F-Label provides consumers with a transparent, science-based certification that verifies animal-free production processes for compounds traditionally derived from animals. This initiative marks a significant step forward in fostering trust and acceptance of cutting-edge food technologies, helping to accelerate the shift toward a more ethical and sustainable food system.

While F-Label products are always animal-free, they are not necessarily vegan in the traditional sense. The term “vegan” can refer to a variety of personal and ethical choices, including animal welfare, environmental concerns, and health reasons. However, F-Label certification focuses on the production process, ensuring that no animals were used, while recognizing that the final product may contain molecules identical to those found in animal-based foods. This distinction is essential for consumers who need clarity on whether a product is plant-like or animal-like by nature, helping them make informed decisions that align with their personal values and dietary choices.

The launch of F-Label is taking place in partnership with Luyef Biotechnologies, a deep biotech company pioneering sustainable solutions for the alternative protein industry. Luyef is the first company to receive F-Label certification for its precision-fermented myoglobin, a breakthrough ingredient that enhances the color, aroma, and taste of plant-based and cultivated meat products.

“At Luyef, we are committed to developing cutting-edge solutions that accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable and ethical food industry,” said Kris Blanchard, Founder & CEO of Luyef Biotechnologies. “Achieving the very first F-Label license for our myoglobin is a testament to our dedication to transparency, innovation, and meeting the highest standards of quality. We chose to work with F-Label because we believe in the need for clear, science-based certification that builds trust with consumers and industry partners alike.”

Fermentation-based technologies, particularly precision fermentation, have the potential to revolutionize food production by recreating key animal-derived compounds without using animals. This method enables the creation of essential functional ingredients, like Luyef’s myoglobin, which enhances the sensory experience of alternative proteins.

“Our myoglobin plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between conventional and alternative proteins,” Blanchard continued. “Integrated into our TAMEE ingredient, it significantly enhances the sensory profile of plant-based products, bringing part of the color, aroma, and taste of conventional meat to the plant-based industry. Given that consumer adoption of alternative proteins heavily depends on their sensory resemblance to conventional meat, TAMEE enables the development of next-generation plant-based products designed to attract mainstream consumers.”

F-Label is designed to set a new standard for transparency in food innovation, ensuring that fermentation-derived animal-identical compounds are clearly labeled and easily recognizable to consumers. With strict criteria that include animal-free production, no GMOs in the final product, and antibiotic-free processes, F-Label aims to provide clarity and confidence for both consumers and manufacturers.

Renato Pichler, Founder of V-Label GmbH, emphasized the importance of F-Label in building a more sustainable food system: “Fermentation has the power to replace animal-based ingredients without compromise. With F-Label, we ensure that companies producing these innovations can demonstrate their commitment to ethical and transparent food production while giving consumers the confidence to support these advancements.”

Lubomir Yotov, Head of F-Label, highlighted the broader implications of the certification: “F-Label is more than just a certification—it’s a movement toward a future where animal-free production takes center stage. By working with pioneering companies like Luyef Biotechnologies, we’re paving the way for a food system that is more ethical, sustainable, and aligned with consumer values.”

With the launch of F-Label, the food industry takes a significant step forward in ensuring transparency and trust in next-generation food production. As more companies seek to innovate with fermentation-based technologies, F-Label will serve as a trusted mark of quality and integrity, helping to shape the future of food.For more information about F-Label certification, visit www.f-label.com.

As consumer demand for sustainable and ethically produced food continues to rise, V-Label recognizes the importance of establishing a robust certification system that ensures the highest standards in producing and distributing cell-based meat products. C-Label is a globally registered trademark that guides consumers and helps them identify and understand the production process behind a cultivated meat product. It enhances trust and acceptance of this novel mode of food production.

In a statement, Renato Pichler, V-Label’s founder, expressed excitement about the launch, saying, “Cultivated meat offers a huge potential to eliminate inhumane farming practices and greatly lower the negative impact of farming livestock on our environment. Our certification for cell-based meat is a testament to our dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable food production. We believe that by setting high standards and fostering collaboration across the industry, we can accelerate the adoption of cell-based meat and contribute to a more sustainable and ethical food future.”

With the cultivated meat industry beginning to deliver on its promise to change the way we produce animal protein, C-Label becomes the first independent authority to certify its producers around the globe. 

C-Label is excited to announce the launch of the certification alongside Meatly, a UK-based startup developing cultivated pet food. Meatly is the world’s first company with C-Label licensed cultivated chicken.

“As we move closer and closer towards a world where cultivated meat will become the norm, certification such as the C-Label will be increasingly necessary for consumer confidence in this new and revolutionary product,” says Owen Ensor, Meatly’s CEO. “As proud leaders in this nascent industry, we’re excited to be working alongside C-Label on this new era for the food industry so that once we start to roll out our Meatly chicken to British customers and their much-loved pets, they know that our chicken is of the highest industry standards,” Ensor adds.

Key features of the new C-Label certification include:

• Animal-Free-Media: C-Label products do not require animal-based media in their production process.
• Animal Welfare: All interventions and procedures, in particular invasive ones, such as biopsies, must be demonstrably necessary, painless and stress-free for the animals. No animals are killed in and for the entire procurement and manufacturing process.
• GMO-Free: C-Label products do not contain GMOs, according to existing regulations (GMOs might be used in the process but are not part of the end product).
• Antibiotics-Free: C-Label products do not require antibiotics in the production process and do not contain antibiotics.
• Pathogen-Free: C-Label products stem from a production process that is free of pathogens (such as salmonella, E. coli, etc.) and therefore are themselves free of pathogens.
• Heavy-Metals And Plastics-Free: C-Label products contain virtually no heavy-metals or plastics.
• Cell Extraction: When cells are derived from a living animal, this must be done in as painless and stress-free a manner as possible for the animal. Cell extractions are limited to as few as possible and any extractions need to be well-founded.
• Cell Use: C-Label promotes animal-free technologies wherever possible, avoiding the need for constant cell extraction. Currently, only immortalized cells are permitted, guaranteeing minimal resampling if at all.

“We envision that, in the near future, consumers will have the option to choose between meat produced from animals and cultivated meat which is more humane and better for the environment,” says Martin Ranninger, V-Label International’s Co-Director. “As a globally registered trademark, C-Label guides consumers and helps them identify and understand the production process that lies behind a cultivated meat product.”

Through ongoing exchange with relevant stakeholders and industry experts, C-Label remains at the cutting edge of new development and represents a unified center of expertise surrounding cultivated meat. As such, a product marked with the C-Label indicates that leading-edge technology has been used and that ethical standards have been met.

For businesses interested in achieving C-Label certification for cell-based meat, more information can be found on the official website c-label.com. More information about Meatly can be found on the website meatly.pet. 

Press images are available at: https://bit.ly/c-label-press-launch. 

Download the press release.

The global push for sustainability has never been stronger, and the food industry is at the heart of this transformation. Across Europe, consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their food choices and the benefits of reducing animal-based products. This growing consciousness is driving significant changes in dietary habits, with plant-based eating gaining mainstream traction.

One major catalyst for plant-based food is Veganuary, the global campaign encouraging people to try a vegan diet throughout January. Over the years, Veganuary has inspired millions to explore plant-based options, highlighting the health, environmental, and ethical benefits of veganism. For many, it serves as the perfect opportunity to experiment with plant-based lifestyles, making January a pivotal month for raising awareness and driving change.

This shift is supported by recent insights from a survey conducted across 13 European countries. FMCG Gurus, V-Label’s consumer insights strategy partner, examined consumer attitudes toward veganism, sustainability, and the challenges of adopting plant-based lifestyles. The findings are eye-opening, providing brands with valuable opportunities to align their strategies with consumer values and capitalize on the momentum generated by campaigns like Veganuary.

January is not just a time for resolutions but also for reflection on food choices. As more consumers embrace plant-based diets during this period, brands have a unique chance to showcase innovative products and communicate the benefits of veganism effectively.

A Shift Toward Plant-Based Diets

Over half (52.2%) of survey respondents reported changing their diet in the past two years. This figure reflects a growing awareness of the impact of dietary choices on health and the planet. Among those who made changes, the most common actions included reducing red meat consumption (29.2%), increasing plant-based meals, and exploring alternative protein sources like tofu, legumes, and meat substitutes (41.8%).

This shift isn’t just a passing trend. It’s a response to multiple factors:

• Health Concerns: Consumers are increasingly linking plant-based diets to benefits like lower cholesterol, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and improved energy levels.
• Environmental Awareness: Many understand the significant carbon footprint of animal agriculture, particularly beef and dairy, and are motivated to reduce their environmental impact.
• Ethical Considerations: Animal welfare continues to be a critical factor, with many consumers choosing vegan options to avoid supporting industries they perceive as harmful.

This presents a unique opportunity for brands. By offering plant-based alternatives that are accessible, affordable, and delicious, companies can tap into this growing market.

Sustainability and Its Broader Appeal

“Sustainability is no longer a niche concern. It’s a priority for the majority of consumers with 71.3% saying brands should do more to more to protect the planet,” says Martin Ranninger, V-Label International’s Co-Director. 

Interestingly, the appeal of sustainability extends beyond environmental care. Many consumers associate sustainability with improved personal health. For example, reducing waste, consuming organic produce, and avoiding overly processed foods align with health-conscious lifestyles. This dual benefit—personal and planetary health—is driving consumer interest in plant-based options.

Brands that communicate the connection between sustainability and health can create a compelling narrative. For instance, emphasizing that plant-based diets not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also support a healthier lifestyle can resonate deeply with modern consumers.

Barriers to Adopting Plant-Based Lifestyles

Despite the clear interest in sustainable diets, several barriers prevent more widespread adoption:

1. Limited Availability: Many consumers struggle to find diverse plant-based options in traditional grocery stores or restaurants.
2. Cost Perception: Plant-based products are often viewed as more expensive, deterring budget-conscious shoppers.
3. Confusion Over Labels: Terms like “vegan,” “vegetarian,” and “plant-based” are sometimes used inconsistently, leading to consumer mistrust.
4. Taste Concerns: Some consumers believe that plant-based options compromise on flavor or texture.

Addressing these barriers is critical for brands. Expanding distribution, pricing products competitively, and investing in clear, transparent labeling can help overcome these challenges. Additionally, innovations in plant-based food technology—such as improving taste and replicating the texture of meat—can encourage hesitant consumers to try new options.

The Role of Brands in Driving Change

Consumers expect brands to take the lead in promoting sustainable practices. According to FMCG Gurus’ survey:

• 44.5% agree that the damage to the environment is irreversible, and many feel a sense of urgency to act.
• 69.2% want brands to educate them about sustainability.

“62% of consumers would like to see information about sustainability available on the product packaging and 44% at the point of purchase,” comments on the survey finds Martin Ranninger, V-Label International’s Co-Director. “V-Label is exactly where the majority of European consumers expect clear and transparent communication from food brands and retailers.”

This isn’t just about offering eco-friendly products; it’s about building trust and fostering a sense of partnership with consumers. Transparent marketing, authentic sustainability claims, and certifications like V-Label can enhance credibility. Partnerships with NGOs or sustainability initiatives can further demonstrate a brand’s commitment to change.

European consumers are concerned about multiple environmental impacts with global warming (61%), deforestation (60%), and carbon emission (58.4%) mentioned as leading worries. In the past two years, European consumers have taken steps to reduce their impact on the environment. This impacts food brands and retailers as well. Interestingly, consumers have stated that:

• 37.5% have chosen one product over another because it was more environmentally friendly
• 35.1% have made greater efforts to find more environmentally friendly food brands
• 26.6% have changed retailers to one that is more environmentally friendly

The Future of Food is Plant-Based

The plant-based movement is no longer confined to niche markets. It’s rapidly becoming mainstream, with major food companies and retailers introducing vegan alternatives to meet demand. Looking ahead, the growth potential is immense. Innovations in cultivated meat, plant-based seafood, and alternative dairy are creating entirely new categories. As consumers become more familiar with these options, the market will continue to evolve.

For businesses, staying ahead means anticipating these changes and responding proactively. Investing in research and development, understanding consumer needs, and aligning products with values like sustainability and health will be essential.

Actionable Steps for Brands

To thrive in this changing landscape, brands should consider the following strategies:

1. Expand Accessibility: Ensure plant-based products are widely available in both urban and rural markets.
2. Enhance Transparency: Use clear, consistent labeling and certifications to build consumer trust.
3. Highlight Dual Benefits: Emphasize the health and environmental advantages of plant-based diets.
4. Engage in Education: Develop campaigns that inform consumers about sustainability and how their choices make a difference.
5. Innovate Continuously: Stay at the forefront of food innovation, exploring new ingredients and production methods.

Conclusion

The rise of veganism and sustainability reflects a broader cultural shift toward more conscious living. Consumers are not just looking for products; they’re looking for partners in their journey toward a healthier, more sustainable future. By understanding their needs, addressing barriers, and communicating effectively, brands can play a pivotal role in driving this change.

The future is plant-based—and the time to act is now.

“After personally attending the Bridge2Food Summit Europe, we are very happy to support the upcoming Summit Asia. The event is one of the best industry conferences that covers the whole supply chain and offers a very engaging and relevant program,” comments Martin Ranninger, V-Label’s Director. “V-Label is now a proud partner for the upcoming Summit Asia, which makes strategic sense for us as well, due to our expanding presence in Asia with two new partner organizations in the region, namely ProVeg in Malaysia and Vive in Vietnam.”

Bridge2Food’s Summit Asia will allow participants to learn directly from experienced industry professionals and network with like-minded individuals who share a passion for alternative proteins. There, participants will be able to engage with two tracks of presentations to focus on: Consumer & Industry Challenges or Sustainable Processing & Delicious Food Innovation. 

“Our unique global Summits provide an invaluable platform for networking opportunities with the industry’s thought leaders and creators. Together, you will get inspired about the latest trends and innovations within the alternative protein space, including fermentation and cell-based technology. By connecting with the entire value chain, you will be able to share current opportunities and challenges within the sector, such as taste and texture, sustainability, affordability, nutrition, and consumer trends,” said Ella Stephens, Marketing & Communications at Bridge2Food.

To find out more about the Summit Asia, visit the Bridge2Food website.

“Consumers all over the world want to make kinder choices that are better for their health, the environment, and also the animals. The news from Lidl and Kaufland in Germany is a great step, as price is often a barrier for consumers,” shares Martin Ranninger, Director at V-Label International.

Both private labels Vemondo and K-take it veggie, from Lidl and Kaufland respectively, include vegan and vegetarian alternatives to meat and dairy products. Both private labels have portfolios that also increasingly include products from different categories such as baked goods, confectionery, beverages, and ready meals, all of which are proudly marked by V-Label. 

Private labels as key in driving consumer loyalty

In recent years, almost every retailer in Europe has introduced its own private label offering vegan and vegetarian products to consumers. “V-Label is proud to work with the majority of European retailers, who make the shopping experience for millions of consumers easier. This is possible thanks to the transparent and visible labeling that V-Label offers,” comments Martin Ranninger.

McKinsey argues that while the main reason shoppers return to a retailer is its location – whichever is closest to them – other top motivators are value for money and their private brand selection. More than 54% of consumers across 10 EU countries said they regularly go to a store if products under their private label lines are of good quality. Best-practice grocers now actively identify unmet consumer needs and then employ agile product-development processes to meet those needs as quickly as possible, another McKinsey paper shows as the way to leverage the trend. 

“According to FMCG Gurus, 34% of European consumers know V-Label, and that number is higher in specific countries like Spain, Sweden, or Austria, where 40% responded affirmatively. Moreover, consumers do not see V-Label only as a helper when it comes to identifying vegan or vegetarian products,” shares Alejandro Gómez Hombrados, V-Label International’s Consumer Insights Specialist. 

According to the consumer survey, 69% of consumers who are aware of V-Label associate V-Label-marked products with being healthier and 59% more trustworthy. For businesses and brands, these facts can also shed light on what makes 40% of European consumers willing to pay a premium price for a product carrying the V-Label.

Vegan is more popular than regional and organic

In the area of dynamics (change in popularity), which is still dominated by the sustainability trend, the focus is shifting from classic designations of origin (Miini Region, BioSuisse, Migros Bio) to plant-based nutrition. V-Label is now in second place here, ahead of planted, Oatly, V-Love, Beyond Meat, beleaf and Karma.

Classic organic and regional labels are also losing momentum, so these will be perceived as less trendy in 2023. However, V-Label was able to improve further in this area and is now in 5th place!

Generation Z loves V-Label

The development in the area of 15 to 26 year olds (Gen Z) is particularly pleasing: V-Label is in first place in the dynamic area (up from 6th place in 2021). Among the trendiest brands, V-Label ranks as the strongest sustainability brand in an outstanding fourth place (ahead of Tesla and On).

This confirms that consumers of today and tomorrow trust V-Label. With more than 25 years of experience in product certification and the commitment of experts in the areas of quality management, food technology, chemistry, cosmetics, and marketing, we are the pioneers of a global movement.

Further information: “Havas Brand Predictor 2023: Sustainable brands are more likeable”, August 31, 2023

The Consumers’ Choice Award is a category that places the power directly in the hands of consumers. “This year, the competition boasts a total of 9 distinct subcategories for the nearly 80 international entries in the Consumers’ Choice category, spanning diverse products such as plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, to confectionery and beverages, and even non-food products like cosmetics and household items,” introduces Nikolett Konkoly, Program Manager of the V-Label Awards. “Each subcategory will have its own winner, offering an exclusive opportunity for brands to showcase the product’s popularity with the special Winner label right on the packaging. The public voting also provides a platform for brands to amplify their presence, build brand awareness, and foster deeper connections with consumers.”

The rise of plant-based products reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences towards sustainable and ethical choices. As the world faces pressing environmental challenges, the adoption of plant-based alternatives holds the potential to reduce our carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and promote animal welfare.

“It is encouraging to see that more food production companies continue to innovate and introduce more plant-based food options to consumers worldwide,” says Martin Ranninger, Co-Director at V-Label International. “Formerly a niche category, vegan products are now in the mainstream. They are no longer a nice-to-have but a must-have for any company that wants to keep up with current consumer demands and run its business sustainably.”

The public voting phase is now officially open and will run from September 1st to September 30th, 2023. During this period, anyone can participate by casting their votes online for one entry per subcategory.

“We believe in the influence of consumer preferences and the role they play in shaping the future of sustainable products. By opening the voting process to the public, we’re empowering consumers to champion the plant-based products they love, and encouraging brands to continually elevate their standards,” says Nikolett Konkoly.

Entries include innovative plant-based products from 30 countries, including Germany, Turkey, and Chile, and provide a glimpse of hope for a cruelty-free, tasty future. All products competing in the Consumers’ Choice proudly carry the V-Label, making them easily recognizable, trustworthy vegan choices for conscientious consumers.

Alongside the public voting, an expert jury panel will be evaluating shortlisted entries in the Sustainability, Innovation, and Marketing and Branding categories. Winners of both the expert-judged categories and the public voting will be publicly announced in November and showcased at Plant Based World Expo Europe, the only 100% plant-based B2B trade fair.

For more information on the V-Label Awards and to cast your vote, please visit https://awards.v-label.com/vote.

About V-Label:

V-Label is the world’s leading vegan and vegetarian trademark, with over 50,000 certified products worldwide. V-Label is committed to helping consumers make informed and conscious choices, as well as supporting brands in entering and succeeding in the plant-based industry, while amplifying the stories of those driving the plant-based movement.

Press contact: nikolett.konkoly@v-label.com.

The 11th edition of the Free From Food Expo will take place on 21-22 November 2023 in RAI Amsterdam. The event promises to be the most focused, dynamic, and exciting Free From Food edition yet providing insight into the most important food lifestyle trends as well as what will be on the shelves five years from now. 

“Because of the partnership we can offer V-Label licensees a very attractive participation package for the upcoming fair in Amsterdam,” comments Suzet Miedema, V-Label’s Business Development Manager. “Free From now offers a low-threshold all-in package for V-Label licensees. The collective presentation offers strong exposure, and in doing so, this participation is concentrated within an own V-Label Pavilion at a top location at the fair with an open appearance for perfect visibility.”

Free From Fair is the most wanted European Free From Food retail exhibition, initiated by the industry, and supported by the leading certifying associations, all under one roof. Driving the future of Vegan, Plant-Based, Free From, Organic, Functional, and Healthy Lifestyle Food, Drinks, and Ready to Market Solutions. 

“We are happy to work together with V-Label in order to offer the food producers our platform to present their Vegan and Vegetarian food proposition to our high-profile audience from Retail and Foodservice,” said Chris Gottschalk, Sales & Marketing Director from Expo Business Communications. “Consumer behavior is driving retail even more towards plant based solutions, so with this partnership our contribution is evident.”

During Free From Amsterdam 2023 hundreds of international manufacturers and brands within the food & beverage industry will present their newest product innovations. Relevant products that are ready to be placed on the supermarket and food service shelves, as well as on the menus within the catering & hospitality industry. 

Throughout the Free From Expo & Conference Amsterdam 2023 thousands of food professionals will visit more than three hundred exhibitors within two days. Additionally, more than sixty international and local keynote speakers will answer questions such as: What does the consumer want? What products connect to this and which parties can make these products? 

Companies and brands that are interested in exhibiting with V-Label can simply fill out the registration form by September 1st or contact Suzet Miedema directly for more information.

Press Contact: Tim De Smet, Communications Manager, tim.de.smet@v-label.com

V-Label, the world’s leading vegan and vegetarian trademark, has prepared this article so that you can:

• Learn the key innovations that are going on right now
• Learn the most popular vegan alternative ingredients to replace animal-derived ingredients

Let’s get started.

Key Innovations in Ingredients

Finding alternatives to animal-derived ingredients hasn’t always been easy. However, technology and science have progressed at a high-speed level and now we have good plants and synthetic alternatives available. This has made vegan cosmetics not only a reality but also a force on the market. 

So let’s jump right in and see the top 6 key ingredient innovations paving the way for vegan-friendly cosmetics:

PHENOBIO™

Phenobio is a subcritical water technology, an extraction methodology recently incorporated into Lipotec™ Active Ingredients’ portfolio. This technology helps obtain eco-conscious enriched botanical extracts as it recovers a broad spectrum of the plant’s phyto actives. 

With this technology, there is no need to use harmful chemical solvents that may damage the environment. So if you are going for an environmentally-friendly product, using PHENOBIO is a good call.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol-based cosmetics are rapidly gaining popularity and is used in skin care products such as facial serums, creams, moisturizers, masks, body lotions, and lip balms. 

What are the main benefits of this ingredient? 

• redness reduction 
• improved skin tightness

Mushrooms

Mushrooms? Seriously! Though it may sound weird to use mushrooms, they are one of the most popular and widely used ingredients in vegan skin care products. Shiitake, tremella, reishi, chaga, and other adaptogens have positive side effects on our skin. 

The three main benefits of using this ingredient are: 

• Hydrates the skin
• Helps to soothe the skin
• Acts as a purifier for the skin

Retinoids

Retinoids are a very effective anti-ageing agent, and in the case of skincare, it’s of synthetic origin because it’s impossible to get stable, bio-available retinol from natural sources. 

However, retinoids can be a problematic ingredient, as not everyone reacts to them well. People with sensitive skin conditions usually avoid this ingredient.

So that’s where our next key innovation in vegan cosmetics comes.

STEVISSE™

First, let’s talk about Stevia. Stevia is used as a skin-smoothing and anti-wrinkle remedy; it can be considered an ingredient similar to retinoids for its qualities. But that’s not it. You can combine this ingredient with the PHENOBIO technology and get:

STEVISSE™ 

This vegan-friendly ingredient is an organic stevia leaf-based extract that offers a gentler and more natural alternative to retinoids for similar rejuvenating results without the negative side effects. So consider combining Stevia with Phenobio technology if you want to go to the next level.

Collume®

This ingredient is a 100% animal-free collagen technology designed for skincare products. Its main benefits are:

• It increases skin firmness and elasticity, and improves skin moisturization as compared to traditional marine collagen
• It’s a cleaner ingredient compared to traditional animal-derived collagen, made through a sustainable fermentation process, delivering superior purity and sensory appeal

This vegan collagen was created by the company Geltor, which also has other interesting vegan collagen alternatives that you can check out here.

Key Vegan Ingredients

As you may know, there are plenty of animal ingredients in cosmetics. Luckily for us, there are now many vegan options we can use. So let’s check out how to replace animal-derived ingredients with vegan ingredients in cosmetics:

Keratin

Keratin is among the most widely used shampoo and conditioner ingredients. The problem? It comes from the hairs and horns of animals. In vegan products, it’s often replaced by soya protein and almond oil. 

Also, the properties of keratin can be mimicked by, for instance, the synthesis of amino acids extracted from grains of rice, wheat, etc., that creates hydrolyzed proteins that act as a vegan alternative to a conventional keratin treatment.

Lanolin

Lanolin is used as a softener in hair products and comes from sheep wool. Vegan alternatives can be sourced from plant oils (coconut or olive) and butters (shea or coconut). 

Beeswax (Cera Alba)

Beeswax is an ingredient produced by honeybees. Its use in cosmetics has been increasing in products such as moisturizers, hand creams, eyeliners, and eyeshadows. So what are the vegan alternatives for beeswax?

• Carnauba wax
• Candelilla wax 
• Olive wax
• Soy wax

And many more.

Carmine/Cochineal

This is one of the star ingredients in the cosmetics industry. Although carmine is known for the “beautiful” and intense colour it gives to some cosmetics, we wouldn’t call the way it’s made beautiful at all: carmine/cochineal comes from crushed female cochineal insects. 

A vegan alternative could be red iron oxide. Plant-based pigments, such as beetroot powder or sweet potato, can also be used to add colour to cosmetic products.

Glycerin

Another common ingredient in cosmetics is glycerin. It’s found in 54.62% of all cosmetics products. It can come from animal fat but also from plant-based sources. It can be found in moisturiser and anti-ageing cream products. Vegetal glycerin exists and is made from soybean, coconut, or palm oils.

Squalene Oil

This ingredient comes from shark livers. It’s used as a moisturizer for skin and also for anti-ageing products. Squalene is not exclusive to shark livers though: it can be also found in plant-derived versions, which are called squalane.  

Squalane is a stabilized version of squalene, so it is less prone to breaking down by exposure to sun, oxygen, or light. It has a longer shelf life and is easier to formulate with other ingredients.

Olive squalane is the most popular vegan version. You can also find squalane in wheat germ, rice bran oil, and amaranth oil.

Hyaluronic Acid

Being one of the most famous ingredients used in cosmetics, it comes from poultry or bacteria-based biofermentation. It’s normally used on skincare products for hydration. 

Hyaluronic acid can be plant-based through bacteria-based biofermentation.

When selling a product with this ingredient, consumers will not be able to know if the hyaluronic acid is derived from animals or from plants unless they check it on the producer’s website or the product is labelled as vegan.

Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride

It comes from the liquid fatty acid from plant sources or goat’s milk. It’s used to soften skin in skincare products and also in anti-aging serums. 

Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride can be plant-based itself since it can be derived from coconut, palms, figs, and other sources. For this ingredient, consumers would also have to check the sourcing with the producer unless the product is labelled as vegan.

Shellac

This ingredient comes from bug secretions, and is used for the glossy appearance it provides to cosmetics. The vegan alternative for this ingredient is called Zein, and it’s made from corn protein.

Allantoin

Allantoin comes from the uric acid of cows and other mammals. It’s used as a skin conditioning agent and protectant. You can find it in skincare and bath products, eye makeup, hair care, and oral hygiene products. The vegan alternative can be found in plants, such as comfrey root, horse chestnut, and bearberry, or it can be made synthetically.

What’s next

As you can see, there are some really interesting innovations to take advantage of and many vegan replacements for animal-derived ingredients. The vegan cosmetics market is full of opportunities. If you want to learn more, check out our webinar on vegan cosmetics or download our White Paper.

The vegan cosmetics market is huge right now. And it’s only getting bigger.

So if you want to:

• Learn the key numbers of the market
• Get to know the trendiest categories
• See how brands are doing

…then you’ll love this post that V-Label, the world’s leading vegan & vegetarian trademark, has prepared for you. Let’s dive right in.

Key Numbers of the Market & Most Important Trends

So, why are consumers switching to vegan cosmetics? Well, they are more aware than ever of their choices and how it affects their future. The main reasons consumers switch to vegan products are health, well-being, and animal cruelty. 

And you can see how these choices affect the market:

The global vegan cosmetics market was valued at US $15.17 billion in 2021, and now, in 2022, it’s sitting at US $16.02 billion.

But the future looks even brighter. 

This market is projected to reach US $20.8 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period, and US $26.1 billion in 2030.

At the moment, vegan cosmetics makes up only 2% of the whole market, so there is a lot of room for growth and plenty of opportunities for businesses.

Now let’s review which are the trendiest categories in the market:

1. Skincare is the largest product category in the vegan cosmetics market, and is growing at a record 5.6% CAGR, expected to reach US $7.8 Billion by 2027. In 2019, skincare occupied about 35% of the vegan cosmetics market. And according to 1010data, online sales of vegan beauty products exceeded $342 million in 2020 and grew 83% from the previous year. 
2. The vegan hair care segment is currently growing at a 5.1% CAGR. In 2019, skincare occupied about 20% of the vegan cosmetics market.
3. The make-up segment is estimated to reach 4.2% CAGR and has a global market size of $3 billion.

The Vegan Cosmetics Market in Asia, Europe, and North America

So, we just looked at the global market size. But how’s it doing in different parts of the world?

Here are 5 key facts you need to know:

1. The largest market is Asia-Pacific, which makes up almost more than 40% of the global market.
2. It’s followed by North America with 24%. The North American market size was valued at US $3.5 billion in 2021 and is growing at a 6.3% CAGR
3. Europe is about 20-22% of the market at the moment.
4. The size of the European market in 2022 is US $5.3 billion and is growing at a 7.8% CAGR

Examples of Successful Brands

As you can see, vegan cosmetics are no longer just another alternative category of cosmetics. Vegan beauty products are now sold at mainstream retailers like Sephora(who also added a whole vegan section to their selection of products), Ulta Beauty, and Target. It’s also filling the shelves of upscale boutiques like Bluemercury.

Brands are aware of the opportunities this market presents and have started to lean into it.

Here are 5 brands that are kicking it right now:

1. The Body Shop is leading the change amongst established businesses, with over three million vegan products sold in 2018, and around half of their product range now being classified as vegan. 
2. Lush has around 95% of its products classified as vegan and has more than 900 stores all over the world. 
3. The Ordinary, which is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. They have a huge influence, having 1.5 million followers on social media. 
4. Milk Makeup is also 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and their 2021 estimated net revenue was $47 million. They also have over 2.1 million followers on social media.
5. And lastly, a true pioneer in the beauty industry, Pacifica Beauty, which has been creating vegan cosmetics for the past 25 years and is still going hard.