Modern cosmetics are diverse and rich in choice, and the ingredients from which they are made, even more. Therefore, it is not surprising that some cosmetic components are of animal origin. Consumers cannot be blamed for not knowing all the components, but we can definitely remember the most common ones (especially if we consider ourselves to be animal advocates). So, you are offered 10 animal components hiding in your cosmetics!
1
Keratin
Recently, the popularity of keratin as an ingredient in hair care products has crossed all borders. It is found in tons of shampoos, styling products, hair styling products. Keratin helps in smoothing and straightening hair, as well as strengthens their roots and prevents cross-section. At its core, it is a protein product found in the feathers, horns, claws and hooves of various animals.
Alternative: alma oil, rosemary, nettle, almond oil, soy protein.
2
Carmine, Lake Crimson (Crimson), E120 or C.I. 75470
Of course, many makeup products must contain certain colors. Among these tinting substances is carmine. This red pigment is used to give a crimson shade to eye shadow, blush and lipstick. To obtain this dye, a female Dactylopius coccus (Mexican cochineal) is required.
The insects are boiled, then filtered and mixed with other components, bringing all this “pulp” to a homogeneous mixture of red color.
Alternative: lycopene.
3
Guanine
This ingredient of animal origin is used as a dye, and is found in shimmer cosmetics (shiny eyeshadow, nail polish, etc.), bath products, and skin care products. This component is made from fish scales, crushed to a microscopic size. Such scales give the makeup a matte and pearlescent shade. By the way, on our site thebiggest.ru there is a very interesting article about the best manufacturers of skin care products.
Alternative: artificial pearls, particles of bronze or aluminum.
4
Animal Fat: Hydrolyzed Collagen
Agree, what could be more harmless in the name "hydrolyzed collagen"? However, if you learn that this collagen is nothing but animal fat - a by-product of slaughterhouses and euthanized animals - we have completely different emotions. This component is obtained by heating fat and using residues of substances containing fat. This ingredient is used as an emulsifier, flavoring and cleansing agent. Most often it is found in lipsticks, soaps, shaving creams, hair sprays, deodorants and conditioners.
Alternative: vegetable fat, namely stearic acid extracted from palm trees and coconuts; paraffin; ceresin.
5
Ambergris
Fragrances should be quite persistent to stay on the skin for a long time. While artificial fixers are used in many perfumes, ambergris is a natural component, which makes it more popular among perfume manufacturers. Ambergris is a wax-like substance secreted from the intestines of a sperm whale. In some sources, it is called whale vomiting. She swims in the ocean for years, "ripening", like expensive wine. Those who find ambergris sell an ingredient for a cosmic price.
Alternative: vegetable or synthetic fixatives.
6
Lanolin
This thick wax is obtained by digesting wool. Often used specially for this purpose grown sheep. Lanolin is used in lip balms, creams, and soap. It is necessary as a means of moisturizing. Suitable for dry skin, however, not everyone likes the way it is received. Used for hundreds of years.
Alternative: cocoa butter, shea butter.
7
Shellac
Who doesn’t like good manicure and pedicure? Shellac is a long-acting varnish that will storm the world of beauty, albeit under the disapproving exclamations of vegans. The fact is that it can be made from the secretion of the varnish beetle. These miniature insects hide on the branches of trees, leaving a special resin to protect their larvae. This resin is cleaned, after which an unusually resistant varnish is made from it, decorating our legs, giving them an attractive shine.
By the way, on our site thebiggest.ru you can look at the most unusual insects in the world.
Alternative: vegan nail polish.
8
Squalene or squalane
This is a special type of oil that mimics the consistency of human sebum. In some cases, it can be obtained from plants, but the highest consistency of squalene and squalane is found in shark liver. This ingredient is added in the production of personal care products, helping to smooth and moisturize the skin, as well as taking care of the hair. Contained in bath masks, moisturizing body creams, foundations, hair conditioners and skin care products.
Alternative: vegetable emollient products, including olive oil, rice seed oil and cob oil.
9
Glycerol
Glycerin is an integral component of many cosmetic products, as well as skin care products. It is added to soap creams, toothpastes, perfumes, and this is only a small part of the products with its content. If the composition does not say “vegetable glycerin”, most likely you are dealing with a component obtained by processing fat.
Alternative: vegetable glycerin, recycled seaweed.
10
Allantoin
You can find this substance in deodorants, creams, sunscreens, lipsticks and hair dyes. Often, allantoin is obtained from plants, but if you come across an animal component, it is produced by the oxidation of uric acid. Where does uric acid come from? In the urine of animals, namely cows.
Alternative: comfrey or synthetic allantoin.