Vegan and Non-Toxic Lipstick: A List of Go-To’s With Organic Ingredients

Fun History Lesson About Lipstick

Cleopatra and Nefertiti, two of Egypt's most famous queens, knew how to make a statement with lipstick. According to an article from Artsy, ancient Egyptians “took their beauty routines seriously.” The lipstick used by the likes of Cleopatra and Nefertiti was made from colorful ingredients, like berries and crushed beetles, which would have given them a vibrant, bold look. 

Other civilizations also found creative ways to hydrate and color their lips using ingredients they had on hand. Ashawnta Jackson’s “Lipstick’s Complex History” for JSTOR Daily points out, however, that lipsticks weren’t always safe: “The rise of the Roman empire saw lipstick, once again, becoming chic. Men used it to indicate their social standing, and wealthy women used it for fashion. However, beauty and status came at a price. The ingredients—ochre, iron ore, and fucus plants—'infused lip paint with a potentially deadly poison.’” Many of these substances were so harmful that researchers speculate that the phrase “kiss of death” was used quite literally in those days!

As the years passed and one century gave way to another, lipstick formulations began to evolve, and wearing lipstick become more mainstream. In 20th century America, lipstick was a staple in women’s beauty routines, and the lipstick market gained momentum with the launch of brands such as Revlon, Chanel, Maybelline, and Estée Lauder. 

For women of all ages, lipstick became a convenient, easy way to elevate their look. Stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor popularized bold red lipsticks in the 1950s. Nowadays, global singer and superstar Taylor Swift is often photographed wearing bold-red lipstick: a reminder that it remains a timeless symbol of confidence, elegance, and self-expression.

These days, more and more consumers are becoming ingredient-conscious—and rightfully so. The lipstick market is inundated by numerous brands offering different styles, natural lipstick shades, and formulations. But not all lipsticks are created equal, and not all brands are committed to upholding the same standards. 

A guide to the ingredients in your lipstick

Surprisingly, some lipstick brands still use ingredients that may not be safe. While “all natural lipstick” may sound as if it does not contain any animal byproducts or toxic ingredients, it's always a good idea to do a little research and carefully read ingredient labels.

This section will cover ingredients to avoid if you are looking for vegan options and non-toxic lipstick formulations. Choosing good-for-you lipsticks can give you peace of mind and keep you looking fabulous!

Non-Vegan Ingredients

• Beeswax: Bees produce this wax as part of their honey-making process. Once the bees’ honey has been harvested, the honeycomb is melted. This produces beeswax. In lipsticks, this ingredient also gets labeled as cera alba, cera flava, cera olea, and bee pollen.
• Carmine: Carmine is produced by harvesting female cochineal insects. Once these insects are collected, their red pigment is extracted by crushing them. In lipsticks, carmine is sometimes labeled as cochineal extract, crimson lake, carmine lake, carminic acid, E120, or Natural Red 4.
• Collagen: Also known as hydrolyzed collagen, animal collagen, porcine collagen, bovine collagen, fish collagen, gelatin, or collagen peptides, this ingredient is derived from an animal’s skin, bones, and/or connective tissues, and it’s often marketed as having “anti-aging” properties. 

• Keratin: Keratin comes from the nails, horns, feathers, hooves, and hair of animals such as sheep, cows, horses, and chickens. In lipsticks, it may be labeled as hydrolyzed keratin, animal keratin, or hydrolyzed animal keratin.

• Lanolin: Also known as wool fat, wool yolk, wool wax, sheep grease, sheep yolk, or wool grease, lanolin is a type of wax derived from sheep. After a sheep has been sheared, the animal’s sebaceous glands produce lanolin, which is then extracted from the wool. 

This is not an exhaustive list. Other common animal-derived ingredients that get added to popular lipstick brands include, but are not limited to: squalene, tallow, shellac, and guanine. Vegan Food & Living has published a helpful article discussing a few of the aforementioned non-vegan ingredients as well as a few others. 

Toxic Ingredients

• Artificial fragrances: As noted on our blog post highlighting Non-Toxic Lip Balms, “The FDA doesn’t require brands to share what’s in their proprietary scents, which can lead to all kinds of irritants landing in lip products that cause allergic reactions, dizziness, etc. For those with sensitive skin especially, artificial fragrances are best avoided.”
• Cadmium: A heavy metal, cadmium can produce vibrant shades of color in lipsticks. Cadmium is also labeled as cadmium sulfide or cadmium red in lipsticks.
• Chromium: Chromium—also labeled as chromium oxide, chromium hydroxide, or chromium sesquioxide—is a heavy metal added to lipsticks to prevent fading and add vibrant color. 
• Lead: Lead is a heavy metal that lipstick manufacturers commonly add to red-colored lipsticks. It is a neurotoxin that, in lipsticks and other cosmetics, can be labeled as lead acetate, lead carbonate, or lead sulfide.
• Mercury: Another heavy metal, mercury sometimes gets added to lipsticks to preserve or enhance color. In lipsticks, it’s also known as mercury(II) chloride, mercurous chloride, or mercuric sulfide. 
• Nickel: Also known as nickel sulfate and nickel oxide, nickel is a heavy metal that, even in small amounts, can cause serious adverse effects in those who are nickel sensitive.‍
• Oxybenzone: Oxybenzone has a high absorption rate, which is why it is sometimes added to lipsticks. We recommend avoiding this ingredient because it is a chemical that’s known to disrupt the endocrine system. Plus, it’s harmful to marine life and their delicate ecosystems. ‍
• Petrolatum: Petroleum in lipsticks might prevent moisture loss, but petroleum-based ingredients are derived from non-renewable resources such as oil and gas.‍
• Phthalates: A skin irritant, phthalates appear in lipsticks because they work well to preserve the formulation. This synthetic preservative, however, is known to harm reproductive health not only in humans but also in aquatic animals.  ‍
• Sulfates: Sulfates are surfactants that sometimes get added to lipsticks. This harsh ingredient is sometimes labeled as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate. 
• Other Petroleum Derivatives: Due to prioritizing production readiness and cost, other petroleum derivatives that can sneak their way into some "clean" lipstick formulations include mineral oils, petrolatum, paraffin wax, synthetic dyes, toluene, benzene, and polyethylene glycol. These are primarily used to improve texture and enhance color and they can clog pores, cause hormone disruption, bioaccumulation, reproductive and developmental toxicity.

For more detailed information, visit the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics webpage. They provide detailed insights into the health risks of these and other toxic ingredients, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. Their Resources tab links to reliable, science-backed information on toxic chemicals in cosmetics.

Quality Ingredients in Lipstick 

Since lipstick appeals to both children and adults, supporting natural lipstick brands adhering to strict guidelines and upholding ethical standards is worthwhile. Here are some high-quality lipstick ingredients that get our enthusiastic thumbs-up: 

• Aloe vera: Aloe vera contains skin-healing properties that will help your lips maintain—or regain—their moisture. Extracted from a plant that many people grow in their own homes, aloe vera excels at soothing and softening the skin. In many natural lipsticks, this ingredient might be labeled as aloe barbadensis leaf juice.
• Avocado oil: Turns out avocado toast isn’t one of the best ways to enjoy avocados! To make avocado oil, the rich flesh of this fruit is carefully pressed and processed. Like other fruits, seeds, and beans that are pressed into oils, the nutrients within are preserved so your skin can benefit from them every time you apply your lipstick. 
• Caranuba wax: This wax is extracted from the leaves of the carnauba palm. When added to lipsticks, it thickens the formulation, creates a glossy finish, and naturally hydrates your lips. This plant-based alternative to synthetic waxes is also environmentally friendly in that only the leaves of the carnauba palm are harvested, which means the tree can continue growing.
• Castor oil: Once the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant are harvested, they are pressed into an oil. Castor oil features ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that, when added to non-toxic lipsticks, creates a smooth, creamy texture and enhances the formulation’s shine and moisture retention properties.
• Cupuacu butter: This natural emollient contains oleic acid and stearic acid, both of which protect and restore the skin’s natural barrier. Made by pressing the seeds of the cupuacu tree, cupuacu butter is a rich, natural fat that’s also rich in antioxidants. 
• Jojoba oil: Extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant, jojoba oil is easily absorbed by the skin. This soothing ingredient, which is sometimes labeled as simmondsia chinensis seed oil, is often added to non-toxic lipsticks because it’s non-greasy and gentle on the skin. 
• Shea butter: Shea butter originates from the kernel of shea fruit seeds, which are produced by the shea tree that grows abundantly across West Africa. Shea butter is regarded as a vegan, non-toxic ingredient that has excellent moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
• Soybean oil: Derived from soybeans, soybean oil has become a popular ingredient in non-toxic lipsticks. Unlike some other oils and butters, soy butter is lightweight and non-greasy. What’s more, soybean oil—like other oils on this list—is an organic ingredient. It’s worth noting that organic ingredients not only eliminate the risk of pesticide contamination in lipsticks but also promote the overall health of our soil and waterways.
• Sunflower seed oil: Beautiful sunflowers produce not only brightly colored leaves but also edible seeds that can be pressed to make an oil that is impressively rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Natural lipstick brands also turn to sunflower seed oil because it’s rich in Vitamin E and gentle for use on sensitive skin. 

The non-toxic lipstick brands we’ll introduce to you below use these and other all-natural ingredients—ingredients that put people and planet before profit.

Our Criteria

We carefully evaluated the ingredients and reviews for 62 clean cosmetic brands. Next, we took a strict approach to the ingredient lists and began narrowing down the list of our top lipsticks. The non-toxic, vegan lipsticks we selected don’t have overcomplicated formulations, yet they’ll still bring pizzazz to your pout!  

We did our due diligence when it came to ensuring that each formulation is vegan, does not have significant data gaps on the EWG website or PubMed, is of high quality, and has some organic sourcing is present. 

We also omitted any clean lipstick brands that were no cruelty-free because we believe that caring for the environment is also caring for the quality of life of the organisms that call this planet their home, too. 

Here is the criteria we used to finalize our list in detail:

• Non-toxic formulation: The lipstick does not contain harsh chemicals (such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates); synthetic fragrances that may cause allergies or respiratory issues; heavy metals, and other similar types of ingredients that are widely regarded as toxic for human use. 
• Not tested on animals: The best clean lipstick brands spare animals from testing. In this case, they test their products for safety and effectiveness on human volunteers and/or rely on other reliable testing methods. Some brands are also committed to sourcing their ingredients from fellow companies that refuse to test their products on animals. 
• Vegan ingredients: The best vegan lipstick brands use plant-based ingredients such as jojoba oil and aloe vera, and they tend to go out of their way to source these ingredients in an ethical manner from farmers they know and trust. 
• Organic ingredients in formulation: The 11 organic lipstick brands that appear on our list prioritize using ingredients that were grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
• Mostly natural or with fewer ingredients: We made a point to highlight non toxic lipstick brands that have formulated their lipsticks with the fewest natural ingredients possible. Sometimes less really is more!

11 Vegan, Non-Toxic, and Organic Lipsticks

It's an exciting time to be an eco-conscious and health-conscious lipstick enthusiast! The following brands prove that we don’t have to compromise our health and safety to maintain a makeup routine that makes us feel as beautiful on the outside as we are on the inside. 

We’ve found 11 clean lipsticks that we’re confident will soften, hydrate, and add the best natural color to your lips so you can accentuate their texture and shape. So, without further ado, here is our list of vegan, non-toxic, and organic lipsticks. They are also eco-friendly, which only adds to their appeal!  

For your convenience, they have been listed in alphabetical order. Please note that all details listed here are accurate as of April 2025; price, ingredients, and packaging are subject to change. 

1. 14e

Product: Lip sheen

Price range: $24

Coverage: Lightly pigmented lip coverage that leaves a subtle sheen

Best for: Nourishing, plumping, sensitive skin 

Noteworthy ingredients: Aloe butter, rice bran, peppermint oil

Color variety: Comes in 4 shades

Sustainability stats: 14E is focused on sustainability and packages their skincare products in vessels derived from sugarcane and PCR.

2. Axiology

Product: Color Cream Multi-Sticks 

Price range: $28

Coverage: Coverage is buildable; full, medium, light, or sheer coverage can be achieved through layering

Best for: Dry skin, sensitive skin

Noteworthy ingredients: Soy butter, coconut oil, avocado oil 

Color variety: Comes in 13 shades

Sustainability stats: All products certified vegan and cruelty free by PETA. Multi-stick packaging is made from forest-stewardship paper. All recyclable boxes are made from island trash collected on the island of Bali. 

3. BAIMS Organic Cosmetics

Product: Lipstick

Price range: $25

Coverage: Full

Best for: Nourishing, dry lips, sensitive skin

Noteworthy ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, hydrogenated olive oil, carnauba wax

Color variety: Comes in 7 shades 

Sustainability stats: BAIMS uses bamboo packaging that can be refilled. Certificates include PETA Cruelty Free, UK Vegan Society, ECOCERT - Cosmos Organic. Packaging and shipping materials are compostable; the company received the Austrian State Prize for the Packaging Industry and the "WorldStar Global Packaging Award” for their innovative packaging materials. 

4. Coastal Classic Creations

Product: We specifically recommend the Bashful Lipstick, Passion Lipstick, Crushed Rose Lipstick,Extremely Nude Lipstick, Tranquil Lipstick, Seacoast Lip Tint, Ida's Rose Lip Tint, and Canyon Lip Tint because they are vegan and do not contain certain synthetically derived dyes.

Price range: $24

Coverage: Full, medium, light coverage available

Best for: Nourishing, sensitive skin, dry lips

Noteworthy ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, shea butter, olive oil

Color variety: Over 20 shades available, but not all formulations are vegan or organic. 

Sustainability stats: No ingredients are sourced from deforested lands. Shipping materials include biodegradable cornstarch peanuts, PVC-free, acid-free, and recycled paper for packaging materials. 

5. Crunchi

Product: Everluxe® Lip Crayon

Price range: $28

Coverage: Long-lasting coverage

Best for: Fuller-looking lips

Noteworthy ingredients: Organic shea butter, carnauba wax, castor seed oil

Color variety: Comes in 9 shades

Sustainability stats: Certifications include EWG Verified®, Leaping Bunny Certified, Certified 4ocean Plastic Neutral. Crunchi’s zero-waste packaging is made from PEFC™ certified, sustainable wood with a protective plastic cap. Pencil is placed in an 100% recyclable and biodegradable, paper carton.

6. Fifth & Skin Botanicals

Product: Better'n Ur Lips Vegan Lipstick

Price range: $22

Coverage: Medium to light coverage; long-lasting coverage (approximately 4 hours)

Best for: Sensitive skin, nourishing, dry lips

Noteworthy ingredients: Mango butter, cupuacu butter, grape seed oil

Color variety: Comes in 4 shades

Sustainability stats: Leaping Bunny Certified

7. INIKA Organic

Product: INIKA Organic LipStick

Price range: $31

Coverage: Full, medium, and light coverage available; long-lasting coverage

Best for: Nourishing, dry lips, sensitive skin 

Noteworthy ingredients: Argan oil, shea butter, jojoba oil

Color variety: Comes in 6 shades

Sustainability stats: INIKA Organic is the world's first plastic-neutral makeup brand; 90% of their packaging is made from sustainable and reused materials. This company has partnered with CLEANHUB to collect and remove plastic from the environment.

8. Omiana

Product: Hydrating Lip and Cheek Tint (please note that the formulation for the matching lipstick is not vegan)

Price range: $31

Coverage: Light coverage

Best for: Sensitive skin

Noteworthy ingredients: Mica, cinnamon bark extract, lavender flower extract

Color variety: Comes in 4 shades. 

Sustainability stats: Certifications include PETA Cruelty Free and Leaping Bunny Certified.

9. Real Purity 

Product: Lipstick 

Price range: $18

Coverage: Medium

Best for: Nourishing, dry lips, sensitive skin

Noteworthy ingredients: Castor oil, aloe vera, aloe vera extract, almond oil

Color variety: Comes in over 20 shades

Sustainability stats: Their certified organic and certified cruelty free lipsticks are also free from parabens. One of their blog posts notes that “parabens, like many synthetic chemicals, have the potential to accumulate in the environment and disrupt ecosystems. Choosing products free from parabens contributes to reducing environmental pollution.”

10. Rejuva Minerals

Product: Pur' Lips Vegan and Organic Lipstick

Price range: $21

Coverage: Sheer to medium coverage that varies by shade

Best for: Sensitive skin, nourishing 

Noteworthy ingredients: Titanium Dioxide free red wine, crushed red rose petals, vanilla, peppermint (depending on selected shade)

Color variety: Comes in 5 shades

Sustainability stats: EWG VERIFIED™ and rated "CLEAN" in the Think Dirty app. Rejuva Minerals packages their products in BPA and phthalate-free tubes and ships them in boxes manufactured from 50% recycled materials.

11. Zao

Product: Classic Lipstick

Price range: $20

Coverage: Full to sheer coverage; long-lasting coverage

Best for: Sensitive skin, nourishing, dry lips

Noteworthy ingredients: Castor oil, shea butter, organic pomegranate extract

Color variety: Comes in 12 shades

Sustainability stats: Certified by ECOCERT Greenlife. Lipstick is packed in refillable tubes.

Each lipstick on our list is made by brands that are committed to producing high-quality, healthy lipsticks and offering a variety of shades. These brands are recognized for their organic vegan lipsticks, and we look forward to seeing their product lines grow as more people become aware of their sustainability efforts. 

Choosing a vegan, non-toxic lipstick from brands like INIKA Organic and Axiology can encourage the cosmetics industry to prioritize transparency, sustainability, and accountability. We hope you and your community consider supporting clean beauty by choosing safe, non-toxic, vegan lipsticks from trustworthy brands.

Kiss Toxic Goodbye

In this post, we discussed the history of lipstick, shared common animal byproducts and toxic ingredients that are used in lipsticks, and highlighted good-for-you lipstick ingredients. We also revealed our list of 11 lipsticks that are vegan, non-toxic, ethically sourced, and cruelty-free! 

We hope this information helps you make informed decisions when shopping for lipstick. After all, the only "shady" thing about your lipstick should be its color! As you now know, it’s key to ensure that all the ingredients are safe for your health.

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