Navigating Vegan Beauty at Ulta: A Primer
For those new to the world of ethical cosmetics, the terms 'vegan' and 'cruelty-free' are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Cruelty-free simply means the product was not tested on animals, whereas vegan means the product contains no animal-derived ingredients or by-products. A product can be cruelty-free but not vegan (e.g., it contains beeswax), or vegan but not cruelty-free (if ingredients were tested on animals by suppliers or where legally mandated). Ulta's Conscious Beauty program helps demystify this with clear labeling, but it is important to know that their 'Vegan' certification is for brands whose entire product line is vegan. Many brands offer some vegan-friendly products, but are not certified as 100% vegan by Ulta.
100% Vegan Brands at Ulta
These are brands whose complete collection, as sold at Ulta, is vegan, making them a safe and easy choice for ethical consumers. When you see these brands, you can trust their entire lineup is free from animal-derived ingredients.
- e.l.f. Cosmetics: Known for its affordable and high-quality products, e.l.f. is entirely vegan and cruelty-free across its extensive range of makeup and skincare.
- r.e.m. beauty: Ariana Grande's makeup brand is proudly 100% vegan and cruelty-free, offering an array of glossy balms and vibrant eyeshadow palettes.
- Milk Makeup: This Leaping Bunny certified brand is completely vegan and cruelty-free, focusing on high-performance, chic beauty products.
- Ethique Beauty: A zero-waste brand offering solid bars for hair and body, Ethique is 100% vegan and committed to ethical and sustainable practices.
- Fur: Specializing in body care products, Fur is a 100% vegan brand with offerings for both skin and pubic hair.
- Juice Beauty: With a focus on organic ingredients, Juice Beauty offers a 100% vegan and cruelty-free line of skincare and makeup.
- Cocokind: This brand, focused on skincare, offers a full line of vegan products for a conscious routine.
- Hourglass Cosmetics: After a commitment in 2020, this luxury brand is now entirely vegan across its product portfolio.
Brands with Vegan Options at Ulta
Many popular brands at Ulta are not fully vegan but carry numerous vegan-friendly products. This requires a little more diligence, as you must check individual product labels or the brand's website for confirmation.
- bareMinerals: While not 100% vegan, many of their formulas are, including the popular MINERALIST Talc-Free Eyeshadow Palette.
- KVD Vegan Beauty: The brand name can be misleading; while many products are vegan (like the Tattoo Liner), not the entire line is. Always double-check.
- Urban Decay: Famous for eyeshadow palettes, many Urban Decay products, including the 24/7 Inks Vegan Liquid Eyeliner, are vegan.
- Tarte: Tarte has a dedicated vegan section on its website, with many products like the Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara being vegan-friendly.
- Kylie Cosmetics: Though not entirely vegan, Kylie Cosmetics does offer many vegan formulas within its line.
- Florence by Mills: Millie Bobby Brown's brand is vegan-friendly, offering many products that align with ethical standards.
- Fenty Beauty: Rihanna's brand has many vegan options within its inclusive cosmetic line, though the whole brand is not certified vegan.
- Derma E: A long-standing natural skincare brand that is completely vegan and cruelty-free.
Comparing Brand Vegan Status
| Brand | Vegan Status (Ulta) | Conscious Beauty Tier | Examples of Products | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e.l.f. Cosmetics | 100% Vegan | Vegan | Putty Blush, Hydrating Camo Concealer | Entire line is vegan & cruelty-free. |
| Milk Makeup | 100% Vegan | Vegan | Hydro Grip Primer, Kush High Volumizing Mascara | Certified Leaping Bunny, all products are vegan. |
| bareMinerals | Vegan-Friendly | Vegan (select products) | MINERALIST Talc-Free Eyeshadow Palette | Not fully vegan; check specific product details. |
| KVD Vegan Beauty | Vegan-Friendly | Vegan (select products) | Tattoo Liner | Not fully vegan; check ingredients for individual items. |
| Fenty Beauty | Vegan-Friendly | Vegan (select products) | Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation | Check product descriptions for vegan designation. |
| Derma E | 100% Vegan | Vegan | Vitamin C Concentrated Serum, Microdermabrasion Scrub | Full line is vegan and cruelty-free. |
| Urban Decay | Vegan-Friendly | Vegan (select products) | 24/7 Inks Vegan Liquid Eyeliner | Offers many vegan options within its broader product range. |
How to Shop for Vegan Products at Ulta
Shopping vegan at Ulta is easier than ever thanks to the Conscious Beauty program. Follow these steps to ensure you're making an informed purchase:
- Use the Filter Online: When shopping on Ulta.com, use the filters on the left-hand side. Under the 'Conscious Beauty' filter, select 'Vegan' to see all products that are either from a 100% vegan brand or are themselves vegan-formulated.
- Look for the 'Vegan' Badge: On product pages, look for the 'Conscious Beauty' badge. If it includes the 'Vegan' text, that product is confirmed to be free of animal-derived ingredients.
- Read the Brand Profile: If you are unsure about a brand, check its brand profile page on Ulta.com or the Conscious Beauty hub. Ulta clearly states if a brand has certified that 100% of its products are vegan.
- Double-Check Ingredients: For brands that are not 100% vegan, it's wise to double-check the ingredient list. Look out for common non-vegan ingredients like carmine (crushed beetles for red pigment), beeswax, honey, lanolin, or animal-derived collagen.
- Seek Third-Party Certifications: For extra assurance, look for third-party logos like The Vegan Society trademark or the Certified Vegan logo from Vegan Action on a product's packaging.
Vegan Options Across Ulta's Categories
- Makeup: For eyeshadows, foundations, and lip products, brands like e.l.f., r.e.m. beauty, and Milk Makeup are reliable choices. Don't forget to check the specific vegan-friendly offerings from brands like Tarte and Urban Decay.
- Skincare: Finding vegan skincare is straightforward with brands like Derma E, Cocokind, and Juice Beauty providing excellent options for various skin concerns. Ulta also lists many vegan-friendly serums, moisturizers, and cleansers from brands like Kopari Beauty and Dermalogica.
- Haircare: Ethique Beauty and other brands like Briogeo and Eva NYC offer many vegan haircare products at Ulta. Look for the vegan filter to find shampoos, conditioners, and styling products formulated without animal ingredients.
Conclusion
Shopping vegan at Ulta has never been more accessible, thanks to the Conscious Beauty program and a growing number of brands prioritizing plant-based formulations. By understanding the key differences between vegan and cruelty-free and utilizing Ulta’s online filters and product labeling, you can confidently build a beauty routine that aligns with your ethical values. Whether you choose a 100% vegan brand or a vegan-friendly option, your choices contribute to a more compassionate beauty industry. For further exploration of vegan and cruelty-free beauty, the Ethical Elephant blog is a great resource.
