plant-based cosmetics
In January 2015, an estimate by the Vegetarierbund Deutschland (German Vegetarian Association) showed that there are about 900,000 vegans living in this country. For these people, veganism represents a way of life and philosophy. The motivations are the same for almost all vegans: according to the Vegan Society’s 1979 memorandum, “all forms of exploitation as well as cruelty to animals for clothing, food or other purposes should be avoided.”
In addition, they say, the development of animal-free alternatives must be encouraged, which is not only beneficial to humans and animals, but also to our environment. However, vegans are still often ridiculed and criticized by dissenters as “do-gooders.” Nevertheless, the number of followers of this particular way of life is steadily increasing, thanks in part to an increased sense of responsibility towards our environment.
The market for vegan products is therefore booming and has been experiencing a remarkable upward trend for years. The main portion of vegan products covers however food, vegetable Kosmetik takes so far a relatively small part, which in view of the social developments however in the future to change is likely.
By the way, the typical vegan is female, well educated and under 30. Older people, men and people with a lower level of education join this way of life rather rarely.
How do plant-based cosmetics actually differ from natural cosmetics and animal-free cosmetics?
Since March 2013, the sale of cosmetic products whose ingredients have been tested on animals has been banned throughout the EU. However, this only applies to cosmetic ingredients: there are also ingredients (for example, colorants and fragrances) that fall under the Chemicals Directive, which means that animal testing is even required by law for these substances. Animal-free cosmetics, on the other hand, do not contain these substances.
Natural cosmetics are usually made from plant-based raw materials and/or products from living animals. Therefore, they do not necessarily have to be vegan. In principle, the use of ingredients produced by animals of all kinds is permitted in natural cosmetics. Such substances can be, for example, honey or milk. Raw materials from dead vertebrates (for example mink oil or marmot fat) may not be used in natural cosmetics.
Plant-based cosmetics do not contain any ingredients produced from or by animals.
Plant-based cosmetics: animal ingredients and their alternatives.
This kind of cosmetics contain alternative ingredients that are as effective as they are compatible. For example, allantoin, a breakdown product of uric acid in the protein metabolism of many mammals, is found in numerous creams and lotions. Alternatives include wheat and soy seedlings, horse chestnut, rice and comfrey root. Another example of herbal cosmetics: Royal jelly is considered a miracle weapon against premature skin aging and is contained in many cosmetic products.
This is the glandular secretion from the worker bees of the honey bee, which is used primarily to raise the queen bee. Herbal cosmetics do without it and instead use aloe vera and comfrey, which have a similar effect.
Also widely used is keratin, a protein made from ground-up horns, hooves, hair and feathers from various animals. Keratin is often used in hair shampoos and conditioners, but plant-based cosmetics also have useful alternatives. Soy protein, almond oil and nettle are the best-known options here.
And there are also similar examples in natural cosmetics. For example, beeswax is used in many natural cosmetic products. However, plant-based cosmetics know an alternative and use berry wax instead.
Plant-based cosmetics and often criticized ingredients
In cosmetics, the attributes “vegan” and “ecologically acceptable” are unfortunately often mutually exclusive. No wonder, because to ensure that only active ingredients of non-animal origin are used, manufacturers have to replace them with mostly synthetic or even natural substances. But the vegan alternatives are not always available in harmless quality. So two challenges have to be met at the same time:
- Animal substances are to be consistently dispensed with during production.
- Despite alternative ingredients, the plant-based cosmetics should meet high ecological standards.
This can certainly be achieved. Good plant-based cosmetics are free of animal extracts and substances of animal origin. They also do not contain mineral oil derivatives and parabens.
Recognizing plant-based cosmetics: the example of glycerin
Glycerin usually comes from beef tallow. The substance is formed during saponification. However, glycerin can also be obtained by saponification of vegetable fats and oils. For the consumer, however, this is often unclear, as the declaration for conventional cosmetics does not provide any information about the origin of the glycerin. Certified plant-based cosmetics use only glycerin of plant origin. But how can you tell if a product is really a plant-based cosmetic?
When in doubt, the following applies to cosmetics in general: Consumers can tell whether a product is really vegan by the conspicuous “Vegan” label of the Vegan Society, a society that is still active today and was founded back in 1944. The Vegan Society specifies special criteria according to which products may or rather may not be officially classified as plant-based cosmetics. Only if a product possesses this label as certification, consumers have the security that they acquire also really vegetable cosmetics.
Cosmetics that traditionally do not contain animal substances
There are some cosmetic products that generally dispense with animal ingredients due to their special formulation. These are, for example, often the popular cold, rheumatism and relaxation baths, which in principle rely on plant substances and essential oils and do not require any other ingredients at all. But skin oils and creams containing raw materials such as evening primrose and almond blossom are also free of animal ingredients. And a classic among body care products is also absolutely vegan: rubbing alcohol. The same applies, by the way, to many cooling and pain gels that are used against muscle tension. All these products are vegan … and are appreciated even by people who actually claim to be opponents of the vegan way of life.
How tolerable is plant-based cosmetics?
Plant-based cosmetics are neither better nor worse tolerated than conventional products, explain dermatologists. It is generally suitable for everyone, although allergies may occur in individual cases. The exact individual tolerance always depends on the individual ingredients and the respective concentration. As a rule, however, herbal cosmetics are somewhat gentler and more gentle.
How effective are herbal cosmetics?
In the meantime, there is a whole range of highly effective plant substances, so that animal substances can definitely be dispensed with and the product still has a high benefit. Example: Wild rose and aloe vera have many valuable ingredients that, among other things, heal and regenerate the skin. Overall, herbal cosmetics are therefore at least as effective as conventional cosmetics.