A guide listing some of the best British cruelty-free and vegan beauty brands, including the reasons to consider locally made cosmetics and the benefits of switching to kinder plant-based makeup, skincare and haircare products made in the UK.
Skincare products - Photo by Lora Seis on Unsplash
UK-founded ethical beauty brands
Welcome to a guide to British cruelty-free & vegan beauty brands. In this post, you will discover some of the best-certified animal-friendly and plant-based brands that are made in the UK by British businesses, plus some more exciting newcomers.
For those wanting to look their best while taking part in cruelty-free and vegan lifestyles, you can trust that the following brands of makeup, haircare and skincare products have considered your lifestyle when it comes to their production process.
But first, if you live in the UK, why should you consider purchasing beauty products made in the UK rather than elsewhere? And what are the advantages of cruelty-free, eco-friendly vegan cosmetics? Continue reading to find out more – and then you can begin discovering which ethical British beauty brands you need to know about.
What are the benefits of buying locally sourced beauty products?
When you buy cosmetics made in your community, you're giving back to the local economy by supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and artists.
- Because they are produced and sourced locally, beauty products with a smaller carbon footprint incur fewer carbon emissions and have a smaller impact on the environment.
- Small-batch production ensures quality, care, and attention to detail during the manufacturing process, and local beauty product makers often use high-quality ingredients.
- Using recyclable or biodegradable packaging, ethically sourced ingredients, and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals are just a few examples of the sustainable, eco-friendly practices that many homegrown beauty brands are dedicated to.
- You can strengthen your local community ties and show your support for initiatives to increase demand for locally produced goods by opting for UK-sourced beauty products. Additionally, you are helping the local economy and families by investing in businesses that are providing jobs to locals.
- Using recyclable or biodegradable packaging, ethically sourced ingredients, and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals are just a few examples of the sustainable, eco-friendly practices that many homegrown beauty brands are dedicated to.
- You can strengthen your local community ties and show your support for initiatives to increase demand for locally produced goods by opting for UK-sourced beauty products. Additionally, you are helping the local economy and families by investing in businesses that are providing jobs to locals.
What are the benefits of vegan, cruelty-free and sustainable beauty products?
People are increasingly interested in finding ways to live more sustainably without negatively impacting the natural world, and this has led to a rise in the demand for vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics. Not testing on animals is only part of the vegan beauty movement; it's also important to read labels and steer clear of products that contain ingredients like beeswax, carmine, and lanolin.
Embracing a cruelty-free and vegan lifestyle has many advantages, and not just for the animals and the planet. By opting for cruelty-free and vegan alternatives, you may be replacing potentially harmful chemicals with safer, more beneficial ingredients that are better for your skin.
Making the switch to cruelty-free and vegan products can also mean supporting local businesses and eco-friendly cosmetics lines. Products made by such businesses typically feature all-natural, ethically sourced ingredients that have positive effects on both your skin and the environment. In addition, it's always nice to feel good about your beauty product purchase when you know you're doing it through a company that is committed to being vegan, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced.
To sum up, going vegan and using cruelty-free cosmetics is a fantastic decision for the health of the planet, the well-being of animals, and your skin. If you're concerned about your environmental impact or the well-being of animals, you can rest easy knowing that your sustainable beauty routine uses only non-animal tested, ethically sourced ingredients. Choosing vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly cosmetics is a fantastic decision that benefits both you and the planet.
List of British clean beauty brands
Now that you know why you should consider switching to kinder cosmetics, here is a list of skincare, makeup, and haircare brands that were founded in the United Kingdom and will make you wish you'd made the switch sooner.
1. Facetheory
Considered one of the best vegan skincare brands, Facetheory is a cosmetics company based in the United Kingdom that sells vegan and animal-friendly beauty. The products are made with natural extracts and plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and retinol.
The Sheffield-made goods are formulated to treat a variety of skin issues, including but not limited to sallowness, dryness, acne, and the effects of ageing. Packaging for the products is minimally plastic and instead makes use of brown glass and metal wherever possible; additionally, the brand provides tailor-made skincare routines based on the individual's skin type, concerns, and preferences.
Facetheory's products are reasonably priced in comparison to other high-end skincare lines, and they offer free shipping within the UK on orders over £25. Also, if you buy something from the brand and you're not completely satisfied with it, you have a full year to send it back for a refund.
If you're looking for a high-quality skincare line that also values natural and ethical beauty practices, look no further than Facetheory.
2. Barry M
This British company, which produces both makeup and skincare, has been committed to a cruelty-free ethos since its inception in 1982. Barry M has been producing high-quality cosmetics for over 40 years, including everything from eye palettes and contouring kits to lip gloss and highlighter, with new products being released frequently to keep your beauty collection current.
You can rest assured that your cosmetics and skincare products are likely to be free of any potentially harmful ingredients, including those derived from animals, artificial preservatives, and fragrances. But don't just take my word for it; always check the label to see what's in it, because manufacturing processes and ingredient lists can vary, so some items may not always be vegan.
3. Illamasqua
Inspired by a fascination with underground subculture and founded in 2008, there’s no denying that this unique cosmetics company are one of the best cruelty-free makeup brands to have reportedly come out of Yorkshire, England.
Illamasqua is known for its natural, cruelty-free, and vegan cosmetics, tools, and nail treatments. However, a small number of products are not vegan, so be sure to double-check before purchasing.
Illamasqua's award-winning professional makeup line is loved by makeup artists for its wide variety of vivid shades and full coverage of skin tones.
4. Charlotte Tilbury
British makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury launched her high-end beauty line, Charlotte Tilbury, in 2013. The company sells a variety of paraben- and cruelty-free cosmetics and skincare items. Many of Charlotte Tilbury's products, such as the Magic Cream moisturiser and the Pillow Talk lipstick, have won prestigious awards, earning the brand recognition from Vogue as one of the best in the beauty industry.
The company has a Hollywood-inspired aesthetic and sells makeup for a variety of looks, from the subtle and dewy to the dramatic and eye-catching. As well as cosmetics like foundations, eyeshadows, lipsticks, and blushes, Charlotte Tilbury also sells skincare items like cleansers, moisturisers, and face masks.
Charlotte Tilbury cosmetics can be purchased in upscale department stores like Nordstrom, Sephora, and Bloomingdale's, and on the company's website. As a whole, Charlotte Tilbury is a prestigious cosmetics company that has earned a stellar reputation for its opulent and effective offerings.
5. Green People
The next big thing in the industry is the Green People beauty brand. Since their founding in 1997, Green People has been producing organic, vegan, and hypoallergenic cosmetics and skincare products for people of all skin types. Their availability can be traced back to a local health store in Sussex, England, where they first made their debut.
The company's founder was motivated by a desire to alleviate her daughter's eczema and other skin allergies. Green People is a British company that produces natural and organic makeup and personal care items featuring products for your body and underarms, and is quickly gaining recognition for being one of the top-rated vegan hair brands. Many products marketed toward infants and pets feature mild formulations, making this a one-stop shop for the beauty needs of the whole family.
6. Spectrum
Spectrum, created with care in England by two sisters, has expanded from its 2014 beginnings to become available both directly and through the iconic British drugstore chains Boots and Superdrug.
Among Spectrum's many wares, vegan and cruelty-free makeup brushes, puffs, and sponges are particular favourites. Vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics aficionados will rejoice to discover that this brand has a wide variety of convenient kit options, as well as a robust collection of must-have standalones.
7. Pai Skincare
The British skincare company Pai focuses solely on all-natural and organic ingredients. Sarah Brown, who had trouble finding products that would work for her sensitive skin, started the company in 2007.
Pai Skincare is committed to using only the highest quality plant-based ingredients without any synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, or other potentially irritating ingredients. Products are vegan, cruelty-free, and certified organic by the Soil Association.
The Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser and the Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil are two of Pai Skincare's best-selling products, respectively, because they cleanse without drying out the skin.
In general, the products from Pai Skincare are safe and nourishing for even the most delicate skin types because they are made from natural ingredients and are very mild.
8. Oskia London
Oskia London is a cosmetics company based in the United Kingdom that focuses on developing effective skincare products. The company's expertise is in creating high-end skincare items with all-natural, cruelty-free, and ethical ingredients.
Face oils, serums, toners, and masks are just some of the skincare products that Oskia London provides; the brand also addresses common skin issues like dryness, redness, and dullness. Their revitalising eye cream, hydrating facial oil, and radiance-enhancing serum are all best-sellers.
Oskia London's products stand out in the market thanks to their uncomplicated design. The company's ethos is "less is more," so its products use only the barest minimum of ingredients to accomplish their goals.
Their products are also packaged in environmentally friendly materials. In general, Oskia London is a cosmetics company that supports ethical and environmentally friendly business practices while providing high-quality skincare products.
So, there you have it: the best cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics and skincare available from British-founded beauty brands. We hope that this guide helps you look and feel your best while contributing to a lifestyle that stands for sustainability, environmentalism, and animal welfare.
Whether you're just starting or are already an experienced ethical beauty pro, these are some of the best choices out there. Don't be sheepish; investigate these brands to discover the skincare products that best serve your needs without breaking the bank.