Key Takeaways: Vegan beauty products contain no animal-derived ingredients. Cruelty-free beauty products are not tested on animals. When it comes to vegan and cruelty-free labels, a beauty product can be one, both, or neither, so it’s important to check carefully. If you’ve been exploring cleaner, more intentional beauty products, you’ve likely come across the terms “vegan” and “cruelty-free.” While these terms are often used together, they don’t mean the same thing. Vegan products are formulas that don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients, whereas cruelty-free products don’t involve any animal testing. Here’s what to know. What does vegan beauty mean? Vegan beauty products are made without any animal-derived ingredients. Instead of animal-based ingredients, vegan formulas rely on plant-based or synthetic alternatives to achieve the same texture and performance. What does cruelty-free beauty mean? Cruelty-free refers to how a product is tested, rather than what it actually contains. A cruelty-free beauty product is not tested on animals at any stage of development. However, a product can still include animal-derived ingredients and be labeled cruelty-free. Build a conscious routine with DIME At DIME , our products are both vegan and cruelty-free, supporting a more thoughtful approach to beauty. Each of our formulas is created without animal-derived ingredients and is never tested on animals. Whether you’re reaching for our Poppy Lip Balm for smooth lips or our Boost Duo for elevated lashes and brows, everything at DIME is made with care. FAQs Can a product be vegan but not cruelty-free? Yes. A product can be made with no animal-derived ingredients but still be tested on animals at some point in the production process, making it vegan but not cruelty-free. Can a product be cruelty-free but not vegan? Absolutely. A brand can commit to no animal testing while still using animal-derived ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, or collagen in their formulas. Cruelty-free only speaks to how the product was tested, not what's in it. How can I tell if a brand is actually cruelty-free? Look for third-party certifications like Leaping Bunny (as seen on DIME Beauty products) or PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies program, as these require brands to meet verified standards rather than self-reporting. A brand simply stating "we don't test on animals" on their website isn't always enough, since testing requirements can vary by country, and some brands sell in markets that legally require animal testing. Sources: What’s Next for Vegan Beauty? | The Vegan Society PETA's Ultimate Cruelty-Free List | PETA
