Not just honey, beeswax or silk proteins. The cosmetics and beauty products in circulation may contain other ingredients of animal origin that those who are vegan or otherwise prefer animal-free and cruelty-free cosmetics would like to avoid. Choosing cosmetics based only on vegetable ingredients and in any case always reading INCI and labels carefully before purchasing allows you to avoid buying cosmetics that contain unwanted substances.
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Not only honey, Beeswax o silk proteins. THE cosmetics and the beauty products out there may contain others ingredients of animal origin that those who are vegan or otherwise prefer animal-free and cruelty-free cosmetics would definitely like to avoid.
Always read well INCI and labels before shopping allows you to avoid buying cosmetics that contain unwanted substances.
Index
Ox marrow and placenta
It seems that the placenta (placental) is now almost out of use. Together with beef marrow until a few years ago, the placenta was among the most advertised ingredients for some hair products. Ox marrow shampoos would still be in production and would be presented as nourishing hair products. Just read the labels to avoid buying hair products with unwanted ingredients.
Carmine
Il carmine, Also known as cochineal, is a dye extracted from the body and eggs of a South American insect. It is used to color lipsticks and other make-up products with shades of pink and red. Among the natural alternatives to carmine we find beetroot juice and annatto, a natural dye extracted from plants.
READ also: 5 additives of animal origin: the cruelty you don't expect
Keratin
La keratin is among the ingredients most used and periodically most advertised for hair care. Keratin is an ingredient of animal origin that can be found in the mane, feathers and horns of various animals. Plant-based alternatives to keratin include soy protein and amla oil.
Moss
It seems that nowadays most perfumes use synthetic musks. Traditionally, however, fragrances al moss they are obtained from the genitals of otter, beaver, mixed deer and other animals. Musk in perfumery serves as a fixative and base note. If in doubt, it is better to contact the manufacturers to understand which ingredients they really use for the fragrance.
READ also: Additives: that “natural” vanilla aroma extracted from the anal glands of beaver
Squalane
Lo squalene, Also known as squalano, is a compound contained in shark liver oil. It is used in creams, lotions and serums to add emollient and lubricating qualities. Alternatives to shark liver oil are naturally vegetable oils, such as wheat germ oil, which is widely used in hair products, and rice bran oil.
Lanolin
La lanolin it is a waxy substance formed by fatty acids that is secreted by the sheepskin, with a protective and emollient function for the animal. It is used as a moisturizing agent, for example in skin, nail and hair products. To replace lanolin it is possible to obtain moisturizing substances based on ingredients of vegetable origin.
Hyaluronic acid
THEhyaluronic acid for aesthetic use it is commonly used as a filler for lines and can be of avian origin (derived from cockscomb, known as Hylaform hyaluronic acid) or of bacterial origin (such as Restylane or Juvederm). It is best to ascertain the origin of this ingredient before purchasing products or undergoing hyaluronic acid treatments.
Stearic acid
It is an animal-derived acid that generally comes from lard, therefore from the abdominal fat of the pig, or from the tallow, that is, from fats taken from beef or mutton. It is used as a binder and thickener in cosmetics and lotions or in the production of soap. However, stearic acid is also present in some vegetable oils, especially coconut oil. If a vegan cosmetic contains stearic acid, it is therefore its vegetable version.
Collagen and elastin
These are proteins present in the connective tissue of animals. They are mainly used in moisturizing products. There are also synthetic versions of collagen or elastin. To find out the origin of these ingredients it is therefore important to contact the producers, if the intention is to avoid substances of animal origin.
Ambergris
THEambergris is a substance produced by the intestines of sperm whales when these animals ingest irritating materials, such as a squid's beak. The National Geographic explains that ambergris coats the material forming a mass that is ejected into the sea. Ambergris is a waxy substance that is mainly used as a base and as a fixative in the industrial production of perfumes and cosmetic fragrances. The alternative they are given by ingredients of synthetic origin or vegetable fixatives.
Marta Albè
Read also:
7 ingredients of animal origin that are hidden in common products
The most toxic ingredients contained in cosmetics
