27 Cruelty-Free Beauty Products That’ll Probably Make You Think “Where Have You Been All My Life?”
Hi, it's the cruelty-free beauty basics, makeup, and skincare products you've been looking for.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
1. A bottle of exfoliating Moon Juice Acid Potion made with five acids and botanicals to deeply nourish your skin and support new cell growth.
Moon Juice is vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review: "Heaven sent!! I use this morning and night, and it has improved the texture of my skin times a million! Dark spots are decreasing and my skin is softer and brighter. I get compliments all the time. I’ve been using this product for almost a month, I purchased it to heal and recover my acne damaged skin from scars to dark spots. II will be using this product for as long as possible.💕" —Detron N.
Get it from Moon Juice for $42.
2. Fluide's matte all-day liquid lipstick in silver future – it's super pigmented and goes on smooth. I myself have tried and adored this color and other shades, as will you!
This liquid lipstick is waterproof and of course, cruelty-free!
Get it from Fluide for $16.
3. A plant-based gentle face cleanser to clean your skin every night without irritation, because sometimes cruelty-free basics are hard to find.
Promising Review: "I've been having difficulty with my skin lately. I was a Cetaphyl junkie for many years, but have switched to completely cruelty-free products. This product and their gentle cleanser have worked incredibly well for my oily-on-occasion/dry-for-no-reason type of skin.I have seen a significant reduction in breakouts and my olive skin looks great again." —Jlh
Get it from Amazon for $9.99. (Leaping Bunny certified and 100% vegan).
4. Sally Hansen's vegan and cruelty-free nail polish – it'll have you saying "yes" to at-home manicures often; but not too often, cause this stuff lasts!
Promising review: "I was worried this wouldn’t go on well or last as long as regular polish. I have bought three different colors and love all of them and plan on this being my new nail polish. I can get three weeks on a pedicure with this polish. Beautiful colors and goes on easy." —Tracey shapter
Get it from Amazon for $4.70+ (available in 33 colors).
5. And a cruelty-free and soy-based natural nail polish remover wipe made with lavender essential oil to get the job done just as well as the other stuff.
Promising review: "I bought these for travel. I did not think they would work very well, but I was pleasantly surprised. These remove nail polish pretty quickly and are wildly convenient. Also, they smell and feel amazing. It feels like I'm giving my nails a cuticle treatment, not removing nail polish. I love it! These will be my go-to nail polish remover from now on." —Allegra Harness
Get a 10-count from Amazon for $11.99.
6. Glossier's Boy Brow – it's designed to thicken and fluff up those brows in no time at all with just a swipe or two.
Promising review: "I didn't know I could love my brows this much. With two swipes, Boy Brow makes magic. It puffs them up and fills them out in the best way. The brown shade matched perfectly. This will be my forever product, and my top Glossier recommendation." —madeline
Get it from Glossier for $16 (available in three shades and clear).
Check our our review of this and several other Glossier products in "Just 9 Glossier Products We Really Love."
7. A monthly Vegancuts Beauty Box subscription to ensure you'll always have tons of vegan, cruelty-free beauty products on hand for a relaxing spa night. All of their products are also paraben-free and free of harmful ingredients.
What you'll get: luxurious vegan products that'll have you loving your skin and have your skin loving you back. You'll receive four or more deluxe and full-size Items each month — charcoal scrub, pistachio lotion, makeup, under-eye gels, and other clean beauty products are just waiting to become a part of your routine.
Promising review: "My husband and I both enjoy items we receive every month from VeganCuts. I received a full-size item that was over three times what I’ve paid for the box, and yet there were even more goodies. I am able to use high-end, top quality items that last much longer than a month so I always am putting the best ingredients on my face. I get compliments on my skin almost weekly. My husband has enjoyed pistachio lotion, hair cleanser, soaps, scar cream, carrot lotion, and charcoal scrub — just to name a few. Very generous and the only box I want." —Rachel A.
Get it from Cratejoy for $22.95/month.
8. A waterproof liquid eyeliner that will last all day long and then some. Hello, new makeup staple!
Promising review: "For real, this stuff DOES NOT BUDGE without makeup remover (I use cocoa butter to get mine off). I fell asleep with my makeup on the other night, and my husband said in the morning, “Your hair is a mess, but your eyeliner is FLEEKY!” He knew it would get a laugh out of me. Little did he know that statement totally solidified the fact that I would have a new staple in my makeup bag. Now, I’ve been swimming with this liner on in pools and oceans and can attest to the fact that it’s truly long-wear and waterproof. Praise the Lord for no more raccoon eyes after the first splash." —TayBranche
Get it from Amazon for $7.97
9. An oil-free (cruelty-free, and gluten-free) bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 to help you achieve a dewy glow while protecting your skin from the sun. Bonus: It also hydrates your skin with plant-derived squalene.
Promising Review: "I am almost finished with my first tube and plan to repurchase! I'm in college and have mostly hormonal, stress-induced acne. This covers it just enough to still let it breathe. My skin is more hydrated, and I am more confident going sans-makeup after using this. I truly believe that it does what it claims to, and I have noticed a more even complexion. Lasts me all day without a touchup and can be used without primer on quick 'natural' days. Additionally, this is build-able to a natural medium coverage. This is perfect summer makeup – just your skin but better!" —PurduePrep
Get it from Sephora for $33 (available in 20 shades).
10. Baebody eye gel that just might be what you need to rid yourself of pesky dark circles.
11. Golde's Papaya Bright face mask – it's ideal for anyone in need of a new, gentle exfoliator. This mask is made with 100% pure, edible superfoods like turmeric and papaya, and it's safe for those of us with sensitive skin!
Just mix 1 tsp of the powder with a little bit of water for a gel consistency and your mask is ready to use.
Promising review: "I have struggled with hyperpigmentation and overall unevenness on my face for MONTHS and this lucuma mask is already helping reduce the appearance of my spots! Most definitely a new staple to keep in my arsenal of skincare products 😄." —Kamilah K.
Get it from Golde on pre-order for $34.
12. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 to help your moisturizing woes — it hydrates and smooths your skin, and it is sensitive skin-friendly. It has a pH of 6.50-7.50 and is vegan, alcohol-free, and cruelty-free!
Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in our skin and retains water to keep skin plump — It can absorb a thousand times its weight in water, so your skin will literally drink it up!
Promising review: "Dry, oily, dehydrated, or normal — your skin will appreciate this little bottle of wonderful. I started on this about a month ago and I instantly noticed a huge difference — and by instantly I mean the day after. I’ve actually never seen such fast results from a product. I apply this twice a day, a.m. and p.m., all over my face, neck, and underneath my eyes and for instant plumping and dewy, dreamy skin. So worth it." —Zeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Get it from Sephora for $6.80.
13. Lathered Organics – a monthly subscription that sends out plant-based, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly soap for glowing yet gentle results. Reviewers with sensitive skin swear by them!
What you get: 100% organic, vegan, and eco-friendly premium soaps that are pure and gentle, yet deliver big results!
Promising review: "I’ve been on the hunt for the best charcoal bar, and I’m certain I’ve finally found it! This soap detox bar is unreal, my skin is already clearing after only a few uses. I love the essential oils especially the tea tree. The pure bar is so gentle, I’ve been using it to bathe my 6-month old. I love that these soaps are simple but complex, natural, and vegan. The only thing is they are not super cheap, but what amazing skincare product is. Completely worth the price, and more, in my opinion. I would and do recommend these soaps to anyone. I wish I could post a before and after photo of my skin reaping the benefits of this pure magic :)." —Hilary B.
Get it from Cratejoy for $26/month.
14. A biodegradable glitter for anyone who wants to get their glitter on in an eco-conscious way, the dream.
It's vegan, cruelty-free, and made of biodegradable cellulose.
Get it from Fluide for $12.
15. A vitamin E-infused, creme-to-powder eyeshadow stick featuring a built-in sponge so you can achieve a pro-level look with ease.
Say goodbye to smudged eye makeup and unwanted creases because this babe is also waterproof!
Promising review: "This is a vibrant, beautiful color! Glides on like magic and is so unbelievably smooth. It's not chalky or clumpy, and I love the burgundy color." —Peggles
Get it from Amazon for $10.90+ (available in 12 colors).
16. And a bottle of cruelty-free NYX Matte Finish spray to help all your looks seriously last — this babe is waterproof and will set your makeup in place for up to 12 hours!
Promising review: "I’ve been using this for a while, but finally needed to write a review. This morning, I put my makeup on and did some generous sprays of this setting spray. Then, I went into the 100+ degree heat and demonstrated a short workout at an outdoor event. Despite drinking as much water as I could handle, I overheated quickly and EMS had to come to my rescue. Between my boyfriend and EMS, there was a small crowd around me: literally pouring ice water on me; mopping my face and neck with cold towels; pressing ice packs on me. This continued for a while and I was sure that my makeup was gone, but this spray kept my face mostly intact! If this spray can keep my makeup on through an encounter with EMS and being essentially submerged in ice water, it can keep yours on through your (hopefully less eventful) day!" —Bugaboo
Get it from Amazon for $8.49.
17. An additive-free and scent-free organic bubble bath made with shea butter to smooth and soothe skin while you soak.
Promising review: "After sitting in front of a computer for eight hours a day, there is nothing better than soaking in a warm, relaxing bubble bath. I have been trying to find one that doesn't hurt my skin afterward and this is definitely it! It's so gentle and I can add my own essential oils depending on my mood. Thank you for making such a superior product, Alaffia!" —Christy
Get it from Alaffia for $14.99 (32 0z).
18. Thayer's alcohol-free toner for anyone with sensitive skin in search of a reliable toner, or for anyone building an alcohol-free skincare routine!
I myself am highly allergic to alcohol and am always so sad when it is in beauty products I would otherwise like to try; so good to know there are alcohol-free options out there!
Promising review: "I have been using this twice a day for about a month now. After I cleanse my face, I use a cotton round and apply it all over my face and neck. I noticed reduction in redness and spots within two weeks! Just last night my boyfriend asked 'Did you already take your makeup off?' I had just cleansed my face and applied my Thayer's. When I told him so, he said 'You look like you’re still wearing your makeup!' As someone who has always had some issues with acne and uneven skin tone, the reduction in redness is a godsend! Definitely worth the cost to try it if you’re even slightly intrigued by this product’s abilities." —Ashley
Get it from Amazon for $8.75+ (available in three scents).
Check out "This Highly Rated Witch Hazel Toner Is The Best Skin Care Product Under $10" for more info on why we can't get enough of this stuff.
19. And a roll-on Milk toner so you can the get good stuff on your skin (like matcha green tea and witch hazel), and not have to fret over parabens, sulfates, or phthalates — this bby is clean and cruelty-free!
Promising review: "Lots to love about the MILK matcha toner — the lovely color, the way it makes your skin feel after you use it, and being able to get healthy things like witch hazel and green tea into your skin without the mess!" —bastgirl
Get it from Sephora for $15+ (available in two sizes, Leaping Bunny certificatied).
20. A high-pigmented blush to give you long lasting rosy cheeks, available in a variety of shades.
Promising Review: "I love this color and I love this blush! Very pigmented. I have purchased several expensive baked blushes over the past few years. They all go on looking great, but within about an hour it's as if I have no blush on at all. This product stays on!! Hooray!!!" —Ibdreamy
Get it from Amazon for $6.39+ (available in 13 shades, Leaping Bunny certified).
21. A 100% vegetarian body lotion for anyone with dry skin and super sensitive skin (me, honestly).
Promising Review: "I've loved this lotion for years. At first, I loved it without reservation, then the formula changed, making it difficult to pump out of the bottle. It still worked well in the sense of treating very dry skin. I picked up another quart yesterday, and when I went to put it on after my shower, I was surprised that the texture was much looser, (in a good way), and it rubbed in much easier than my previous bottle." —P. Colbert
Get it from Amazon for $10.91 (Leaping Bunny certified).
22. A bottle of 100% pure organic cruelty-free tea tree oil to solve and soothe skincare woes. Tea tree oil is naturally anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, and can help resolve acne, dandruff, fungal sensitives, and more!
Tea tree oil is super versatile and I use the 4-ounce Eve Hansen bottle religiously in my home for my skin and scalp. It helps me with dandruff, acne, itching, redness, and other skin issues. I especially love adding a dropper of this oil to my baths before bed, but be sure to dilute to your own needs — this stuff is strong and a little goes a long away!
Get it from Eve Hansen for $21.99+ (available in two or four ounces).
23. A cruelty-free highlighter palette that''ll compliment your gorgeous face and fit within your budget.
24. A plant-based sponge to help clean makeup and buff and smooth your skin! This sponge is made of konjac plant fibers.
Promising Review: "My skin cannot live without this thing. I use the black heart in the summer and I use this one in the winter. I hope this will help others who have radically different skin in winter vs. summer. It can get absurd when you have to switch between brands during the seasons, but I've found this brand has great year-round products for my face." —HJ
Get it from One Love Organics for $10 (PETA certified).
25. A subscription to Jersey Shore Cosmetics so you can enjoy affordable and cruelty-free lip balms all month long!
What you get: choose from three sizes and receive all-natural, organic, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegetarian-friendly lip balms. All products are full-size and environmentally conscious!
Promising review: "We LOVE the Jersey Shore balms and were so happy to find this box! For about the price of a single balm, you get four random products from them; so you can leave one in the car, purse, makeup case, etc." —Laura M.
Get it from Cratejoy for $4.68/month for two balms.
26. A paraben- and cruelty-free hypoallergenic lip and eye primer to ensure your eyeshadow and lip color last for hours on end.
Promising review: "I love it, I am new to makeup so I was going on a whim on what to buy. This stuff is perfect! I have always had issues with my makeup staying on all day, with this primer it does just that. It is so easy to apply and it spreads out soo perfectly. It doesn't bunch up or get clumpy, it isn't sticky, and it has no smell. Doesn't irritate my eyes at all, and as you can see I even use it on my lips under matte lipgloss and it keeps my lips from feeling dry. It is a must buy, and for the price; you are getting some amazing stuff." —Beth
Get it from Amazon for $5.88.
27. And a pastry-inspired eyeshadow palette by Beauty Bakerie with tons of glimmering colors you'll love.
These pastry-inspired makeup products come in the cutest packaging and are vegan and cruelty-free. Creator and CEO Cashmere Nicole also created the charity Sugar Homes, which donates money, clothes, toys, and other essentials to orphanages worldwide. This particular pallette is called "Do It For The Graham."
Get the palette from Beauty Bakerie for $38.
Me at cruelty-free beauty:
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.