Cruelty-free lipsticks have gained tremendous popularity over the years, and they are indeed praise-worthy. If you are a conscious customer, you should invest in cruelty-free lipsticks. Nowadays, many brands have come up with long-lasting and affordable shade ranges. Do you want to include one in your makeup routine? If yes, keep reading this article to find out our top picks and the ultimate guide of the best cruelty-free lipstick. Scroll down!
Top 13 Cruelty-Free Lipsticks For Every Skin Tone And Occasion
1. NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick – Perfect Red
This iconic cruelty-free matte lipstick is a must-have beauty product in every lipstick collection! Flaunt your famous pout with a plush, pigmented shade that will leave everyone stunned and talking! The moisturizing formula enriched with beeswax and candelilla ensures soft, smooth lips, while the creamy consistency glides on effortlessly to offer a silky matte finish. Bring home this cruelty-free lipstick that lasts all day and stays in place to guarantee you look your best no matter where you go. Pros
Cruelty-free Silky matte finish Long-lasting formula Available in 22 shades Smooth and moisturizing application
Cons
May be prone to transferring
2. Milani Color Statement Lipstick – Rose Femme
It can be overwhelming to look through thousands of lipstick drugstore brands to find the best cruelty-free lipstick brands. Saving you from the tedious research and countless experiments, we bring the Milani Color Statement Lipstick in the shade “Rose Femme” to you. Loaded with vitamins A and C, it consists of a rich, creamy formula that moisturizes your lips, preventing them from bleeding dry. The subtle, muted pink shade is a favorite not only for its pigmented color but also because of its glorious semi-matte finish. You are spoilt for choice with over 30 shades, so you will find the perfect nude or red that will suit your skin tone. Pros
Available in over thirty shades Infused with vitamins A and C Cruelty-free Intense color with every application Creamy formula
Cons
May not last the whole day
3. Kuckian 12-Hour Lipstick – Vampy Plum
This premium-quality, cruelty-free liquid lipstick matte lipstick has a vegan formula and provides an irresistible luxurious finish. The popular shade “Vampy Plump” is known for its deep purple hue that is suitable for all skin tones and will have you drawing all the eyes in the room. Crafted with vitamin E, powerful antioxidants, and moisturizing oils, this formula is hydrating, ultra long-lasting, 100% vegan, and comfortable on the lips. The long-lasting formula stays up to 12 hours, helping you avoid frequent trips to the restroom for constant touch-ups. Pros
Velvet matte finish Lasts for 12 hours Cruelty-free and vegan Infused with vitamin E
Cons
You may need an oil cleanser to take it off
4. Honest Beauty Liquid Lipstick – Love
If you are looking for the best cruelty-free lipstick that is hydrating and provides all-day wear, you have to check out Honest Beauty’s range of liquid lipsticks. This moisturizing formula infused with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and avocado oils instantly hydrates your skin while providing a rich color. Ideal for olive skin tones, this one is easy to apply and comes with a shine-to-matte finish. The hydrating lipsticks are free of synthetic film formers, silicones, fragrances, and animal byproducts, making them an ideal and safe alternative to regular lipsticks. Pros
Vegan Cruelty-free Silicon and fragrance-free Hydrating
Cons
You may have to apply a lip balm before application, as the formula may be drying on the lips.
5. Flower Beauty Petal Pout Lipstick – Fuchsia Flush
The Flower Beauty brand believes in producing products that are accessible, clean, and, most of all, cruelty-free. They come in a range of matte and creamy formulas ranging from perky pinks, ravishing reds, neat neutral shades, and deep purples. The petal pout lipstick is of high quality and provides the perfect pout for anyone brave enough to sport a fierce color. Get the best of beauty and hydration with this cruelty-free kissproof lipstick filled with ingredients like candelilla wax and carnauba wax, and richly colored lip pigments for soft, beautiful lips. Ensure your lips are protected, healthy, and outlined perfectly by bringing this beauty home now! Pros
Cruelty-free Over 24 color options Infused with antioxidants Matte and conditioning finish
Cons
May not last you the whole day
6. Gabriel Cosmetics Lipstick – Nude
Exquisitely crafted with all things good and natural, this long-lasting cruelty-free lipstick contains key ingredients made from a petrochemical-free base of candelilla wax and other nourishing ingredients like jojoba seed oil, and aloe vera. Together they seal the moisture in and protect the lips from environmental damage. The mineral-based formula is lightweight with a buildable texture and is perfect for highlighting the sharp features of the face and body. Last but not least, it has a heavenly velvet finish that is devoid of harmful chemicals like parabens and sulfates and has a light, nude color that will complement any skin tone. Pros
Cruelty-free Synthetic-free Natural ingredients Hydrating
Cons
The color of the product may vary from the pictures seen online
7. Kiko Milano Velvet Matte Lipstick – Persian Red
The Kiko cosmetics cruelty-free brand is synonymous with clean beauty and premium-quality products. The creamy matte base is created using natural ingredients like corn oil, cica extract, and flower extracts that ensure the formula blends effortlessly and moisturizes your lips, leaving them soft and luscious. Easy to apply with comfortable wear, this lipstick is an essential beauty product if you want an intense matte look and want it to last you the whole day. Pros
Long-lasting Intense matte finish Cruelty-free Dermatologically tested Ideal for sensitive skin
Cons
May contain added colors
8. Miskos Matte Lipstick – Set Of 4
Your dream of owning a ravishing red shade for every mood and every occasion has finally come to fruition! Enjoy a long-lasting finish that is both transfer-proof and kiss-resistant with these 4 cruelty-free lipsticks that suit every skin complexion and skin type. What’s more, you can take a dip into the pool or beach without a care in the world as this formula is waterproof! This isn’t all! The creamy lipstick offers non-drying, ultra-comfortable, pigment-rich color with long-lasting wear. With a sophisticated yet eye-catching packaging, these lipsticks would make for a great gift. Pros
Long-lasting formula Perfect for any occasion Waterproof Vibrant red shades
Cons
May require constant reapplication
9. True + Luscious Moisture Lipstick – Honeydew
This moisturizing cruelty-free lipstick is known for its safe and clean formula and lip conditioning ingredients like vitamin E and grapeseed oil that hydrate and nourish your lips. The extensive shade range is perfect for people of all complexions. All the products are vegan and cruelty-free, so you can sport your favorite color without worrying about unsafe lips. You can expect a satin finish with just one swipe, and the formula will glide on your lips effortlessly. The natural botanical oils in the lipstick will keep your lips healthy, with every use. Pros
Hydrating and conditioning formula Satin finish Cruelty-free Vegan
Cons
May not last the whole day
10. Fifth and Skin Botanical Lipstick – Pomegranate
This organic cruelty-free lipstick is an excellent choice for anyone who wishes for soft, hydrated lips! It is filled with nourishing ingredients like organic jojoba and cocoa butter, vitamin E, and plant oils like sunflower and coconut to instantly moisturize your lips and prevent dryness. It consists of a light berry pink hue with slight red undertones, making it an ideal shade for any skin tone. Stressing about synthetic ingredients will be a thing of the past, as these lipsticks are lead and petroleum-free. With a delicious and natural fragrance from vanilla extract, we’re out of reasons why this shouldn’t be your next buy. Pros
Vegan Cruelty-free Hydrating Matte finish
Cons
The scent may be overpowering for some
11. Mellow Matte Lipstick – Nude
Step out with confidence using this softened pink shade that will surely be your go-to lipstick choice on most days. The paraben and cruelty-free formula offer a comfortable matte that will last the entire day. All-day meetings or a critical date night — you can go on with your everyday routine without giving into contact applications and touch-ups. The smudge-proof and non-staining formula will ensure the lipstick will not budge, regardless of the activities you have planned. Pros
Rich pigment Smudge-free Long-lasting Matte finish Vegan and cruelty-free Paraben-free
Cons
Can be drying on the lips
12. 100% Pure Cocoa Butter Matte Lipstick – Sonora
If you are looking for good cruelty-free makeup, this lipstick is the perfect pick for you. It’s infused with natural ingredients like shea butter, raspberry extract, peach extract, rose extract, and candelilla wax, which leaves your pout feeling nourished and healthy. It also contains vitamin E that ensures you are left with a moisturized feeling with every application. The colors are long-lasting and provide a matte finish. Pros
Vegan Cruelty-free Long-lasting color Matte finish
Cons
May be prone to smudging
13. Ilia Lip Conditioner – Little Sister (Pink)
This cruelty-free makeup lipstick gives you the best of both worlds — pigment of lipstick along with the intense hydration of a lip balm. The formula contains vitamin E, castor seed oil, candelilla wax, sesame seed oil, rosemary leaf, and natural dyes to ensure your lips enjoy a pop of color without compromising lip health and texture. This gluten and paraben-free product contains 85% of organic ingredients for that gorgeous, plump pout. So, what’s the hold up for? Get your hands on this one now! Pros
Hydrating Cruelty-free Natural ingredients Gluten-free Paraben-free
Cons
Limited shade range
Choosing the right lipstick can be met with confusion and worry, especially if you are a beginner in the realm of clean and green beauty. Hopefully, our list of the best cruelty-free lipsticks will help you choose the right one for you. Here is a buying guide that will make your decision process a lot easier.
How To Choose The Best Cruelty-free Lipsticks For Your Skin
Ingredients
Like always, ingredients can go a long way in helping you figure out what is best for your skin and lips. While you may want to invest in products with natural ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, avocado oil, and aloe vera, it is best to stay clear of harsh chemicals. Select products without parabens, sulfates, and other synthetic ingredients to ensure your lips remain happy and safe.
Type and finish
This is entirely dependent on one’s preferences. While some may wish for a creamy matte finish, others gravitate towards a satin texture. Whether you like glossy, matte, liquid, or sheer, there’s a lipstick for everyone in our list of the best cruelty-free lipsticks.
Shade
When choosing a shade, look for a versatile one (especially if you are a beginner with makeup). Look for a shade that works on different complexions. If you are shopping for lipstick online, you must do your research before finalizing your choice because the colors shown online may appear darker than in real life.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Chaitra Krishnan, the author, is a makeup enthusiast with a deep interest in the latest beauty trends. She is also passionate about using cruelty-free products and supports the green movement. She exhaustively researched multiple cruelty-free lipsticks available on the market, shortlisted the most highly rated ones, and reviewed them for our readers in this article. The products listed here are free of harsh chemicals and not tested on animals. Are Sugar cosmetics cruelty-free? Yes, they are. What is the difference between cruelty-free and normal lipstick? A cruelty-free lipstick is not tested on animals, whereas normal lipsticks are. Why do the lips get dry, cracked, or start peeling? Many conditions come into play, like the environment and changing weather. You must always moisturize your lips and avoid using bad-quality lipsticks. How can we make lipstick last longer? Use a blotting paper between your lips, and press them together with every reapplication. You can even use tissue paper over your lips and dust some setting powder over them. How long do cruelty-free lipsticks last? Cruelty-free lipsticks last for 10 to 12 hours. They might need frequent touch ups after this time period. Their average unopened shelf life is 2-3 years. What are the ingredients to be avoided in cruelty-free lipsticks? Avoid animal-derived ingredients including beeswax, lanolin, tallow, squalene, or guanine. These ingredients may not be great for sensitive lips. Additionally, you must also avoid ingredients like parabens, phthalates, or sulfates that cause more harm than good. Does cruelty-free lipstick mean vegan ? No, cruelty-free means that the beauty product was not tested on animals while vegan means that the product does not contain any animal derived ingredients.
