Animal-Derived Ingredients in Skincare: What to Know & What to Avoid
Skincare is more than just what we apply to our skin — it’s a reflection of who we are, what we value, and how we choose to interact with the world. At Ae Botanicals Skincare, we believe that every step of your skincare ritual should nourish your body and your conscience. But many people are surprised to learn that the products they use daily may still rely on hidden, animal-derived ingredients — ingredients that don’t align with their values.
Let’s demystify the world of animal-based skincare and guide you through what to avoid, what to look for, and why your choices matter.
What Are Animal-Derived Ingredients?
Animal-derived ingredients are substances extracted from animals or their by-products. These can include fats, proteins, waxes, pigments, and secretions — often obtained through inhumane practices or unsustainable means. While sometimes labelled as “natural,” they are not necessarily ethical or safe for sensitive skin. Worse still, these ingredients can be hidden behind scientific names that make it difficult for everyday consumers to recognise them.
By contrast, vegan skincare is free from animal-based ingredients and instead relies on nutrient-rich botanicals, plant oils, and clean lab-derived actives that deliver outstanding results, without harming a single living being.
At Ae Botanicals Skincare, we take it further. All our formulas are vegan, cruelty-free, refillable, and inspired by the purity and wisdom of Aotearoa’s native plant life. Each product is made with compassion and performance in mind.
Common Animal-Derived Ingredients in Skincare (And What You Can Use Instead)
Here are some of the most common animal-derived ingredients found in cosmetics and skincare, why they’re problematic, and what effective, ethical alternatives you can choose instead.
1. Lanolin
- What it is: A waxy secretion from sheep’s wool.
- Why it’s used: Moisturising agent in lip balms and creams.
- Why it’s controversial: Lanolin is a co-product of the wool industry. Its collection can cause distress or injury to sheep. Read more
- Plant-powered alternative: Jojoba oil, sunflower oil, shea butter.
2. Beeswax (Cera Alba)
- What it is: Wax produced by honeybees.
- Why it’s used: Thickener and stabiliser in balms and lotions.
- Why it’s controversial: Industrial beekeeping practices disrupt bee colonies and reduce biodiversity. Treehugger on Beeswax
- Plant-powered alternative: Candelilla wax, sunflower wax.
3. Collagen
- What it is: Protein sourced from animal skin, bones, and tendons.
- Why it’s used: Marketed to improve skin firmness and reduce wrinkles.
- Why it’s controversial: Most collagen is a by-product of animal slaughter. Ethical Consumer
- Plant-powered alternative: Peptides, Vitamin C, seaweed extracts.
4. Carmine (CI 75470)
- What it is: A bright red pigment made from crushed cochineal insects.
- Why it’s used: Adds red colour to blush, lipsticks, and tints.
- Why it’s controversial: Up to 70,000 insects may be killed for 500g of pigment. Wikipedia on Cochineal
- Plant-powered alternative: Beetroot powder, hibiscus extract.
5. Honey
- What it is: A sweet, viscous substance produced by bees.
- Why it’s used: Acts as a humectant to retain moisture and soothe skin.
- Why it’s controversial: Harvesting honey can harm bee colonies and disrupt ecosystems. Industrial practices may exploit bee labor and contribute to colony collapse. PETA US on Bee-Derived Ingredients
- Plant-powered alternative: Glycerin, agave nectar, aloe vera.
6. Bee Venom
- What it is: A defensive secretion produced by bees when they sting.
- Why it’s used: Claimed to reduce wrinkles and plump skin.
- Why it’s controversial: Collection often harms or kills bees and is considered exploitative. One Green Planet on Bee Venom Ethics
- Plant-powered alternative: Peptides, bakuchiol, rosehip oil.
6. Tallow
- What it is: Rendered fat from cattle or sheep.
- Why it’s used: Common in soaps, cleansers, and lotions.
- Why it’s controversial: It's A by-product of the meat industry and can clog pores. Paula’s Choice on Tallow
- Plant-powered alternative: Coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil.
Why Ae Botanicals Skincare Is Proudly Vegan and Cruelty-Free
We created Ae Botanicals Skincare with a promise: you don’t have to choose between ethics and efficacy. Every product in our collection is:
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free
- Free from animal by-products or animal testing
- Enriched with wild-harvested native plants from Aotearoa
- Designed to respect mātauranga Māori and the natural world
Our ingredients are not only sourced ethically, but also formulated with care by our team of experts here in New Zealand — blending modern science with indigenous wisdom to create skincare that works in harmony with your skin.
From the healing properties of kawakawa to the gentle cleansing of kumerahou and the regenerative power of mamaku, our plant-powered formulations deliver visible results while staying true to what matters most.
Final Thoughts: Aligning Beauty With Compassion
The future of skincare is thoughtful. It’s not just about how a product feels on your skin, but how it aligns with your values and your impact on the world. By avoiding animal-derived ingredients, you're choosing a kinder, more sustainable path — one that respects life in all forms.
We believe that your daily skincare ritual should be a celebration of your wellbeing, of ethical choices, and of the power of plants. When you choose Ae Botanicals Skincare, you're not just nurturing your skin — you're standing up for something greater.
Explore the full Ae Botanicals Skincare range here: https://www.aebotanicals.com/collections/all