My article in the Withernsea District & Community News
distributed to 9000 homes
Poppy’s Pets
We all enjoy treating ourselves with typical personal care items. But did you know that many of these products include animal-derived ingredients? Handcrafted skincare and haircare made from natural elements can offer more advantages to our skin and hair.
You may have noticed Cruelty-Free International’s leaping bunny symbol on some products. The symbol represents approval under the leaping bunny programme and means it has not been tested on animals.
Let’s put Cruelty Free International aside and talk about something else.
Although conventional haircare, skincare, and cosmetics may not be tested on animals, the product can be made from animal-derived ingredients. Admittedly, I buy conventional makeup but frequently purchase vegan skin and hair care, and household cleaning products made from 100% natural ingredients.
Natural handmade products from Etsy
The following are products I purchased and recommend.
- Give your a zesty scent with a lemon & lime loo bomb fizz
- Clean your dishes with a vegan solid washing-up bar
- Eco-clean zesty multipurpose cleaner
- Solid shampoo bars to suit different hair types and conditions
- Hydrating facial oil for dry & combination skin
- Give the 3 in 1 facial cleanser a good shake before applying
Watch the Video: 3 in 1 cleanser
Watch the Video: Hydrating facial oil
Watch the Video: Solid shampoo bar
Ingredients found in personal care products
Here’s a breakdown of common ingredients in regular personal care products, what they’re made of, and some alternative options:
1 – Keratin is promoted to strengthen hair and is found in many hair rinse products and shampoos. The animal-derived ingredient comes from ground hooves, horns, feathers, and hair from various animals and quills.
Alternative ingredients: Soy protein, Almond oil, Human hair from hairdressers, Amla oil, Rosemary and nettle provide hair strand strength and lift.
2 – Panthenol is used to lubricate hair in shampoos and conditioners and beauty products (mascaras and lotions) that moisturise and absorb into the skin. The ingredient is extracted from meat and honey.
Alternative ingredients: Plant-sourced, Synthetically-derived.
3 – Collagen loss is one sign of facial ageing so creams are available with the promise to restore collagen and lost youth. The ingredients come from ground horns, chicken feet and usually animal tissue.
Alternative ingredients: Almond oil, Soy protein.
4 – Hyaluronic acid can be used in cosmetics and anti-ageing products. The ingredient is in the protein umbilical cords, joint fluid and rooster combs.
Alternative ingredients: Plant oil, Synthetically-derived hyaluronic acid.
5 – Carmine is a red dye. Thousands of female beetles are crushed to death for their red pigment. The red pigment is used in lipsticks, blusher, eyeshadows, juice, red lollipops, food colouring and curries.
Alternative ingredients: Alkanet root, Beet juice.
We have personal preferences of what we prefer to use and choose to ‘forget’ what our favourite products contain.
Further reading:
Further reading:
The Best Animal-Free Cosmetics and Personal Care?
Animal-Derived Ingredient List at www.peta.org
www.crueltyfreeinternational.org
Article appeared in the Withernsea District & Community News – 2022
Updated 26 April 2024
Poppys Pets pet niche column appears in the Withernsea District & Community News