19 Best Vegan Makeup Brands for 2026 (Clean & Cruelty-Free)

The search for high quality cosmetics is evolving. More than ever, consumers are looking for products that align with their values, leading to a massive rise in the popularity of vegan makeup brands. But what does “vegan” truly mean in the context of beauty? It means that a product contains no animal or animal derived ingredients, such as beeswax, carmine, or lanolin. This commitment to plant based and synthetic ingredients reflects a larger shift towards conscious consumerism, where transparency and ethics are just as important as performance. Choosing vegan makeup brands is about making a choice that feels good inside and out.

Benefits of Vegan Makeup and Skincare

Switching to vegan makeup and skincare comes with a host of advantages that go beyond just ethical considerations. For many, it’s a holistic approach to beauty that benefits their skin, the planet, and animal welfare.

One of the primary drivers for consumers choosing vegan makeup brands is the kindness factor. These products completely avoid ingredients that are sourced from animals. Many conscious brands take this a step further by also securing cruelty free certifications. For example, a brand like Live Tinted, which is Leaping Bunny approved, guarantees that no animal testing occurred at any stage of product development, a promise that resonates deeply with modern shoppers.

Here are a few more reasons people are making the switch:

• Great for Sensitive Skin: Vegan formulas often exclude common irritants found in traditional cosmetics. By focusing on plant derived extracts, minerals, and thoughtfully formulated synthetics, these products can be gentler and less likely to cause breakouts or reactions (for easy, on the go reapplication that won’t leave a cast, try a clear SPF stick).
• Ingredient Awareness: Vegan makeup brands are typically very transparent about what’s in their products. They cater to a customer who reads labels and cares deeply about ingredients. You’ll often find nourishing, recognizable ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.
• Focus on Performance: Today’s vegan makeup is anything but basic. Brands are creating innovative, high performance products that deliver incredible pigment, lasting wear, and skincare benefits. Think of multitasking products like the HUESTICK® All over Color Corrector, which not only neutralizes hyperpigmentation but is packed with skin loving vitamins.

Top 19 Vegan Makeup Brands to Know

With a clearer understanding of what makes a product truly vegan, let’s dive into some of the brands that are setting the standard in the beauty industry. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite vegan makeup brands that excel in performance, pigment, and principles. Each of these companies is dedicated to creating exceptional products, proving that compassionate beauty and high performance cosmetics go hand in hand.

1. Live Tinted

A community led beauty house solving undertone mismatches and stubborn hyperpigmentation with makeup infused with skincare tailored for melanin rich complexions.

Vegan & cruelty free: 100% vegan; Leaping Bunny certified.

Hero picks: The multitasking Huestick neutralizes dark circles and discoloration, while HUEGUARD® SPF 50 delivers a weightless tint with no white cast; find both at Ulta in the mid prestige tier.

2. e.l.f

The internet’s favorite budget beauty brand brings high performance dupes and inclusive textures to every makeup bag: no gatekeeping, just glow.

Vegan & cruelty free: Fully vegan; Leaping Bunny certified.

Hero picks: grip and go Power Grip Primer locks makeup all day, while Halo Glow Liquid Filter boosts a soft focus sheen; both are easy finds at Target and Ulta for under $15.

3. Milk Makeup

NYC born and beauty editor approved, this brand fuses skincare actives with effortless, multi use makeup that plays well with every routine.

Vegan & cruelty free: 100% vegan; Leaping Bunny certified.

Hero picks: The cult Hydro Grip Primer keeps makeup locked up to 12 hours, while Future Fluid Concealer spans inclusive shades, available at Sephora and Ulta (mid range).

4. The Lip Bar

This Black woman owned brand champions easy to use, inclusive, and bold beauty for every complexion. What started in a home kitchen is now a Target and Walmart favorite.

Vegan & cruelty free: The entire line is 100% vegan and cruelty free.

Hero picks: The Bawse Lady Liquid Matte Lipstick is a universally flattering, long wear red. The Fast Face Kit offers a streamlined, 6 piece system for a full face in minutes.

5. MERIT Beauty

Minimalist makeup for the five minute face: sheer, balmy textures in inclusive shades that let real skin shine through.

Vegan & cruelty free: 100% vegan; Leaping Bunny certified.

Hero picks: The complexion perfecting Minimalist stick and mistake proof Flush Balm are everyday staples; shop the mid range line exclusively at Sephora.

6. LYS Beauty

A Black owned clean brand delivering confidence boosting complexion heroes with creamy, blendable textures and shades that actually look like skin.

Vegan & cruelty free: 100% vegan; PETA certified cruelty free.

Hero pick: The award winning Triple Fix Blurring Skin Tint stick offers buildable, skin like coverage; find it at Sephora at an accessible price point.

7. Tarte

Known for high performance naturals, Tarte delivers playful and powerful makeup, with a strong focus on formulas that are good for your skin.

Vegan & cruelty free: Fully cruelty free with a large and clearly marked vegan selection. Not all products are vegan.

Hero picks: The iconic Shape Tape Concealer is a full coverage vegan hero that smooths and brightens. Many of their Amazonian Clay blushes and bronzers also come in vegan formulas.

8. Too Faced

With a fun, feminine aesthetic, Too Faced creates innovative and cruelty free products that have gained a massive cult following.

Vegan & cruelty free: PETA certified cruelty free, with an extensive range of popular vegan products. The brand is not 100% vegan.

Hero picks: The Born This Way Foundation offers undetectable, natural looking coverage and is a vegan formula. The original Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara is also vegan and a beauty community favorite.

9. Urban Decay

For those who love bold color and long lasting performance, Urban Decay has been an edgy, cruelty free staple for decades.

Vegan & cruelty free: PETA certified cruelty free, with a dedicated section of vegan favorites. The brand is not fully vegan.

Hero picks: The legendary All Nighter Setting Spray is a vegan formula that locks makeup in place for up to 16 hours. Their 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils also come in a wide variety of vegan shades.

10. Milani

Bringing affordable luxury from the drugstore aisle, Milani offers richly pigmented, high quality makeup inspired by the style of Milan.

Vegan & cruelty free: Leaping Bunny and PETA certified cruelty free. The brand is not 100% vegan but offers a wide range of vegan options.

Hero picks: The Baked Blush in Luminoso gives a legendary glow and is a vegan formula. The Conceal + Perfect 2 in 1 Foundation + Concealer is another vegan staple for flawless coverage.

11. Wet n Wild

A drugstore icon for decades, Wet n Wild is committed to providing on trend, high performance products at an ultra affordable price point.

Vegan & cruelty free: PETA certified cruelty free with a large and growing list of vegan products. The brand is not fully vegan.

Hero picks: The Photo Focus Foundation provides camera ready, flawless skin and is vegan. Many of their MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Lipsticks are also vegan fan favorites.

12. Lush

Famous for fresh, handmade cosmetics, Lush extends its ethical philosophy from bath bombs to a unique line of makeup that is 100% vegetarian.

Vegan & cruelty free: 100% cruelty free and vegetarian, with the vast majority (around 95%) of products being fully vegan. A few products contain honey or lanolin.

Hero picks: Their Slap Stick Foundation offers solid, package free coverage with nourishing oils. The Trix Stick Concealer is a multi use crayon perfect for touch ups.

13. Fempower Beauty

A lesbian owned indie label championing activism forward lip color that feels plush, looks bold, and flatters every skin tone.

Vegan & cruelty free: The full lip collection is 100% vegan and cruelty free.

Hero picks: The hydrating Genesis Matte Lipsticks and smart, dual ended Smarter Lip Sets deliver comfort and crisp lines; shop direct on their site for under $15.

14. Joséphine Cosmetics

For glam maximalists, this Black founded brand crafts runway inspired color with saturated liquid formulas that pop on every complexion.

Vegan & cruelty free: 100% vegan; PETA certified cruelty free.

Hero pick: Swipe on Eye/Dazzle Liquid Eyeshadow for smooth, crease resistant gleam; shop the mid range lineup on the brand’s site.

15. LAMIK Beauty

An eco chic line built for multicultural women, with brow and base essentials that eliminate ashy undertones on deeper skin.

Vegan & cruelty free: 100% vegan; proudly Leaping Bunny certified.

Hero picks: The Revelation Brow Duo shapes and fills with ease, while Custom Blend Foundation nails true to skin depth; find select products at Ulta.

16. Laws of Nature Cosmetics

Handcrafted, clean complexion staples designed for melanin rich, sensitive skin: lightweight, breathable, and silicone free.

Vegan & cruelty free: Vegan and cruelty free formulas; no third party seals.

Hero pick: The talc free Cream to Powder Foundation builds from natural to polished without clogging; shop direct at a comfortable mid range price.

17. Range Beauty

Plant powered complexion essentials made for melanin rich, sensitive, and acne prone skin: breathable textures that soothe while they perfect.

Vegan & cruelty free: Entire collection is 100% vegan and cruelty free.

Hero pick: True Intentions Hydrating Foundation calms redness and evens tone with inclusive shade depth; shop online at Sephora in the affordable to mid tier.

18. Yubi Beauty

This brand revolutionized makeup application with its innovative, finger replacing tools designed for a flawless, intuitive finish.

Vegan & cruelty free: All Yubi tools are 100% vegan and cruelty free.

Hero picks: The award winning Miracle Brush features a patented design with dense, vegan bristles that apply foundation, concealer, and powders without streaks or waste.

19. Sacha Cosmetics

A pioneer in inclusive beauty, Sacha Cosmetics has been formulating makeup for diverse skin tones, particularly medium to deep complexions, for over four decades.

Vegan & cruelty free: The brand offers a range of vegan products and is cruelty free.

Hero picks: The world famous Buttercup Setting Powder is a vegan game changer for eliminating flashback and giving a smooth, filtered finish on deeper skin tones.

Conclusion: The Momentum of Vegan Beauty

The movement toward vegan beauty is powerful and permanent. It represents a fundamental change in how we view our products, demanding more from the brands we support. Companies that prioritize ethical formulations and ingredient transparency are leading the charge, proving that you don’t have to compromise on quality to create conscious cosmetics. As more people seek out vegan makeup brands, the industry will continue to innovate, offering cleaner, kinder, and more effective options for everyone.

This shift empowers consumers to build a beauty routine that truly reflects their values. Ready to explore a brand built on inclusivity and conscious formulas? Discover the full collection at Live Tinted, or start with the Everything Nice Correct & Protect Duo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between vegan and cruelty free makeup?

Vegan and cruelty free are not the same, though many people use the terms interchangeably. “Cruelty free” means the product and its ingredients were not tested on animals. “Vegan” means the product does not contain any animal derived ingredients. A brand can be one without being the other, but the most conscious vegan makeup brands are typically both.

Are vegan makeup brands better for your skin?

Many users find that vegan makeup is better for their skin, especially if it is sensitive. These products often omit animal derived ingredients that can be heavy or pore clogging. Instead, they frequently use plant based ingredients known for their nourishing and soothing properties, like the skincare infusions found in the HUESKIN Hydrating Serum Concealer.

How can you tell if a makeup brand is truly vegan?

The best way is to look for official certifications, like the Vegan Society logo or PETA’s vegan certification. You should also read the ingredient list to check for non vegan components like carmine, guanine, and lanolin. Truly transparent vegan makeup brands make this information easy to find on their packaging and website.

Does Live Tinted offer vegan products?

Yes, Live Tinted is a standout among vegan makeup brands, offering a wide range of vegan and cruelty free products. Key items like the award winning Huestick®, the Hueguard® SPF line, and the Superhue® hyperpigmentation treatments are all formulated without animal derived ingredients, aligning with the brand’s commitment to clean, inclusive beauty.

Why are so many people switching to vegan makeup brands?

Consumers are switching for a combination of ethical, environmental, and personal reasons. They are concerned about animal welfare, the environmental impact of animal agriculture, and want cleaner, more transparent formulas for their skin. The growing availability of high performance vegan makeup makes the switch easier than ever.