"Vegan" is a word that you probably hear a lot, and might first associate with food. The vegan food movement is powerful and influential, changing the way people think about where their food comes from and how it's sourced. Veganism also has to do with products made for skin and hair use as well. There's a rapidly growing segment of the skincare, haircare, and cosmetics industry that's devoted to applying animal-friendly principles to all aspects of the industry. It's important to know about it as you make informed choices about your purchases. Vegan beauty is distinct from "clean" beauty; knowing the specifics of what vegan beauty means is helpful. Here are a few basics. 

1. Vegan Beauty Defined

A vegan beauty product will have no animal-based ingredients, full stop. Not only that, but it also should imply that the product has not been tested on animals. A few examples of non-vegan ingredients include dairy, lanolin, honey, and beeswax. How the ingredients are processed makes a difference, too — animal-derived elements (bone, for example) shouldn't be part of it. Even keratin, a protein included in many skin and hair products is usually animal-based and therefore non-vegan. As an alternative, plant based skin care products are coming to the fore with ingredients that have restoring, healing qualities. 

2. The "Why" of Vegan Beauty

The decision to avoid animal products is often an ethical one that involves what you eat, consume, and put on your body. In some cases, one aspect takes precedence. Consumers of beauty products are more curious and empowered than ever, and they increasingly want to know what's in the products, how the ingredients affect them, and the experience of those who provide them. 

Sourcing is a key element to consider when thinking about the ingredients, too. Sourcing standards matter. One way to uphold ethical standards for sourcing is to look all the way up the supply chain. Some conscious companies maintain standards for non-vegan components of their products that still are favorable to the ecosystem and the animals in them. An ingredient may be vegan, but the sourcing process may be more destructive to animals than non-vegan options. As you shop and make decisions, keep these factors in mind. All may not be what it appears to be on the surface. 

3. How to Verify 

Products that are vegan are not verified by any governmental or centralized certification body. Usually, a product's packaging will include a vegan logo as part of its design, which means that every ingredient is vegan; not one ingredient is animal-derived. A popular organization that certifies vegan products is Vegan.org. Their requirements include no animal testing, no animal products, and no GMOs derived from animals. Quite a few major retailers regularly mark vegan products, and (obviously), the brands themselves usually mark it, also. A few brands aren't totally vegan, but include products in their lines that are. 

4. Other Advantages

As you begin to make choices about vegan beauty products, it's good to know that most of them are a pleasure to use, and good for the environment. They tend to be mild. If you have issues with environmental sensitivities, allergic reactions, or are searching for products that the whole family can use safely, vegan products are a good bet. Ingredients that contain hormone disruptors (like parabens) are left out. They are also biodegradable and environmentally friendly — packaging included. You can use them knowing that you're making a positive impact on the living world as a whole. 

Knowing a few basic things about vegan beauty can make a difference in the everyday decisions you make. Consider these factors as you make your choices.