Kylie Jenner’s cosmetics brand is breaking through this year, and let’s give her some credit because the truth is, some of Kylie’s products are truly worth your money.
There are many positive reviews of this revolutionary brand. However, if your question is “Is Kylie Cosmetics tested on animals?” you might be looking for another kind of review, which we’ll provide you with here.
For all we know, Kylie herself joined the vegan community last March. That said, it’s not wise to judge the brand through the owner, so before we jump to any conclusions, it’s best to take a closer look at the ingredients listed on the back of the products.
Can Vegans Wear Kylie Cosmetics?
Kylie never advertised her brand as vegan, and it certainly isn’t one of the cosmetics brand’s selling points. Sadly, we did find some animal-derived ingredients, although there are some vegan products. In this section, we’ll go through some of the non-vegan ingredients used in Kylie Cosmetics so that you’re always on the lookout.
Silk & Pearl Powder
With silk being produced from silkworms and pearl powder extracted from freshwater mussels, we’re keeping everything with pearl or silk powder on the side. As far as we’re concerned, these powders are produced by dissolving such creatures in boiling water.
Beeswax
As the name implies, this substance is secreted by bees for building combs. Most vegans and animal rights activists are already aware of the cruel ways bees are kept in beehives to increase productivity and make a profit, which is why honey is one of the things you have to cut out when you become a vegan.
For those who don’t know what happens, beehive owners clip off the wings of the queen bees to prevent swarming. This is such a cruel thing for bees to experience, so any product with beeswax on the ingredients list is a no-go.
Cochineal Extract
Also known as “Carmine”, a red pigment used in making blushes and lipsticks, cochineal is extracted from female cochineal insects that live in tropical and subtropical America.
The extraction process involves boiling the insects, then filtering the product, meaning the poor insects pay their lives for this, so cochineal extract can, by no means, be considered vegan.
Also, be aware that there are some synonymous names for carmine or cochineal extract, including natural red 4, crimson lake, and CI 75470, so always double-check that none of these terms is on the ingredients list.
Other Non-Vegan Ingredients
The three substances we just talked about aren’t the only non-vegan ones, but they’re among the most commonly used non-vegan ingredients. So, here’s a list of some other chemicals and ingredients that vegans need to avoid when choosing a lipstick or foundation from Kylie Cosmetics:
- Shellac: Derived from female lac bug in Thailand and India
- Lanolin (Wool Wax): Derived from sheep and wool-bearing animals
- Collagen: Derived from cattle
- Keratin: Derived from the horns and hairs of different animals
- Elastin: Derived from a wide variety of animals
- Stearic Acid: Possibly vegan, but it’s also extracted from meat, fish, poultry, and milk products
- Glycerin: Can be derived from animals, plants, or even petroleum, so it might or mightn’t be vegan
- Squalene: If derived from shark liver
- Oleic Acid: Possibly vegan, but can be found in beef, chicken, pork, eggs and milk
- Guanine: Derived from fish scales
Is Kylie Cosmetics Cruelty-free?
Well, as sad as it is that some of Kylie Cosmetics products aren’t vegan, we’re almost 100% sure they’re tested without any animal cruelty, and here’s why:
Statement
For one thing, the company states that their products aren’t tested on any animals, and they don’t have any contracts with third parties for that matter.
Ownership
As you may or may not know, Kylie Cosmetics is partly owned by Coty Inc., a leading company when it comes to the fragrance and beauty products industry. This company is among the first beauty companies to cease animal testing in the early 90s before it was banned anywhere else.
Instead, the company relies on multiple alternatives to test their products, like computer modelling, simulators, vitro testing, etc.
Selling Countries
Last but not least, we appreciate that Kylie Cosmetics are only exported to countries where animal testing isn’t a legal obligation. Thus, these products don’t sell in countries like China, so even if the company uses some non-vegan products, it’s crystal clear it’s against animal cruelty.
Which Kylie Cosmetic Products Are Vegan?
Now that you know they’re cruelty-free, you must be wondering which Kylie Cosmetics products are on the vegan side? You don’t need to look it up yourself; just check out this list:
- Bronzers
- Lip kits
- Lip liners (singles)
- Kyliners: Brown, deep bronze, and black
- Kylighters: Quarts, Ice Me Out, Salted Caramel, Banana Split, Strawberry Shortcake, French Vanilla, and Dreamin’ of Diamonds
- Blushes: Hot and Bothered, Hopeless Romantic, Kitten Baby, Virginity, Barely Legal, Baddie on the Block, Rosy, Pink Powder, and We’re Going Shopping
Are There Any Vegan Alternatives to Kylie Cosmetics?
For a strict vegan, boycotting any brands that don’t support veganism is just as important as going vegan, so here are some interesting alternatives that are worth looking at:
e.l.f. Cosmetics
e.l.f. is a pioneer in cruelty-free skin-care and makeup tools and products that was founded in Oakland, California, back in 2004. The brand is 100% vegan, and the products are extremely affordable.
Pacifica Beauty
The company claims that Pacifica is “made with compassion for the planet, animals, and you.” So, if you want to keep it vegan, you can give Pacifica Beauty a look.
Milk Makeup
Milk Makeup Cosmetics is based in New York, and yes, it’s created by the same founders of Milk Studios. They use excellent formulas that don’t involve torturing any animals.
Inika Organic
Inika is for those who prefer botanical ingredients. Their motto is “ Small Earth, Big Impact,” so animal cruelty shouldn’t be a concern when you’re shopping from this brand.
Verdict
With the ingredients listed above, you should be able to tell whether any current or future Kylie Cosmetics products are vegan or not. We understand that all lives deserve respect and compassion, so always remember, animals are not products.
