, Sleep Spray, and Aromatherapy Spray

Frequently asked questions
Are all SelesTeres products vegan?
No. The collection includes plant-based options as well as tallow and goat-milk soaps.
Are vegan and cruelty-free identical?
No. They refer to different questions.
Is vegan skincare safer?
Not inherently; safety depends on the finished formula.
Can a vegan product contain fragrance?
Yes. Botanical or synthetic fragrances may be present.
Explore more SelesTeres rituals
Curated complements to this article—6 products across cleansing, skincare and home where relevant. Swipe to discover more; these are cosmetic and lifestyle products, not treatments for medical conditions.

Body Butter
Whipped Body Butter – Plant-Based
Rich body moisturizing for an adult skin-care ritual; choose the variant that suits you.
From $30.00
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Bar Soap
Coconut Rose – Coconut Milk Soap with Shea Butter & Clay
A small-batch cleansing bar. Check fragrance and the full ingredient list.
From $14.00
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Bar Soap
Lavender Mint – Coconut Milk Soap with Cocoa Butter
A small-batch cleansing bar. Check fragrance and the full ingredient list.
From $14.00
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Lip Butter
Lip Butter – Shea, Jojoba & Vitamin E
Rich body moisturizing for an adult skin-care ritual; choose the variant that suits you.
From $10.00
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Candle
Aesthetics Coconut Wax Candle Collection
A candle for home ambiance—not a sleep or health treatment.
From $38.00
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Bar Soap
Evergreen – Coconut Milk Shampoo Bar
A small-batch cleansing bar. Check fragrance and the full ingredient list.
From $14.00
Explore productFurther reading & sources
For general education and inspiration only. SelesTeres products are cosmetics and lifestyle items, not medical treatments. Individual responses and sensitivities vary by person and formulation. If you have a health concern, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.
Your insights and product recommendations are invaluable for those of us looking to make a positive change in our skincare routines and contribute to a more compassionate world.
As a conscious consumer, I’ve been seeking out cruelty-free options, and Nina Pure Joy’s article reaffirms the importance of this choice. Their commitment to vegan skincare resonates with my values, and I appreciate that they prioritize both the well-being of animals and the health of our skin.
Vegan products are so much better for sensitive skin. No animal byproducts, nothing but natural ingredients from the earth. I didn’t even think about bath salts and sleep sprays being vegan!
On the basis of my personal experience, aromatherapy before going to bed is not just great for skin health but also helps in stress relief and makes you feel good.
Mango butter is the softest body butter I’ve ever tried. And we use Himalayan salt for all sorts of things. Being cognizant of your skincare ingredients is easier than you’d think, if you look. Room spray with essential oils is a great way to relax, and we love artisan soap.
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