We do our best to keep this Animal Ingredients List as accurate and up to date as possible. If you find an error or notice an ingredient or product not listed here, please send us the details along with a reliable reference. The information in this list is sourced from multiple references, including PETA Animal-Derived Ingredients Resource, the books Animal Ingredients A to Z and Veganissimo A to Z: A Comprehensive Guide to Identifying and Avoiding Ingredients of Animal Origin in Everyday Products, as well as various mobile apps and independent research. This list includes clickable links to the appropriate section.

List A to Z

A – B – C – D – E – F – G – H – I – J/K – L – M – N – O – P/Q – R – S – T – U – V – W/X/Y/Z

Adrenaline

Hormone from adrenal glands of Hogs, Cattle, and Sheep. In medicine. Alternatives: synthetics.

Alanine

(See Amino Acids)

Albumen / Albumin

In eggs, milk, muscles, blood, and many vegetable tissues and fluids. In cosmetics, albumen is usually derived from egg whites and used as a coagulating agent. May cause allergic reaction. In cakes, cookies, candies, etc. Egg whites sometimes used in “clearing” wines.

Alcloxa

(See Allantoin)

Aliphatic Alcohol

(See Lanolin and Vitamin A)

Allantoin

Uric acid from Cows, most mammals. Also in many plants (especially comfrey). In cosmetics (especially creams and lotions) and used in treatment of wounds and ulcers. Derivatives: Alcloxa, Aldioxa. Alternatives: extract of comfrey root, synthetics.

Alligator Skin

(See Leather)

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids

Any one of several acids used as an exfoliant and in anti-wrinkle products. Lactic acid may be animal-derived (see Lactic Acid). Alternatives: glycolic acid, citric acid, and salicylic acid are plant- or fruit-derived.

Ambergris

From whale intestines. Used as a fixative in making perfumes and as a flavoring in foods and beverages. Alternatives: synthetic or vegetable fixatives.

Amerchol L101

(See Lanolin)

Amino Acids

The building blocks of protein in all animals and plants. In cosmetics, vitamins, supplements, shampoos, etc. Alternatives: synthetics, plant sources.

Aminosuccinate Acid

(See Aspartic Acid)

Angora

Hair from the Angora Rabbit or Goat. Used in clothing. Alternatives: synthetic fibers.

Animal Fats / Fat / Animal Oils / Oils

In foods, cosmetics, etc. Highly allergenic. Alternatives: Olive oil, Wheat germ oil, Coconut oil, Flaxseed oil, Almond oil, Safflower oil, etc.

Animal Hair

In some blankets, mattresses, brushes, furniture, etc. Derivatives: Horse hair, Boar hair, etc. Alternatives: vegetable and synthetic fibers.

Arachidonic Acid

A liquid unsaturated fatty acid that is found in liver, brain, glands, and fat of animals and humans. Generally isolated from animal liver. Used in companion animal food for nutrition and in skin creams and lotions to soothe eczema and rashes. Alternatives: synthetics, Aloe Vera, Tea Tree oil, Calendula ointment.

Arachidyl Proprionate

A wax that can be from animal fat. Alternatives: Peanut or vegetable oil.

Aspartic Acid / Aminosuccinate Acid

Can be animal or plant source (e.g., molasses). Sometimes synthesized for commercial purposes.

B12

B12 is not a vitamin, it is a bacteria found in soil and water, which may now be hard to obtain because of industrial farming and chlorination of our water supply. B12 can be animal derived. Please check with the company to see if they use animal sources for their B12. Some vegetarian B12 supplements are in a stomach base. Alternatives: Vegan B12 fortified yeasts, plant milks and faux meats. A healthy person maybe able to produce B12 through the intrinsic factor living holistically.

Bee Pollen

Microsporic grains in seed plants gathered by Bees then collected from the legs of Bees. Causes allergic reactions in some people. In nutritional supplements, shampoos, toothpastes, deodorants. Alternatives: synthetics, plant amino acids, pollen collected from plants.

Bee Products

Produced by Bees for their own use. Bees are selectively bred. Culled Bees are killed. A cheap sugar is substituted for their stolen honey. Millions die as a result. Their legs are often torn off by pollen-collection trapdoors.

Beeswax / Honeycomb / Cera Flava

Wax obtained from melting honeycomb with boiling water, straining it, and cooling it. From virgin Bees. Very cheap and widely used. May be harmful to the skin. In lipsticks and many other cosmetics, especially face creams, lotions, mascara, eye creams and shadows, face makeup, nail whiteners, lip balms, etc. Alternatives: Paraffin (or Paraffin wax), vegetable oils and fats, ceresin (aka ceresine, Earth wax; made from the mineral ozokerite; replaces Beeswax in cosmetics; also used to wax paper, to make polishing cloths, in dentistry for taking wax impressions, and in candle-making), Carnauba wax (from the Brazilian Palm Tree; used in many cosmetics, including lipstick; rarely causes allergic reactions), Candelilla wax (from Candelilla plants; used in many cosmetics, including lipstick; also in the manufacture of rubber and phonograph records, in waterproofing and writing inks; no known toxicity), Japan Wax (Vegetable Wax, Japan Tallow; fat from the fruit of a tree grown in Japan and China).

Biotin / Vitamin H / Vitamin B Factor

In every living cell and in larger amounts in milk and yeast. Used as a texturizer in cosmetics, shampoos, and creams. Alternatives: plant sources.

Blood

From any slaughtered animal. Used as adhesive in plywood, also found in cheese-making, foam rubber, intravenous feedings, and medicines. Possibly in foods such as lecithin. Alternatives: synthetics, plant sources.

Boar Bristles

Hair from wild or captive Hogs. In “natural” toothbrushes and bath and shaving brushes. Alternatives: vegetable fibers, nylon, the Peelu Branch or Peelu Gum (asian, available in the united states; its juice replaces toothpaste).

Bone Char

Animal bone ash. Used in bone china and often to make sugar white. Serves as the charcoal used in aquarium filters. Alternatives: synthetic tribasic calcium phosphate.

Bone Meal

Crushed or ground animal bones. In some fertilizers. In some vitamins and supplements as a source of calcium. In toothpastes. Alternatives: plant mulch, vegetable compost, dolomite, clay, vegetarian vitamins.

Calciferol

(See Vitamin D)

Calfskin

(See Leather)

Caprylic Acid / Caprylamine Oxide / Capryl Betaine / Caprylic Triglyceride

A liquid fatty acid from Cow’s or Goat’s milk. Also from Palm, Coconut, and other plant oils. In perfumes, soaps. Alternatives: plant sources, especially Coconut oil.

Carbamide

(See Urea)

Carmine / Cochineal / Carminic Acid

Red pigment from the crushed female Cochineal insect. Reportedly, 70,000 beetles must be killed to produce one pound of this red dye. Used in cosmetics, shampoos, red apple sauce, and other foods (including red lollipops and food coloring). May cause allergic reaction. Alternatives: Beet juice (used in powders, rouges, shampoos; no known toxicity), Alkanet root (from the root of this herb-like tree; used as a red dye for inks, wines, lip balms, etc.; no known toxicity; can also be combined to make a copper or blue coloring).

Carotene / Provitamin A / Beta Carotene

A pigment found in many animal tissues and in all plants. When used as an additive, typically derived from plant sources. Used as a coloring in cosmetics and in the manufacture of vitamin A.

Casein / Caseinate / Sodium Caseinate

Milk protein. In “nondairy” creamers, soy cheese, many cosmetics, hair preparations, beauty masks. Alternatives: Soy protein, Soy milk, and other vegetable milks.

Cashmere

Wool from the Kashmir Goat. Used in clothing. Alternatives: synthetic fibers.

Castor / Castoreum

Creamy substance with strong odor, originally from Muskrat and Beaver genitals but now typically synthetic. Used as a fixative in perfume and incense. While some cosmetics companies continue to use animal castor, the majority do not.

Catgut

Tough string from the intestines of Sheep, Horses, etc. Used for surgical sutures. Also for stringing tennis rackets, musical instruments, etc. Alternatives: nylon and other synthetic fibers.

Cerebrosides

Fatty acids and sugars found in the covering of nerves. May be synthetic or of animal origin. When animal-derived, may include tissue from brain. Used in moisturizers.

Cetyl Alcohol

Wax originally found in spermaceti from Sperm whales or Dolphins but now most often derived from petroleum. Alternatives: vegetable cetyl alcohol (e.g., Coconut), synthetic spermaceti.

Cetyl Palmitate

(See Spermaceti)

Chitosan

A fiber derived from Crustacean shells. Used as a lipid binder in diet products; hair, oral, and skin-care products; antiperspirants; and deodorants. Alternatives: Raspberries, Yams, Legumes, dried Apricots, many other fruits and vegetables.

Chocolate

Milk and white chocolate contains Cow, Goat or Sheep milk or milk products. Some dark chocolate contains milk ingredients from animals. Eat carob or dark chocolate (without animal ingredients). Suggestion: Make your own, don´t eat it at all, or look at the list of vegan chocolate companies on Food Empowerment Project.

Cholesterin

(See Lanolin)

Cholesterol

A steroid alcohol in all animal fats and oils, nervous tissue, egg yolk, and blood. Can be derived from lanolin. In cosmetics, eye creams, shampoos, etc. Alternatives: solid complex alcohols (sterols) from plant sources.

Choline Bitartrate

(See Lecithin)

Civet

Unctuous secretion painfully scraped from a gland very near the genital organs of Civet Cats. Used as a fixative in perfumes. Alternatives: (See alternatives to Musk)

Cod Liver Oil

(See Marine Oil)

Collagen

Fibrous protein in vertebrates. Usually derived from animal tissue. Can’t affect the skin’s own collagen. An allergen. Alternatives: Soy protein, Almond oil, Amla oil (see alternatives to Keratin), etc.

Colors / Dyes

Pigments from animal, plant, and synthetic sources used to color foods, cosmetics, and other products. Cochineal is from insects. Widely used FD&C and D&C colors are coal-tar (bituminous coal) derivatives that are continuously tested on animals because of their carcinogenic properties. Alternatives: Grapes, Beets, Turmeric, Saffron, Carrots, chlorophyll, Annatto, Alkanet.

Cortisone / Corticosteroid / Hydrocortisone

When animal-derived, a hormone from adrenal glands. However, a synthetic is widely used. Typically used in medicine. Alternatives: synthetics.

Cysteine / L-Form

An amino acid from hair that can come from animals. Used in hair-care products and creams, in some bakery products, and in wound-healing formulations. Alternatives: plant sources.

Cystine

An amino acid found in urine and horsehair. Used as a nutritional supplement and in emollients. Alternatives: plant sources.

Dexpanthenol

(See Panthenol)

Diglycerides

(See Monoglycerides and Glycerin)

Dimethyl Stearamine

(See Stearic Acid)

Down

Goose or Duck insulating feathers. From slaughtered or cruelly exploited Geese. Used as an insulator in quilts, parkas, sleeping bags, pillows, etc. Alternatives: polyester and synthetic substitutes, kapok (silky fibers from the seeds of some tropical trees) and milkweed seed pod fibers.

Duodenum Substances

From the digestive tracts of Cows and Pigs. Added to some vitamin tablets. In some medicines. Alternatives: vegetarian vitamins, synthetics.

Egg Protein

In shampoos, skin preparations, etc. Alternatives: plant proteins.

Elastin

Protein found in the neck ligaments and aortas of Cows. Similar to collagen. Can’t affect the skin’s own elasticity. Alternatives: synthetics, protein from plant tissues.

Emu Oil

From flightless ratite birds native to Australia and now factory-farmed. Used in cosmetics and creams. Alternatives: vegetable and plant oils.

Ergocalciferol

(See Vitamin D)

Ergosterol

(See Vitamin D)

Estrogen / Estradiol

Female hormones from pregnant mares’ urine. Considered a drug. Can have harmful systemic effects if used by children. Used for reproductive problems and in birth control pills and Premarin, a menopausal drug. In creams, perfumes, and lotions. Has a negligible effect in the creams as a skin restorative; simple vegetable-source emollients are considered better. Alternatives: oral contraceptives and menopausal drugs based on synthetic steroids or phytoestrogens (from plants, especially Palm-Kernel oil). Menopausal symptoms can also be treated with diet and herbs.

Fatty Acids

Can be one or any mixture of liquid and solid acids such as caprylic, lauric, myristic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic. Used in bubble baths, lipsticks, soap, detergents, cosmetics, food. Alternatives: vegetable-derived acids, Soy lecithin, Safflower oil, Bitter Almond oil, Sunflower oil, etc.

Fireworks

The same component used in the tire industry, stearic acid, is present in the production of fireworks. The book, The Chemistry of Fireworks lists this as an ingredient. An article in Wikipedia explains, “In fireworks, stearic acid is often used to coat metal powders such as aluminum and iron. This prevents oxidation, allowing compositions to be stored for a longer period of time.” Alternatives: even though it can be plant-sourced, you never know. Be sure to ask the manufacturer or just ditch the products, since fireworks are also harmful to the environment and nonhuman animals.

Feathers

From exploited and slaughtered birds. Used whole as ornaments or ground up in shampoos. (See Down and Keratin)

Fish Liver Oil

Used in vitamins and supplements. In milk fortified with vitamin D. Alternatives: yeast extract ergosterol, exposure of skin to sunshine without applying any lotions to skin.

Fish Oil

(See Marine Oil) Fish oil can also be from marine mammals. Used in soapmaking.

Fish Scales

Used in shimmery makeup. Alternatives: mica, rayon, synthetic pearl.

Fur

Obtained from animals (usually Mink, Foxes, or Rabbits) cruelly trapped in steel-jaw traps or raised in intensive confinement on fur farms. Alternatives: synthetics.

Gelatin / Gel

Protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones in water. From Cows and Pigs. Used in shampoos, face masks, and other cosmetics. Used as a thickener for fruit gelatins and puddings (e.g., jell-o). In candies, marshmallows, cakes, ice cream, yogurts. On photographic film and in vitamins as a coating and as capsules. Sometimes used to assist in “clearing” wines. Alternatives: carrageen (carrageenan, Irish moss), seaweeds (Algin, Agar-Agar, Kelp—used in jellies, plastics, medicine), pectin from fruits, dextrins, locust bean gum, cotton gum, silica gel. Marshmallows were originally made from the root of the marshmallow plant. Vegetarian capsules are now available from several companies. Digital cameras don’t use film.

Glucose Tyrosinase

(See Tyrosine)

Glue

Animal glue (made from the boiling animal’s cognitive tissue and bones) is used for the manufacturing of shoes and apparently the best adhesive for fixing musical instruments made from wood such as violins and pianos. Even though other synthetic glues are used too, hide glue is also readily available and widely used for furniture fixes and wood work. Alternatives: check with the company if the glue they use is vegan (animal free), or better yet purchase products which are vegan. If in doubt, ask the manufacture.

Glycerides / Glycerin / Glycerol / Glycerides / Glyceryls / Polyglycerol / Glycreth-26 / Others

A byproduct of soap manufacture (normally uses animal fat). In cosmetics, foods, mouthwashes, chewing gum, toothpastes, soaps, ointments, medicines, lubricants, transmission and brake fluid, and plastics. Alternatives: vegetable glycerin (a byproduct of vegetable oil soap), derivatives of seaweed, petroleum.

Guanine / Pearl Essence

Obtained from scales of fish. Constituent of ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid and found in all animal and plant tissues. In shampoo, nail polish, other cosmetics. Alternatives: leguminous plants, synthetic pearl, or aluminum and bronze particles.

Hide Glue

Same as gelatin but of a cruder impure form. Alternatives: dextrins and synthetic petrochemical-based adhesives.

Honey

Food for Bees, made by Bees. Can cause allergic reactions. Used as a coloring and an emollient in cosmetics and as a flavoring in foods. Should never be fed to infants. Alternatives: in foods—Maple syrup, Date sugar, syrups made from grains such as Barley malt, Turbinado sugar, molasses; in cosmetics—vegetable colors and oils. Resources: Honey the Ultimate Food, The Problem with Backyard Eggs and Honey, Why it is Wrong to Consume Honey?.

Hyaluronic Acid

When animal-derived, a protein found in umbilical cords and the fluids around the joints. Used in cosmetics and some medical applications. Alternatives: synthetic hyaluronic acid, plant oils.

Hydrolyzed Animal Protein

In cosmetics, especially shampoo and hair treatments. Alternatives: Soy protein, other vegetable proteins, Amla oil. (see also alternatives to Keratin).

Imidazolidinyl Ure

(See Urea)

Insulin

From Hog pancreas. Used by millions of diabetics daily. Alternatives: synthetics, vegetarian diet and nutritional supplements, human insulin grown in a lab.

Isinglass

A form of gelatin prepared from the internal membranes of Fish bladders. Sometimes used in “clearing” wines and in foods. Alternatives: bentonite clay, “Japanese isinglass,” Agar-Agar, mica, a mineral used in cosmetics.

Isopropyl Lanolate

(See Lanolin)

Isopropyl Myristate

(See Myristic Acid)

Isopropyl Palmitate

Complex mixtures of isomers of stearic acid and palmitic acid. (See Stearic Acid)

Keratin

Protein from the ground-up horns, hooves, feathers, quills, and hair of various animals. In hair rinses, shampoos, permanent wave solutions. Alternatives: Almond oil, Soy protein, Amla oil (from the fruit of an Indian tree), human hair from salons. Rosemary and Nettle give body and strand strength to hair.

Lactic Acid / Sodium Steroyl Lactylate / Sodium Stearoyl-2-lactylate / Sodium Stearoyl Lacylate or SSL

Typically derived from plants such as Beets. When animal-derived, found in blood and muscle tissue. Also in sour milk, beer, sauerkraut, pickles, and other food products made by bacterial fermentation. Used in skin fresheners, as a preservative, in the formation of plasticizers, etc. Alternatives: plant milk sugars, synthetics.

Lactose

Milk sugar from milk of mammals. In eye lotions, foods, tablets, cosmetics, baked goods, medicines. Alternatives: plant milk sugars.

Lanolin / Laneth / Lanolin Alcohol / Lanogene / Lanosterois / Lanolin Acids / Aliphatic Alcohols / Lanosterols / Triterpene Alcohols / Cholesterin / Isopropyl Lanolate / Laneth / Wool Fat / Wool Wax

A product of the oil glands of Sheep, extracted from their wool. Used as an emollient in many skin-care products and cosmetics and in medicines. Also found in chewing gum and products with vitamin D3. An allergen with no proven effectiveness. Alternatives: plant and vegetable oils.

Lard

Fat from Hog abdomens. In shaving creams, soaps, cosmetics. In baked goods, French fries, refried beans, and many other foods. Alternatives: pure vegetable fats or oils.

L-Cysteine / L-Cysteine Hydrochloride

An amino acid from hair which can come from human hair, Hog hair or Duck feathers. Used in hair-care products and creams, in some commercial cereals, bakery products (especially hamburger buns), and in wound-healing formulations. Alternatives: plant sources.

Leather / Suede / Calfskin / Sheepskin / Alligator Skin / Other Types of Skin

Subsidizes the animal agriculture (meat) industry. Used to make wallets, handbags, furniture and car upholstery, shoes, etc. Alternatives: Cotton, Hemp, canvas, nylon, vinyl, ultrasuede, pleather, other synthetics.

Lecithin / Choline Bitartrate

Waxy substance in nervous tissue of all living organisms. But frequently obtained for commercial purposes from eggs and Soybeans. Also from nerve tissue, blood, milk, corn. Choline bitartrate, the basic constituent of lecithin, is in many animal and plant tissues and prepared synthetically. Lecithin can be in eye creams, lipsticks, liquid powders, hand creams, lotions, soaps, shampoos, other cosmetics, and some medicines. Alternatives: Soybean lecithin, synthetics.

Linoleic Acid

An essential fatty acid. Used in cosmetics, vitamins. Alternatives: (See alternatives to Fatty Acids)

Lipase

Enzyme from the stomachs and tongue glands of calves, kids, and lambs. Used in cheesemaking and in digestive aids. Alternatives: vegetable enzymes, castor Beans.

Lipoids / Lipids

Fat and fat-like substances that are found in animals and plants. Alternatives: vegetable oils.

Maple Syrup

Most companies add lard as a foam reducer. Check with the company if they don´t use lard other animal derived ingredients.

Marine Oil

From Fish or marine mammals (including Porpoises). Used in soapmaking. Used as a shortening (especially in some margarines), as a lubricant, and in paint. Alternatives: vegetable oils.

Methionine

Essential amino acid found in various proteins (usually from egg albumen and casein). Used as a texturizer and for freshness in potato chips. Alternatives: synthetics.

Milk Protein

Hydrolyzed milk protein. From the milk of Cows. In cosmetics, shampoos, moisturizers, conditioners, etc. Alternatives: Soy protein, other plant proteins.

Mink Oil

From Minks. In cosmetics, creams, etc. Alternatives: vegetable oils and emollients such as Avocado oil, Almond oil, and Jojoba oil.

Molasses

By product of sugar; lard is added to reduce foam. Check with the company If they use lard.

Monoglycerides / Glycerides (See Glycerin)

From animal fat. In margarines, cake mixes, candies, foods, etc. In cosmetics. Alternative: vegetable glycerides.

Musk Oil

Dried secretion painfully obtained from Musk deer, Beaver, Muskrat, Civet Cat, and otter genitals. Wild cats are kept captive in cages in horrible conditions and are whipped around the genitals to produce the scent; Beavers are trapped; deer are shot. In perfumes and in food flavorings. Alternatives: Labdanum oil (from various Rockrose shrubs) and extracts from other plants with a musky scent.

Myristic Acid / Isopropyl Myristate / Myristal Ether Sulfate / Myristyls / Oleyl Myristate / Myristyls

Organic acid typically derived from nut oils but occasionally of animal origin. Used in shampoos, creams, cosmetics. In food flavorings. Alternatives: Nut butters, oil of Lovage, Coconut oil, extract from seed kernels of Nutmeg, etc.

Natural Sources

Can mean animal or vegetable sources. Most often in the health-food industry, especially in the cosmetics area, Usually comes from animal sources, such as animal elastin, glands, fat, protein, and oil. Alternatives: plant sources.

Nucleic Acids

In the nucleus of all living cells. Used in cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners, etc. Also in vitamins, supplements. Alternatives: plant sources.

Octyl Dodecanol

Mixture of solid waxy alcohols. Primarily from stearyl alcohol. (See Stearyl Alcohol)

Oleic Acid / Ocenol / Oleyl Oleate / Oleyl Stearate

Obtained from various animal and vegetable fats and oils. Usually obtained commercially from inedible tallow. (See Tallow.) In foods, soft soap, bar soap, permanent wave solutions, creams, nail polish, lipsticks, many other skin preparations. Alternatives: Coconut oil. (See alternatives to Animal Fats and Oils)

Oleyl Alcohol / Oleths / Ocenol / Oleyl Arachidate / Oleyl Imidazoline / Oleyl Arachidate

Found in Fish oils. Used in the manufacture of detergents, as a plasticizer for softening fabrics, and as a carrier for medications.

Palmitic Acid / Palmitate / Palmitamine / Palmitamide

A fatty acid most commonly derived from Palm oil but may be derived from animals as well. In shampoos, shaving soaps, creams. Alternatives: vegetable sources.

Panthenol / Penthenyl / Dexpanthenol / Vitamin B-Complex Factor / Provitamin B-5

Can come from animal, plant sources, or synthetics. In shampoos, supplements, emollients, etc. In foods. Alternatives: synthetics, plants.

Pepsin

In Hogs’ stomachs. A clotting agent. In some cheeses and vitamins. Same uses and alternatives as Rennet.

Placenta / Placenta Polypeptides Protein / Afterbirth

Contains waste matter eliminated by the fetus. Derived from the uterus of slaughtered animals. Animal placenta is widely used in skin creams, shampoos, masks, etc. Alternatives: Kelp. (See alternatives to Animal Fats and Oils)

Plastic Bags

Many plastics, including shopping bags, contain ‘slip agents’, reduce the friction in the material. These are made from animal fats. Plastics manufacturers often use additives of animal origin to improve material properties and/or to aid in processing of raw polymers. Food manufacturers are experimenting with keratin protein found in chicken feathers to produce plastics, adhesives and non-woven materials. Alternatives: reusable bags made from Cotton or other plant or synthetic material.

Polypeptides

From animal protein. Used in cosmetics. Alternatives: plant proteins and enzymes.

Polysorbates

Derivatives of fatty acids. In cosmetics and various food items. Can be animal or plant derived.

Pristane

Obtained from the liver oil of Sharks and from Whale ambergris. (See Squalene, Ambergris). Used as a lubricant and anti-corrosive agent. In cosmetics. Alternatives: plant oils, synthetics.

Progesterone

A steroid hormone used in anti-wrinkle face creams. Can have adverse systemic effects. Alternatives: synthetics.

Propolis

Tree sap gathered by Bees and used as a sealant in Beehives. In toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, supplements, etc. Alternatives: tree sap, synthetics.

Rennet / Rennin

Enzyme from Calves’ stomachs. Used in cheesemaking, rennet custard (junket), and in many coagulated dairy products. Alternatives: microbial coagulating agents, bacteria culture, Lemon juice, or vegetable rennet.

Resinous Glaze

(See Shellac)

RNA / Ribonucleic Acid

RNA is in all living cells. Used in many protein shampoos and cosmetics. Alternatives: plant cells.

Retinol

Animal-derived vitamin A. Alternative: carotene.

Royal Jelly (aka Maggot)

Secretion from the throat glands of worker Honeybees. Fed to the larvae in a colony and to all queen larvae. No proven value in cosmetics preparations. Alternatives: Aloe Vera, Comfrey, other plant derivatives.

Sable Brushes

From the fur of Sables (Weasel-like mammals). Used to make eye makeup, lipstick, and artists’ brushes. Alternatives: synthetic fibers.

Shampoo and Conditioners

According to Peta, there are more than 20 components from animals that could be in your shampoo and conditioner. The tricky part is when you read “Panthenol”, “Amino acids”, or “Vitamin B” in a bottle (just to name a few), it can be either from animal or plant source — making it hard to tell. Companies have even removed the word ‘animal’ from some ingredients to avoid putting off consumers. Alternatives: check with the manufacturer if they use animal ingredients or better, just use plant alternatives like Lime, Lemon, Orange, Banana, Avocado, etc.

Shark Liver Oil / Squalane / Squalene

Used in lubricating creams and lotions. Alternatives: vegetable oils.

Shellac / Resinous Glaze

Resinous excretion of certain insects. Used as a candy glaze, in hair lacquer, and on jewelry. Alternatives: plant waxes, Zein (from Corn).

Silk / Silk Powder

Silk is the shiny fiber made by Silkworms to form their cocoons. Worms are boiled in their cocoons to get the silk. Used in cloth. In silk-screening, other fine cloth can be and is used instead. Taffeta can be made from silk or nylon. Silk powder is obtained from the secretion of the Silkworm. It is used as a coloring agent in face powders, soaps, etc. Can cause severe allergic skin reactions and systemic reactions if inhaled or ingested. Alternatives: Milkweed seed-pod fibers, nylon, Silk-cotton Tree and Ceiba tree filaments (kapok), rayon, and synthetic silks. 3000 Silkworms die for one pound of silk.

Snails

In some cosmetics (crushed).

Spermaceti / Cetyl Palmitate / Sperm Oil

Waxy oil originally derived from the Sperm Whale’s head or from Dolphins but now most often derived from petroleum. In many margarines. In skin creams, ointments, shampoos, candles, etc. Used in the leather industry. May become rancid and cause irritations. Alternatives: synthetic spermaceti, Jojoba oil, and other vegetable emollients.

Sponge (Luna and Sea)

A plantlike animal. Lives in the sea. Becoming scarce. Alternatives: synthetic sponges, Loofahs (plants used as sponges).

Stearic Acid / Stearates / Stearamide / Stearamine / Stearates / Stearic Hydrazide / Stearone / Stearoxytrimethylsilane / Stearoyl Lactylic Acid / Stearyl Betaine / Stearyl Imidazoline / Stearyl Betaine

When animal-derived, fat from Cows, Pigs, and Sheep, euthanized animals in shelters like Dogs and Cats, etc. Most often refers to a fatty substance taken from the stomachs of Pigs. Can be harsh and irritating. Used in cosmetics, soaps, lubricants, candles, hairspray, conditioners, deodorants, creams, chewing gum, and other food. May also be of plant origin, from Cocoa or Shea butter, and other vegetable fats like Coconut.

Stearyl Alcohol / Sterols / Stearyl Acetate / Stearamine Oxide / Stearyl Acetate / Stearyl Caprylate / Stearyl Citrate / Stearyldimethyl Amine / Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate / Stearyl Heptanoate / Stearyl Octanoate / Stearyl Stearate

A mixture of solid alcohols. Can be prepared from Sperm Whale oil. In medicines, creams, rinses, shampoos, etc. Alternatives: plant sources, vegetable stearic acid.

Steroids / Sterols

From various animal glands or from plant tissues. Steroids include sterols. Sterols are alcohol from animals or plants (e.g., cholesterol). Used in hormone preparation. In creams, lotions, hair conditioners, fragrances, etc. Alternatives: plant tissues, synthetics.

Sugar (White and Brown)

It’s known that purified ash from animal bones is used in filters to refine sugar by some brands, though there are other companies that use filters with granular carbon or ion exchange systems. Brown sugar is also refined, only to have molasses added after. Alternatives: you could instead purchase, Beat sugar, sucanat sweetener, brown Rice syrup, Maple syrup (after checking it doesn’t contain lard as a de-foamer), Maple sugar, Sorghum syrup, stevia, evaporated Cane Juice, Barley malt syrup, Agave Nectar, Date sugar, or molasses (fancy, blackstrap or Barbados). The only two sweeteners that are whole foods are, organic blackstrap molasses and Date sugar.

Tallow / Tallow Fatty Alcohol / Stearic Acid / Sodium Tallowate / Tallow Acid / Tallow Amide / Tallow Amine / Talloweth-6 / Tallow Glycerides / Tallow Imidazoline

Rendered beef fat. May cause eczema and blackheads. In wax paper, crayons, margarines, paints, rubber, lubricants, etc. In candles, soaps, lipsticks, shaving creams, other cosmetics. Chemicals (e.g., PCB) can be in animal tallow. Alternatives: Vegetable Tallow, Japan tallow, paraffin, ceresin (see alternatives to Beeswax). Paraffin is usually from petroleum, wood, coal, or Shale oil.

Tires (Car and Bicycle)

Car or bicycle manufacturers may use animal-based stearic acid in their tires, which helps the rubber hold shape under steady surface friction. Check to see if the manufacturer makes vegan tires.

Toothpaste

Toothpastes may contain many animal ingredients such as Glycerin, which is found in animal and vegetable fats, Propolis or Bee Pollen. Alternatives: check with the manufacturer if they use animal ingredients or better, use vegan products.

Turtle Oil / Sea Turtle Oil

From the muscles and genitals of Giant Sea Turtles. In soap, skin creams, nail creams, other cosmetics. Alternatives: vegetable emollients (see alternatives to Animal Fats and Oils).

Tyrosine

Amino acid often of plant or synthetic origin but sometimes hydrolyzed from casein (milk). Used in cosmetics and creams. Derivative: Glucose Tyrosinase.

Urea / Imidazolidinyl Urea / Uric Acid / Carbamide

Typically synthetic. When extracted from animals, it is excreted from urine and other bodily fluids. In deodorants, ammoniated dentifrices, mouthwashes, hair colorings, hand creams, lotions, shampoos, etc. Used to “brown” baked goods, such as pretzels. Alternatives: synthetics.

Vinegar

Uses animal charcoal for filtering. Use Rice, wine, or Apple cider vinegar instead.

Vitamin A

Can come from Fish liver oil (e.g., Shark liver oil), egg yolk, butter, Lemongrass, Wheat germ oil, carotene in Carrots, and synthetics. An aliphatic alcohol. In cosmetics, creams, perfumes, hair dyes, etc. In vitamins, supplements. (Please note that Vitamin A exists in two forms: see also Carotene / Retinol)

Vitamin D / Ergocalciferol / Vitamin D2 / Ergosterol / Provitamin D2 /Calciferol / Vitamin D3

Vitamin D can come from Fish liver oil, milk, egg yolks, and other animal products, but can also come from plant sources. Vitamin D2 is typically vegan. Many D3 can be derived from the lanolin found in Sheep’s wool. Vitamin D can be in creams, lotions, other cosmetics, vitamin tablets, etc. Alternatives: plant and mineral sources, vitamin D3 derived from Lichen, synthetics, and best of all, exposure of skin to sunshine.

Wax

Glossy, hard substance that is soft when hot. From animals and plants. In lipsticks, depilatories, hair straighteners. Alternatives: vegetable waxes.

Whey / Whey Powder / Whey Protein

Whey is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained. Usually in cakes, cookies, candies, and breads. Used in cheesemaking. Alternatives: Soybean whey.

Wool / Lanolin / Wool Wax / Wool Fat

From Sheep. Used in clothing. Ram Lambs and old “wool” Sheep are slaughtered for their meat. Sheep are transported without food or water, in extreme heat and cold. Legs are broken, eyes injured, etc. Sheep are bred to be unnaturally woolly and unnaturally wrinkly, which causes them to get insect infestations around the tail areas. The farmer’s solution to this is the painful cutting away of the flesh around the tail (called “mulesing”). “Inferior” Sheep are killed. When Sheep are sheared, they are pinned down violently and sheared roughly. Their skin is cut up. Every year, hundreds of thousands of shorn Sheep die from exposure to cold. Natural predators of Sheep (Wolves, Coyotes, Eagles, etc.) are poisoned, trapped, and shot. In the united states, overgrazing of Cattle and Sheep is turning more than 150 million acres of land to desert. “Natural” wool production uses enormous amounts of resources and energy (for breeding, rearing, feeding, shearing, transport, slaughter, etc.). Alternatives: cotton, cotton flannel, synthetic fibers, ramie, etc.