Milk Makeup, a brand that has gained significant popularity in the beauty industry, is known for its innovative products and commitment to ethical practices. Founded in 2016, the brand has quickly become a favorite among consumers who prioritize cruelty-free and vegan beauty products. This article delves into the specifics of Milk Makeup’s cruelty-free status, examining its policies, certifications, and practices to provide a comprehensive understanding of its commitment to animal welfare.

Cruelty-Free and Vegan Labels

Before diving into Milk Makeup’s practices, it’s essential to understand the terms “cruelty-free” and “vegan.”

• Cruelty-Free: This label indicates that a product and its ingredients have not been tested on animals at any stage of product development. It also means that the brand does not sell in markets where animal testing is required by law.
• Vegan: This term means that a product does not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. It is important to note that a product can be vegan without being cruelty-free and vice versa.

Milk Makeup’s Cruelty-Free Status

Milk Makeup is proudly cruelty-free. The brand has taken several steps to ensure that no animal testing occurs at any stage of their product development. Here are the key points that affirm their cruelty-free status:

• No Animal Testing: Milk Makeup does not test its products or ingredients on animals. They also do not commission third parties to conduct animal testing on their behalf.
• Supplier Compliance: The brand ensures that all its ingredient suppliers adhere to the same cruelty-free standards, meaning they do not test on animals either.
• Market Restrictions: Milk Makeup does not sell its products in countries where animal testing is required by law, such as mainland China.

Certifications

Milk Makeup’s cruelty-free status is backed by reputable certifications, which add an extra layer of credibility to their claims:

• Leaping Bunny Certification: This is one of the most stringent cruelty-free certifications available. It requires brands to undergo rigorous audits and supply chain checks to ensure no animal testing occurs. Milk Makeup has been Leaping Bunny certified since 2019.
• PETA Certification: While not mentioned explicitly in the sources, many cruelty-free brands also seek certification from PETA, which is another well-known organization that advocates for animal rights.

Vegan Commitment

In addition to being cruelty-free, Milk Makeup is also 100% vegan. This means that none of their products contain animal-derived ingredients or by-products. The brand has made a clear commitment to veganism, ensuring that all its formulations are plant-based or synthetic alternatives to animal ingredients.

Ethical Ingredient Sourcing

Milk Makeup goes beyond just being cruelty-free and vegan. They are also committed to ethical sourcing of their ingredients. This includes:

• Mica Sourcing: Mica is a mineral used in cosmetics for its shimmering effect. However, its mining has been linked to child labor and human rights violations. Milk Makeup ensures that their mica is ethically sourced, although specific details on their sourcing practices are not always disclosed.
• Palm Oil: The brand uses RSPO-certified palm-derived ingredients, which means they are sourced sustainably and ethically.

Transparency and Clean Beauty

Milk Makeup prides itself on transparency and clean beauty. They have a comprehensive “Ingredient No List” that outlines over 2,500 controversial and potentially harmful ingredients that they avoid in their formulations. This list includes parabens, sulfates, BHA, BPA, plastic microbeads, talc, urea, retinyl palmitate, mercury, and more.

Environmental and Social Responsibility

Milk Makeup is also committed to environmental and social responsibility. They strive to use sustainable packaging and reduce plastic waste. For example, their Bionic Blush tube is made with a minimum of 25% post-consumer resin, and they use 100% post-consumer waste paperboard for their boxes. Additionally, the brand supports and uplifts BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, donating 1% of all sales from their website to these causes.

Conclusion

Milk Makeup stands out as a brand that not only delivers high-quality beauty products but also adheres to strict ethical standards. Their commitment to being 100% cruelty-free and vegan, along with their efforts in ethical ingredient sourcing and environmental responsibility, make them a trustworthy choice for conscious consumers. With certifications from Leaping Bunny and a transparent approach to their ingredient list, Milk Makeup sets a high standard in the beauty industry for cruelty-free and vegan practices.

FAQs

Is Milk Makeup 100% vegan?

Yes, Milk Makeup is 100% vegan, which means none of their products contain any animal-derived ingredients like beeswax, carmine, or lanolin. The brand is committed to using sustainably sourced, plant-based ingredients and never tests on animals or uses animal by-products. 

Does Milk Makeup use Milk?

No, Milk Makeup does not actually use milk or any dairy-derived ingredients in their products. The brand name is a reference to their downtown NYC roots and creative culture, not an indication of their ingredient sources which are 100% vegan and plant-based. 

Is Huda Beauty cruelty-free?

Yes, Huda Beauty is a cruelty-free brand. They do not test their products or ingredients on animals, nor do their suppliers or any third parties test on their behalf. Huda Beauty also does not sell in any countries where animal testing is required by law, making them truly cruelty-free. 

What are the benefits of using cruelty-free makeup?

Using cruelty-free makeup promotes animal welfare, supports ethical practices, avoids harsh chemicals that can irritate skin, and contributes to a more sustainable beauty routine. Cruelty-free products are often formulated with gentle, plant-based ingredients that nourish the skin. Purchasing cruelty-free also sends a message to brands about consumer values. 

What are some other cruelty-free makeup brands?

Some other popular cruelty-free makeup brands include Tarte, Too Faced, Kat Von D Beauty, Pacifica, e.l.f. Cosmetics, Physicians Formula, Wet n Wild, Milani, ColourPop, and NYX Professional Makeup. Many mainstream brands like CoverGirl and L’Oreal have also committed to going cruelty-free in recent years.