Looking for a cruelty-free & vegan lip gloss that isn’t sticky, gives you color, and hydrates lips without feeling heavy?
In this cruelty-free & vegan lip gloss guide, we’re sharing some of the most recommended and best vegan lip glosses whether you’re looking for a clear, sheer, high-shine, metallic, or holographic finish, there’s something for you in this list!
What is Vegan Lip Gloss?
Let’s first begin by asking what exactly are vegan lip glosses? Some lip gloss contains animal-derived ingredients and by-products including lanolin and beeswax or a red pigment derived from crushed-up beetles called Carmine.
In addition, most mainstream lip glosses are from brands that are not cruelty-free as they continue to allow their products or ingredients to be tested on animals in 2020.
Some popular lip glosses from brands that DO test on animals and should be avoided: Maybelline, NARS, Lancome, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Dior.
When referring to lip glosses that are vegan, we make sure they’re from brands that meet all of the criteria in our cruelty-free checklist and the product itself does not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products.
Best Vegan Lip Gloss
Nowadays we can easily find several vegan lip gloss options sold at Sephora and Target, but which vegan lip glosses are the best and that we would recommend? We rounded up some of our favorites and top-rated cruelty-free & vegan lip gloss for you in this guide.
Price: $17
Colors: Clear, Holographic, Red
Claims: “High shine without the stickiness. A comfortable, long-wearing lip gloss with a glassy finish. Fuzzy doe-foot applicator scoops up just the right amount of gloss, giving you instant shine in one swipe. Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil keep lips cushiony soft and moisturized.”
Rated: 4.4/5
Hourglass* Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss
Price: $30
Colors: Available in 18 high-shine shades
Claims: “The ultimate lip gloss that breaks all the rules. An innovative formula infused with powerful active ingredients for instant hydration and long-lasting volume. Lips appear fuller without the sting in traditional lip plumpers. Available in an extraordinary range of shades and finishes, from ethereal shimmer to supernatural lacquer.”
Rated: 4.3/5
*Note: Hourglass is cruelty-free but is owned by Unilever, a parent corporation that does test on animals.
Price: $5
Colors: 4 available shades
Claims: “Infused with lip hydrating ingredients, hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, castor oil and coconut oil, this cushiony gloss gives your pout a shiny, sheer pop of color while hydrating.”
Rated: 4.5/5
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss
Price: $16
Colors: Available in a wide shade range and 3 finishes—lacquer, metallic and sparkle
Claims: “Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss is a full-pigment, weightless lip color formula that delivers the intensity of a lip stain and the shine of a lip gloss — this vanilla-scented lip gloss offers comfortable wearability with a mirror-like glossy finish.”
Rated: 4.5/5
Juice Beauty PHYTO-PIGMENTS Sheer Lip Gloss
Price: $22
Colors: Shimmer Champagne and Naked Pale Beige
Claims: “Effortlessly delivers shimmer and a high-shine glow to lips with just one stroke. Hydrating formula subtly colored by plant-derived Phyto-Pigments provides intense moisturization. The doe-foot applicator delivers color smoothly and evenly. Contains the Juice Beauty exclusive Moisture Plant Blend (glycerin, betaine and phospholipids) to increase skin hydration and the Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments exclusive blend of pomegranate and rose.”
Rated: 4.4/5
Too Faced* Sweet Peach Lip Gloss
Price: $20
Colors: 8 shades of nudes, peachy, pinks, and corals
Claims: “Pucker up with our silky, smooth, peach oil-infused lip gloss that smells and tastes like fresh picked peaches. Infused with the skin-loving essence of peach, coconut oil, and vitamin E. Moisture-rich formula feels lightweight and creamy.”
Rated: 4.7/5
*Note: Too Faced is cruelty-free but is owned by Estee Lauder, a parent corporation that does test on animals.
Price: $8.99
Colors: Available in 15 shades
Claims: “Gloss so glossy it’s Ludicrous! The Ludicrous Lip Gloss has next-level shine and a pop of color sure to channel your inner supermodel bombshell. Ultra-moisturizing for super-comfortable wear that lasts. Plus, it’s 3D shine gives instant volume to your pout – no liner (or filler) needed! Use alone or over lip color – explosive shine guaranteed!”
Rated: 4.6/5
Price: $7
Colors: 11 shades
Claims: “Swipe on ColourPop’s hi-shine, smoothing (never sticky) Ultra Glossy Lip and prepare to be obsessed. Enriched with jojoba oil to moisturize, nourish, and provide a cushiony feel for juicy, fuller-looking lips. The brush applicator applies a perfect plush layer that looks and feels amazing. Five flawless finishes from 3-D pearl to sheer tinted colour. Apply over naked lips or your favorite lipstick.”
Rated: 4.4/5
Price: $22
Colors: Available in 7 shades
Low-Waste Option! Comes packaged in a recyclable plastic tube with a bamboo top.
Claims: “When you’re stranded on that proverbial island, this is the one tool you throw in your knapsack. Elate Moisturizing Lip Gloss is the perfect bridge between lipstick and sheer gloss, formulated with refreshing peppermint essential oil to leave your lips cool and cared for. The organic coconut oil softens skin while castor oil gives off a colourful shine. This lip-saver staple will keep you smiling.”
Rated: 4/5
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented® Lip Gloss
Price: $22
Colors: Available in 5 shades
Claims: “Ultra shiny lip gloss made with restorative vitamin E and real fruit pigments. Softens and moisturizes lips while delivering silky smooth, semi-sheer coverage.”
Rated: 4.8/5
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