Terms like “vegan” and “cruelty-free” are becoming increasingly relevant in the beauty industry – thanks to the growing awareness of how ingredients are sourced. To quickly recap: vegan skincare does not use animal by-products or test on one. Instead, vegan and cruelty-free products are made using natural ingredients that are ethically sourced.
Aside from the obvious positives (environmental and karmic) of using bunny-approved skincare, vegan ingredients are gentle on the skin and, therefore, risk-free – the best of both worlds. Don’t believe us? Try one of these five vegan lip balms for yourself.
Editorial-Approved
This Lip and Cheek Tint from Daughter Earth has got the nod from leading beauty and wellness magazines after it blew up on Instagram (remember the swatch reels?). Available in 10 beautiful earthy tones, the beeswax-free buttery formulation offers the goodness of a balm (plant-based butter, vitamin E, and moringa) with a hint of colour.
The Multitasker
This luxe pick from Sol de Janeiro is formulated with nourishing cupuaçu, antioxidant açaí, and moisturising coconut oil extracts. The Brazilian Kiss Cupuacu Lip Butter has a dewy sheen and can multitask as a base or primer for lip stains. That’s not all, it can also be used on other dry areas, like your cuticles, elbows, and knees, for instant hydration. Finally, you can dab it on the high points of your face for a highlighting effect. All of this goodness in one small stick!
On-The-Go Essential
The Natural Vanilla Lip Balm from The Moms Co. comes in a travel-friendly tube that you can throw in your office tote or any other go-to bag, so you never have to deal with chapped, dry lips again. This balm is formulated with vitamin E extracts and has plant-based flaxseed oil and hints of vanilla. Nykaa customers describe the glide as “silky,” and the product has a rating of 4.1/5.
For Candy Lovers
If the memory of bubble gum- or candy-scented lip balms makes you nostalgic, this one’s for you. Plum’s adorably packaged Candy Melts Vegan Lip Balm is made with cocoa butter, carrot seed oil, and plant-derived flavours. Take your pick from five yummy options, and if you can’t decide, let the 1.5k+ reviews on Nykaa help you pick!
The Award-Winner
Winner of the Elle Beauty Awards 2023/, the Oh So Luxe Liquid Lip Balm by RAS Luxury Oils is a must-try if you need heavy-duty, long-lasting hydration. The non-sticky formula is made with nourishing, vegan ingredients, including aloe vera, avocado oil, and argan oil. It glides on effortlessly and adds a dewy sheen to your pucker. Hands down one of the best liquid vegan lip balms, which can be used by itself or layered on top of your favourite lip tint for added plumpness. A luxurious experience, indeed – and at a steal-worthy price!
Before you try a new vegan lip balm or restock your regular one, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions about the best vegan, cruelty-free lip balms below.
The Best Vegan Lip Balms: FAQs
1. What makes a lip balm vegan?
Like any other skincare product, the ingredients used in the lip balm and how they are sourced determine whether a lip balm is vegan or not. Some vegan ingredients to look for include plant-based or seed oils, aloe vera, vitamins E and C, etc.
2. Does vegan lip balm expire?
Yes, like any product formulated using natural ingredients, a vegan lip balm will expire at some point. However, to get the exact date of expiration, you must refer to the product details online or on the packaging.
3. What is a beeswax-free lip balm?
Beeswax is a by-product of bees and one of the most commonly used ingredients in skincare and makeup products for its nourishing properties. Since beeswax is derived from the hives of honeybees, vegan and cruelty-free brands don’t use it in their products. So a beeswax-free lip balm will use a plant-based alternative as it’s vegan. You can try any of the aforementioned products as they are all beeswax-free.
