Vegan ingredients, animal-testing policies and sensitive-skin claims answer different questions. Compare the exact product before relying on a brand slogan or a rabbit symbol. This guide explains what to check and links to current product examples; it is not a list of independently certified products.
Three checks that should stay separate
1. Ingredients and vegan status
Check whether the manufacturer describes the exact formula as vegan and whether a named certification applies to that product. A plant-themed pack or “natural” wording is not evidence. The Vegan Society explains that cruelty-free wording alone does not establish the absence of animal-derived ingredients. Its Vegan Trademark has its own ingredient and animal-testing criteria.
2. Animal-testing approval
Use the issuing organisation’s current directory rather than interpreting an unfamiliar rabbit symbol as approval. Cruelty Free International has introduced a new programme name and logo. During its transition, it recognises both its new logo and the previous Leaping Bunny shown with its name. This does not make every rabbit graphic an approved mark.
3. Your own ingredient requirements
Vegan and cruelty-free claims do not answer whether a formula contains fragrance, almond, oat or an ingredient you need to avoid. A certification concerns defined criteria; it is not a guarantee against irritation. Check the supplied label and ask for clarification before buying if the current formula matters to you.
Current examples: read the distinctions
PURITO Oat In Gentle Exfoliating Face Cleanser 150 ml has a manufacturer-described vegan-friendly formula, with almond and oat information explained on the product page. It should not be treated as allergy-free.
Pacifica Jasmine Milk essence, 5 fl oz is manufacturer-described as vegan and cruelty-free. Its published ingredient list includes fragrance/parfum, illustrating why those claims do not mean fragrance-free.
EADEM Le Chouchou Guava Fresca, 14 g is a tinted lip balm. The manufacturer describes Le Chouchou as vegan and cruelty-free; use the exact shade and current label when comparing it with another lip product.
A practical comparison before checkout
Write down the exact product name, formula or shade, pack size and the claim that matters to you. Compare the claim with the manufacturer and, if certification matters, the certifier’s own entry. Check that a directory record relates to the product or brand you are buying, rather than a similarly named company. Preserve the package label if an ingredient question arises.
Our vegan-labelled category is a shopping aid, not an independent certification register. Browse fragrance-free listings separately; each label still needs checking. Prices and availability in the product cards come from the live catalogue. Read the UK delivery estimates and unopened return conditions before opening a cosmetic.
Sources checked 6 October 2026
- The Vegan Society: cruelty-free and vegan distinctions
- Cruelty Free International: approval programme and logo transition
- PURITO: exact cleanser information
- Pacifica: Jasmine Milk formula
- EADEM: Le Chouchou
Questions before choosing
Are cruelty-free and vegan interchangeable?
No. Check animal-testing criteria and ingredient claims separately, using the named manufacturer or certification organisation.
Is every item in the vegan-labelled category independently certified?
No. The category follows listing claims. Verify any certification that matters to you with the issuing organisation.
Can a vegan formula contain fragrance?
Yes. The Pacifica Jasmine Milk manufacturer ingredient list includes fragrance/parfum. Read the exact label rather than using vegan as a sensitivity claim.
