How to distinguish ingredients of animal origin in cosmetics?

Why is it important that you learn to distinguish ingredients of animal origin? If after using a cosmetic product, you realized that one of its ingredients is sheep, pork, cow or even dog fat, what would you do? Just thinking about it seems unpleasant to you, right?

In order for you to avoid the components of cosmetics that come from animals, it is important that you know which ones are used. In this article we will help you differentiate them.

What are ingredients of animal origin?

As its name says, ingredients of animal origin are those that come from different animals. At present, massacres of animals have been reported with the aim of obtaining parts of their bodies that are valuable in the cosmetic industry.

An example of an ingredient of animal origin is ambergris , this is extracted from sperm whales and is used in perfumery. Others are mare's and donkey's milk, honey and many more .

Lots of people (including non-vegans) know that it is completely unnecessary to kill animals for ingredients in cosmetic products. Why is it difficult to distinguish components with this origin sometimes?

the hidden ingredients

Not all the components we are focusing on are easy to spot in products. Many of them are extracted from animal hair, feathers, bones, fats, cartilage and connective tissues . These are the residues left by the meat industry.

Keratin, elastin, collagen and many more are obtained from the aforementioned residues. We say that these are hidden ingredients because they are the most difficult to distinguish . However, these are indicated in the INCI, where it is often difficult to recognize what each ingredient corresponds to, due to the scientific name of each one. We are sorry to tell you that there is no secret key to detect them at first sight. It will be necessary to detect what each one corresponds to, and then it will be easier for us to recognize it again in other cosmetics. Do not worry, because these ingredients are often repeated, and there is a smaller variety every time. Applications like Yuka will allow you to detect them with a swipe of the camera, and in the blink of an eye you will know what each thing corresponds to.

Also think that the denominations that are given do not necessarily specify the origin of each ingredient . For example, we can see “Hyaluronic Acid” and it could be the one that is extracted from animals or of vegetable origin.

What are the ingredients of animal origin?

To make it easier for you to distinguish them, you need to know how to recognize the main ones that are repeated the most (and surely, the most you want to avoid). Here we talk about them and what their vegetable alternatives are:

caprylic acids

These are fatty acids that originate in goats or cows , they are used in the elaboration of soaps and perfumes. The alternatives of these components are those that come from vegetable sources, especially coconut oils.

stearic acids

When these types of acids are of animal origin, they are extracted from the fats of sheep, pigs and cows . Cats and dogs that are sacrificed and are directed to the realization of the following cosmetic products are also usually used:

• soaps
• hair sprays
• conditioners
• deodorants

The alternatives are vegetable fats , such as shea butter, cocoa butter or coconut.

hyaluronic acid

This type of acid is the one that originates in the fluids of the joints of animals, the combs of roosters, the umbilical cords or the eyes of fish. It is not only used in the world of cosmetics , but also in medicine.

As an alternative to hyaluronic acid, one of vegetable origin is sought, such as that of oil from different plants .

palmitic acid

Those derived from animal sources are used in soaps, shampoos and shaving creams. Its alternatives are those of plant origin, such as palm oil. It is necessary to emphasize that, as you already know, the latter also cause a strong impact on the environment .

Stearyl alcohol or sterols

They are mainly prepared with the oil found in the sperm of whales . In cosmetics, this alcohol is included in soaps, shampoos, rinses and shaving creams.

What is your alternative? That which comes from any vegetable source , such as vegetable stearic acids.

Want to avoid plant-based ingredients?

If you want to make sure that the cosmetics you use do not have ingredients that come from animals, buy them from a reputable store .

With us you will find the best variety of vegan cosmetics with high quality standards. We do not play with you, or with the planet.