Top 10 Best Vegan and Cruelty Free Foundations

Veganism has become quite a trend nowadays and vegan cosmetics have taken the cosmetic industry by a storm. The niche has become a priority for most of the makeup brands as the consumers have turned immensely conscious about the ingredients that are being used in the cosmetics that they use on a daily basis. For strict vegan standards, it is even not enough for
Today’s consumers are really smart when it comes to picking up the right makeup products as they have a wide variety of information available at hand and they know exactly what to look for in their favorite skin care products. Over the past few years, the beauty industry has seen a drastic change as people have turned more environmentally conscious and they look for some sustainable choices for themselves.
According to a recent survey by Grand View Research, the existence of vegan cosmetics in the global market is expected to reach $20.8 billion by 2025 which is quite impactful. Before delving into the various vegan and cruelty free foundations available in the stores, you need to know what exactly vegan products mean. So, if you want to know some of the best cruelty free foundation in detail, keep reading the article.
What are Vegan Cosmetics?
Vegan cosmetic products do not contain any animal ingredients or animal-derived ingredients. Honey, beeswax, carmine, collagen, gelatin, cholesterol, albumen, lanolin etc. are some of the examples of animal-derived ingredients.
Many people often get confused between vegan and cruelty-free products. To be specific here, the products that are tested on animals can claim to be “vegan”. It’s vital to understand that vegan products are not necessarily cruelty-free.
On the other hand, in the case of cruelty-free cosmetics, there is no form of animal testing performed in the creation process of skin care products. However, the cruelty-free products can claim to be both vegan and no-vegan as well. If you are an animal-lover and refuse to use non-vegan cosmetics, then you should definitely choose the ones that are vegan and cruelty-free as well.
What is the Driving Force Behind the Huge Demand of Natural Vegan Cosmetics?
Twenty to thirty-year-olds represent 66% of worldwide purchasing power and the observations and convictions of this age are driving a great deal of their basic leadership with regards to picking what items they purchase.
Their decisions mirror their worries over animal cruelty, carbon discharges and the strain on the planet’s exhausting common assets. To keep it simple, ethical consumerism is driving the interest in vegan cosmetics.
What’s more, it’s never again just twenty to thirty-year-olds; most of the shoppers are progressively thinking about basic entitlements and the safe ingredients before making a purchase.
Animal-cruelty is enough to stay away from non-vegan cosmetics and the artificial substitutes are often considered to be harmful and even toxic to the skin. Today’s consumers are more inclined towards the products that clearly define the ingredients used and often opt for natural vegan cosmetics over the chemical ones.
Innovations in the Vegan Beauty Industry
The abundance of new companies that have jumped up over the most recent couple of years is mindful of this new sense among buyers, of obligation regarding individual well-being and most extensive ecological issues. Utilizing unique branding strategies and smart packaging, inventive brands can separate themselves from their competitors; now and again utilizing a fixing that is as of now in vogue as the interesting selling point.
Regardless of whether it be avocado, aloe vera, matcha tea or argan oil, an on-pattern fixing can be the reason for making another specialty vegan cosmetic product like vegan mascara, lipsticks, brush, vegan foundation and many more. Our guides on best vegan mascara and benefits of using vegan mascara will help you choose the best mascara for your skin type and your style.
Moreover, technologies like Big Data and Artificial intelligence have also made it convenient for the brands to analyze the consumer behavior and keep a keen vision on the emerging trends that help them to stay ahead of the curve.
If you have also decided to indulge in the vegan cosmetics from now, then let’s have a deeper look at some of the best vegan foundations available in the market today. We will be discussing each of them in detail along with the pros and cons so that it becomes easier for you to decide which one is suitable for you.
10 Best Vegan Foundations
Below are some of the best cruelty free foundations available in the market:
1. Milk Makeup- Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30
It is a weightless sheer vegan liquid foundation that hydrates the skin well. It offers natural-looking coverage while providing sun protection. You don’t require any brush to apply this as you can simply roll and blend your way to radiant skin.
This cruelty free and vegan foundation is infused with a blend of grape seed, avocado, olive oil and mandarin that offer ultimate long-lasting hydration to the skin.
Moreover, it is free from any kind of preservative and comes with a glass roller ball applicator which smoothly glides onto the skin and offers a quick and mess-free look.

“I really, really like this. It’s easy application and it’s very light weight. I get enough coverage on my face to feel satisfied but it feels like I’m not wearing makeup at all. I have combination skin and this hasn’t made my face break out. The medium tan shade also fits my skin tone perfectly. I’m Asian with a darker skin tone and a yellow/golden undertone, so finding the perfect and best cruelty free foundation has been a journey. I hope they continue to make this product the way it is for a while longer.”
PROS —
- Preservative-free
- Vegan and cruelty free foundation
- Offers sun protection
- Easy application
- Suitable for on the go look
- Offers long-lasting hydrated and fresh look
- Infuse with natural ingredients
CONS —
- Slightly on the expensive side which may drag away some consumers from buying it
- The applicator may not be a convenient option for everyone
2. Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation SPF 15
This vegan, oil-free and matte liquid foundation is just perfect to bring life back into your skin. It offers an instant full coverage while providing a matte finish and oil control formula. This vegan full coverage foundation lasts for about 12 hours without creasing or settling in lines.
The Amazonian clay aids in balancing the liquid foundation according to your natural complexion. It contains vitamin E that acts as a natural preservative while acting as an anti-inflammatory emollient as well as an antioxidant at the same time.
You can simply use a brush to apply it onto your skin. Take a small amount of foundation on the back of your hand and start applying in circular motions starting from the center of your face. Blend in the outward direction.

“I absolutely adore this product. Originally got it in an Ipsy bag and the shade was a tad too yellow but I loved the product. Bought the full size in the correct shade (one with more of a pink undertone). This product makes my skin look flawless and lasts all day when paired with UD All Nighter. Blends easily and definitely hides imperfections without looking caked on or too heavy.”
PROS —
- Paraben-free
- Vegan and oil-free
- Offers an instant full coverage
- Long-lasting formula
- Offers matte finish
- Infused with vitamin E
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologically tested
- The broad-spectrum SPF protection
CONS —
- Slightly Expensive
- Doesn’t come with an applicator
- Not suitable for beginners
3. Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
The vegan foundation from Too Faced offers a natural-looking, fresh look by effectively diffusing the line between makeup and your natural skin tone. It provides an undetectable coverage and can be applied to get a medium to full coverage according to your needs.
It is infused with an oil-free formula along with the resilient Alpine rose that aids in brightening up the appearance of your skin while promoting elasticity.
This is also ideal for dry skin people as Hyaluronic acid offers long-lasting and skin-balancing hydration for a more youthful appearance. On the other hand, infusion of coconut water is a great addition as it helps in replenishing your skin’s moisture levels. You can apply this foundation with the help of a brush, sponge or fingertips as per your preferences.

“This was my first high end cruelty free full coverage foundation I purchased. It is thick and very full coverage. I mixed it yesterday with the tarte Maracuja oil and it sat on my skin flawlessly. I have repurchased this vegan foundation three times already. No complaints!”
PROS —
- Oil-free
- Vegan
- Long-wearing
- Infused with coconut water, alpine rose and hyaluronic acid
- Offers medium to full coverage
- Maintains skin’s moisture levels
CONS —
- Not recommended for people with extremely dry skin
- May end up into fine lines and patches after a certain period
4. Cover FX Power Play Foundation
This is one of the best cruelty free foundation as it comes with a lot shades that make easier for you to get your ideal fit. Cover FX vegan liquid foundation offers all-day coverage and a matte finish while protecting your skin from pollution. I would call it the best cruelty-free foundation for oily skin types.
The formula contains an ultra-fine powder trio that efficiently blurs the appearance of large pores and fermented algae extract to offer protection to your skin from free radicals present in the polluted environment.
The foundation is infused with rice hull powder that efficiently absorbs oil and sweat from the face without ripping off the moisture. Alongside, the rice bran wax offers a creamy texture that blends quite well within no time.
In addition, the product is free from fragrance, mineral oil, gluten, talc, parabens, alkyl sulfates and phthalates. You can use a brush to apply it on your face and neck and for a perfect look, you can also use a loose powder over it. It can also be applied with the help of a sponge or fingertips.

“Best vegan foundation in my mind. It’s not heavy goes on really smooth, does not clog pore is a cruelty free parabean free and gluten free product. Lasts all day doesn’t oxidize (on me anyway) and has a nice matte finish. I am hesitant to try any other formula or any other brand atm because this has been working wonders with my skin. It is pricy but there are some products worth the price tag.”
PROS —
- One of the best vegan foundation for oily skin (Ideal for all skin types)
- Non-comedogenic
- Infused with rice hull powder and rice bran wax
- Protects skin against free radicals
- Vegan and cruelty free foundation
- Offers long-lasting coverage
- Waterproof
- Sweat-proof
- Transfer-proof
CONS —
- The texture may seem heavy on the face
- The coverage may crack up over a certain period
5. Urban Decay Naked Liquid Foundation
The weightless formula of this vegan liquid foundation offers a professional and flawless coverage that blurs all the imperfections and offers a natural finish. The semi-matte finish completely transforms the complexion and illuminates the face.
The formula efficiently diffuses the fine lines and wrinkles while offering a real look. The foundation is loaded with various nourishing ingredients like Matrixyl 3000 which is a powerful anti-wrinkle peptide, green tea (antioxidant) and sodium hyaluronate for ideal skin hydration.
It comes with a sleek pump that offers more control over the quantity that is squeezed out at one time and avoids wastage which is a plus point.

“It’s one of the best vegan foundation and is absolutely perfect for my skin tone i think it is perfect for every teenage to hide blemishes and acne scars.As a teen i has acne all over my face it is perfect for me to hide those acne scars and i recommend it to every girl who wants a flawless skin”
PROS —
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Vegan and Cruelty Free
- Extremely nourishing
- Weightless formula
- Numbering system that aids in an ideal selection that matches your natural skin tone
CONS —
- May not be long-lasting as compared to other liquid foundations available in the market
6. Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation
This foundation offers ideal coverage with the use of just 2-3 pea-sized droplets. It comes with 14 different shades and covers almost all the skin tones and undertones.
It offers a natural-looking full-coverage face all day long without the need of re-applying it. It is transfer-free foundation which means that it just stays on your face and neck without ruining your clothes and other accessories.
You can buy the full size as well as travel-friendly packaging according to your needs. You need to use a good moisturizer before applying it so that your skin doesn’t dry up. You can apply it with a brush or a sponge for a flawless look.

“This is my ride or die foundation, it is a great price, and lasts me for months at a time. I found it works best if you use a little extra moisturizer so it can blend out easier, but I have yet to find a best cruelty free foundation that is as full coverage with such a flawless finish.”
PROS —
- Cruelty free and Vegan Foundation
- Long-lasting coverage
- Transfer-free
- Comes with an antique wax seal
- Alcohol and oil-free
CONS —
- Lacks the nourishing ingredients
- Not suitable for extremely dry skin people
7. Fenty Pro Filt’r Foundation
It offers medium to full coverage and doesn’t feel heavy on the face at all. The soft matte formula offers a flawless finish and a long-lasting coverage as well.
It comes with an exclusive range of over 50 distinct shades. Isn’t that amazing? It offers an instant smooth looking, pore-diffused and shine less finish which is perfect for any party look. It comes with an amazing climate-adaptive technology that works well in a humid and sweaty climate as well, so that you wear it wherever you want without the fear of getting your pores clogged.
It is an ideal fit for all those people who want a subtle makeup look without overpowering the foundation on the face. The formula is infused with fruit extract as well, which aids in the nourishment of your skin. You need to use a good moisturizer along with the primer to prep your skin before applying the foundation, especially if you belong to the dry skin category.

“There is a trick to use this foundation, and once you’ve got it, you will never want to wear another cruelty free foundation again!! I originally was matched to the wrong shade – I was told that the color would oxidize, and was given a shade lighter than what I would have purchased myself. However, it did not oxidize on me at all, and ended up being WAY too light. So I returned it and bought 120 – a perfect match.”
PROS —
- Comes with 50 different shades
- Doesn’t feel heavy on the face
- Offers an instant and long-lasting full coverage
- Comes with the unique climate-adaptive technology
- Oil-free
- Doesn’t clog pores even in a humid climate
- Vegan and 100% cruelty free foundation
CONS —
- Not suitable for extremely dry skin people
- Selection of an ideal shade is quite a daunting task
8. Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder
This light wonder foundation comes with an innovative technology that evens out all the imperfections while moisturizing your face. The lightweight formula is infused with SPF 15 and thus protects your skin from UV damage. Pseudo-ceramides efficiently hydrate your skin for up to 18 hours.
It is suitable for normal, dry and combination skin types. You can simply apply it with the help of your fingertips by taking a small amount on the back of your hand and blending in the outward direction. You can also mix a primer with it to get a glowing look.

“This foundation has a very beautiful finish! It is so light weight and adds such beautiful glow to my dry aging skin. I was looking for something that would be perfect for summer with a little bit of coverage. This is THE ONE!”
PROS —
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Offers UV protection
- Lightweight formula
- Efficiently evens out the imperfections
- Offers a baby soft skin
- Reduces wrinkles
- Minimizes pores
- Easy application
CONS —
- Lacks natural ingredients
- Slightly on the expensive side
9. Antonym Skin Esteem Organic Liquid Foundation
The Skin Esteem liquid foundation is loaded with a lot of nourishing natural ingredients that make it an ideal fit for dry skin people as well as they don’t have to worry about those dry patches anymore.
The Hyaluronic acid offers hydration to the skin while protecting it from the free radicals present in the environment. Shea butter and Jojoba oil aid in the extreme nourishment of the skin and offer an instant baby soft skin.
In addition, sweet almond oil contains emollient properties and sunflower oil enriched with vitamin E acts as an antioxidant for the skin and keeps it healthy and also aids in cell regeneration. It can be applied for medium to full coverage and you can use a brush to apply it. You can also refer to the shade descriptions online for getting your perfect match before making a purchase.

“This is a big YES for me!!! Loved its finishing and matched perfectly with my skin! Left it looking super natural and smooth without the harmful ingredients found in regular foundations.”
PROS —
- Enriched with natural ingredients
- Most of the ingredients are obtained from organic farming
- Certified by Ecocert Greenlife
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Long-lasting
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
- Evens out the skin tone
- Soy and gluten-free
- Offers medium to full coverage
CONS —
- Slightly expensive, which may drag away the beginners from buying it
- The infusion of distinct oils may not be suitable for people with oily skin
10. Elf Flawless Finish Foundation
The lightweight and oil-free formula of Elf foundation blends beautifully into the skin and offers a semi-matte finish. The formula is quite long-lasting that eliminates the need for touch-ups throughout the day.
The liquid formula evens out the skin tone easily and offers a bright skin appearance. It is ideal for all skin types. It comes with 40 different shades that make easier for you to get your ideal fit. You can apply it with the help of a foundation brush or a sponge to get perfect coverage and for the long-lasting effect, use a primer before application.
If you have dry skin, you can also add some moisturizer with it for sheer coverage.

“One of the best cruelty free foundations I’ve used till date, got the shade “vanilla” that goes great with the camo concealer.”
PROS —
- Lightweight formula
- High-quality
- Oil-free
- Easily blends into the skin
- Offers a long-lasting semi-matte finish
- Restores uneven skin tone
- Ideal for all skin types
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Also suitable for sensitive skin
CONS —
- Suitable only for special occasions
- The application may turn out a bit messy, especially for the beginners
- Not suitable for dry skin people
11. Inika – Organic Liquid Foundation
This foundation is rich in nutrients and offers a combination of moisturizer and flawless coverage. Apart from this, Hyaluronic acid boosts skin’s elasticity and offers a youthful and even complexion.
It is loaded with a lot of skincare ingredients including green tea, lavender and Argan oil that contain antioxidants as well as antibacterial properties which soothe the skin and add luminosity. It offers medium coverage, which is suitable for a simple party look. You can sue a brush to gently blend it on your skin to achieve that flawless look.

“I’m so in love with this Inika product. It’s very matte in touch and look. It stays for longer hours. It feels refreshing immediately after applying it. It’s so light. It is an amazing product and I highly recommend it.”
PROS —
- Enriched with natural ingredients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
- Hydrates skin really well
- Doesn’t clog pores
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologically tested
- Offers a medium glowing coverage
- Certified Vegan and cruelty-free
- 100% naturally derived
- Ideal for daily use
CONS —
- Not suitable for oily skin type
Conclusion
These are just few vegan-friendly brands we have listed. If you are a beginner, then I’ll just you to opt for the one that is on the cheaper side and you can easily find such foundations during vegan beauty black Friday sale you’ll find it at quite a reasonable rate and will also work flawlessly on the skin. On the other hand, if you are a professional makeup artist, you can select the expensive ones for your clients as you can make the most out of them.
Always remember that in order to achieve the best vegan makeup look, you need to make an ideal selection of the best vegan beauty products.
Don’t make a purchase without looking at the ingredients involved as it may turn out to be harmful for your skin and can lead to disappointment as well. You must check for certain ingredients like aloe Vera, that nourishes your skin with vitamin B12 which enhances the shine on your face. You can also include vitamin B12 in your vegan diet which will give your body numerous benefits.