Lip gloss has been a makeup staple for decades, adding shine and a touch of color to our pouts. It’s the perfect product for those who want a polished look without the intensity of lipstick. Cruelty-free lip glosses take this beloved beauty item a step further by ensuring no animals were harmed in the creation or testing process.
These ethical glosses come in a wide range of shades and finishes, from sheer and subtle to bold and glittery. Many brands now offer formulas packed with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba oil, and shea butter, providing hydration alongside that coveted shine.
When shopping for cruelty-free lip glosses, it’s crucial to look beyond the label. Check for certifications from reputable organizations like PETA or Leaping Bunny. Also, pay attention to the ingredient list, as some companies may claim to be cruelty-free while using animal-derived components.
Best Cruelty-Free Lip Glosses
We’ve rounded up our top picks for cruelty-free lip glosses that’ll give you that perfect pout. These beauty gems not only add shine and color but also align with our values of ethical and pure cosmetics. Let’s dive into our favorites that’ll make your lips pop without harming our furry friends. From sheer to high-shine finishes, these glosses pair beautifully with nontoxic lip liners for a flawless look. Plus, they’re formulated without harmful ingredients, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your lips. Get ready to shine guilt-free with these must-have cruelty-free picks!
e.l.f. Lip Lacquer
We think this cruelty-free lip gloss is a must-have for anyone seeking a high-shine, nourishing formula without breaking the bank.
- Smooth, non-sticky texture
- Vitamin-infused for hydration
- Affordable price point
- Sheer color payoff
- Limited shade range
- May need frequent reapplication
We’ve been using this e.l.f. Lip Lacquer for a while now, and it’s become our go-to for a quick lip boost. The new doe-foot applicator hugs our lips perfectly, making application a breeze. It’s refreshing to find a gloss that doesn’t leave our lips feeling tacky or goopy.
The vitamin-infused formula really delivers on its promise of hydration. Our lips feel soft and moisturized throughout the day. We love how it can be worn alone for a subtle pop of color or layered over lipstick for a more dramatic look.
While the color payoff is on the sheer side, we appreciate the buildable nature of the formula. It’s perfect for those days when we want a natural, effortless look. The only downside is that we find ourselves reaching for it more often than expected, as it doesn’t last quite as long as we’d like. But at this price point, we can’t complain too much about needing to reapply.
Milani Keep It Full Lip Plumper
We’re thrilled with this nourishing lip plumper that delivers on its promises of fuller, softer lips.
- Smooth, non-sticky formula
- Diverse range of 16 shades
- Cruelty-free and natural ingredients
- Plumping effect may be subtle for some
- Needs frequent reapplication
- Slight tingling sensation
We’ve been using Milani’s Keep It Full Nourishing Lip Plumper, and it’s become our go-to for a quick lip boost. The creamy formula glides on effortlessly, leaving our lips with a gorgeous sheen. We love that it’s available in 16 shades, from subtle nudes to pretty pinks, making it easy to find the perfect match for any look.
The natural peptides and hyaluronic acid in this gloss work wonders. Our lips feel smoother and look plumper after each use. It’s not just about appearance, though – this gloss actually nourishes our lips over time.
We appreciate Milani’s commitment to cruelty-free beauty. It’s reassuring to know we can enhance our look without compromising our values. The applicator is cleverly designed for precise application, allowing us to easily define our Cupid’s bow and coat our lips evenly. While the plumping effect might be subtle for some, we find it gives just the right amount of oomph without going overboard.
NYX Butter Gloss in Angel Food Cake
We think this lip gloss is a must-have for anyone seeking a cruelty-free, buttery-soft lip product with a gorgeous true mauve shade.
- Silky smooth texture
- Cruelty-free formula
- Sheer to medium coverage
- Slightly sticky feel
- May need frequent reapplication
- Limited shade range
We’ve been using NYX’s Butter Gloss in Angel Food Cake, and it’s quickly become our go-to for everyday wear. The texture is incredibly smooth, gliding on effortlessly and leaving our lips feeling soft and supple. It’s not too heavy, which we love for a natural look.
The color payoff is impressive for a gloss. Angel Food Cake gives a beautiful mauve tint that’s perfect for both casual and dressy occasions. We’ve found it complements a wide range of skin tones, making it a versatile choice for our makeup bag.
One thing we really appreciate is NYX’s commitment to cruelty-free cosmetics. It feels good knowing we’re using a product that aligns with our values. The gloss has a subtle, sweet scent that’s pleasant without being overwhelming. While it’s not completely non-sticky, it’s far less tacky than many other glosses we’ve tried.
Wet n Wild MegaShine Gloss
We think this lip gloss is a must-have for anyone seeking a high-shine, cruelty-free option that won’t break the bank.
- Ultra-glossy finish
- Moisturizing formula
- Affordable price point
- May feel sticky to some
- Shine fades relatively quickly
- Limited color options
We recently tried the Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss, and we’re impressed with its performance. The crystal clear shade gives our lips a beautiful, glass-like shine that instantly brightens up our look. It’s perfect for those days when we want a little extra sparkle without committing to a bold color.
The formula feels surprisingly nourishing on our lips. We love how it’s enriched with vitamin E, which helps keep our pout soft and smooth. While it does have a slight stickiness, we find it’s not as tacky as some other glosses we’ve used in the past.
We appreciate that this gloss is both cruelty-free and vegan. It’s great to see more affordable brands offering ethical beauty options. The compact packaging makes it easy to toss in our bag for on-the-go touch-ups. While the shine doesn’t last all day, we don’t mind reapplying since it feels so nice on our lips.
Burt’s Bees Natural Lip Shine
We absolutely adore this lip gloss for its natural ingredients and beautiful sheen.
- Nourishing formula with apricot wax
- Versatile shades for various looks
- Made with 100% natural ingredients
- Subtle color might not suit all preferences
- Glossy finish may feel sticky to some
- Smaller quantity compared to some alternatives
We recently gave Burt’s Bees Lip Shine a try, and we’re impressed! The Whisper shade offers a lovely hint of pink that brightens up our smile without looking overdone. It’s perfect for those days when we want a natural, fresh-faced look.
The texture feels smooth and hydrating on our lips. We love how the apricot wax and sunflower seed oil work together to keep our pout soft and moisturized. It’s a relief to find a lip product that doesn’t dry out our lips after a few hours of wear.
We appreciate that this lip gloss is free from parabens, phthalates, and other harsh chemicals. It’s nice to know we’re putting something pure and natural on our lips.
Buying Guide
When shopping for cruelty-free lip glosses, we’ve found a few key factors to consider. Let’s explore what to look for to find your perfect match.
Ingredients
We recommend checking the ingredient list carefully. Look for natural, plant-based components like:
- Jojoba oil
- Shea butter
- Vitamin E
- Coconut oil
Avoid glosses with synthetic dyes, parabens, or artificial fragrances.
Certification
Seek out products with reputable cruelty-free certifications:
- Leaping Bunny
- PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies
- Choose Cruelty Free
These logos ensure the product and its ingredients weren’t tested on animals.
Packaging
Eco-friendly packaging is a plus. We love glosses that come in:
- Recyclable tubes
- Glass containers
- Biodegradable materials
Application
Consider how you prefer to apply your gloss:
| Applicator Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Doe-foot wand | Precise application |
| Squeeze tube | On-the-go touch-ups |
| Roller ball | Even distribution |
Finish and Longevity
Think about the look and staying power you want:
- Sheer for a natural glow
- Shimmer for a touch of sparkle
- Long-lasting for all-day wear
Frequently Asked Questions
Consumers have many questions about cruelty-free lip glosses. We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common inquiries to help you make informed choices.
What are the top-rated cruelty-free lip glosses?
Some highly-rated cruelty-free lip glosses include Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb, Milk Makeup Electric Glossy Lip Plumper, and Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly. These glosses offer vibrant colors and nourishing formulas without animal testing.
Can I find cruelty-free lip glosses at my local drugstore?
Yes! Many drugstores now carry cruelty-free options. Brands like e.l.f., NYX, and Wet n Wild offer affordable lip glosses that don’t test on animals. Check the packaging or brand websites for cruelty-free certifications.
Which lip gloss brands are both vegan and cruelty-free?
Several brands offer vegan and cruelty-free lip glosses. Some popular options include Pacifica, Milk Makeup, and Cover FX. These brands avoid animal-derived ingredients and don’t test on animals.
Does Sephora offer a range of cruelty-free lip glosses?
Sephora carries many cruelty-free lip gloss options. Brands like Tarte, Bite Beauty, and Rare Beauty are available at Sephora and don’t test on animals. Look for the cruelty-free symbol or check brand policies when shopping.
Are there any affordable cruelty-free lip gloss options?
Absolutely! Brands like ColourPop, Essence, and Milani offer budget-friendly cruelty-free lip glosses. These brands prove that you don’t need to break the bank for ethical beauty products.
How can I verify if a lip gloss brand is truly cruelty-free?
To verify a brand’s cruelty-free status, look for certifications from organizations like PETA or Leaping Bunny.
You can also check the brand’s website for their animal testing policy or contact them directly for clarification.