Clean Beauty Resources: Ingredients, Vegan, Zero Waste and More

Ingredients and safety

Understanding what is in your makeup should never require a chemistry degree. These trusted tools and databases help you decode ingredient lists, check safety ratings, and make genuinely informed decisions about what goes on your skin.

  • INCIDecoder
    Paste any ingredient list and get plain-English explanations of what each ingredient is and what it does.
  • CosDNA
    Analyses cosmetic ingredient lists for safety ratings, comedogenic risk, and irritation potential.
  • Skincarisma ingredient analyser
    Upload a photo of a product label and get an instant AI-assisted ingredient breakdown.
  • EWG Skin Deep database
    Rates products and ingredients across nearly 60 toxicity and regulatory databases. A go-to for safety-conscious shoppers.
  • Think Dirty app
    Scan product barcodes in-store to get instant ingredient ratings and cleaner alternatives.

    Authorities and standards

    Cosmetics are regulated differently around the world, and the gap between markets can be significant. These are the key regulatory bodies and certification organisations that set the standards you will see referenced on beauty packaging.

    • EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009)
      The EU bans over 1,300 substances from cosmetics. The most comprehensive consumer protection standard in the world.
    • UK cosmetics regulation (post-Brexit)
      The UK's Office for Product Safety and Standards oversees cosmetic safety requirements for products sold in Great Britain.
    • FDA cosmetics guidance (USA)
      The US regulatory framework for beauty products, including ingredient restrictions and labelling rules.
    • COSMOS standard
      The leading international certification for natural and organic cosmetics, with over 29,000 certified products across 71 countries.
    • NATRUE
      A Brussels-based non-profit certifying natural and organic cosmetics, covering raw materials through to finished products.
    • Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
      Advocates for stricter regulation and the elimination of harmful chemicals from personal care products.

    Vegan and cruelty-free resources

    Vegan and cruelty-free are not the same thing, and understanding the difference helps you shop with real confidence. These certification bodies and directories are the most trusted sources for verifying ethical beauty claims.

    • Leaping Bunny shopping guide
      The gold standard for cruelty-free certification. Brands must pass independent audits and renew annually.
    • PETA Beauty Without Bunnies
      A searchable directory of brands that have pledged not to test on animals, with a separate vegan certification available.
    • The Vegan Society trademark
      The original vegan certification, established in 1990. Covers both animal-derived ingredients and animal testing across the supply chain.
    • Cruelty Free International
      The global organisation behind the Leaping Bunny programme, working to end animal testing in cosmetics worldwide.


    Zero waste resources

    Beauty packaging is one of the biggest contributors to plastic waste globally. These tools and programmes make it easier to recycle your empties, reduce what you send to landfill, and find brands genuinely committed to sustainability.

    Beauty industry resources

    The beauty industry is one of the least regulated consumer goods sectors in many markets. These organisations, apps, and films are essential viewing and reading for anyone who wants to understand the bigger picture behind what is on your shelf.

    • Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
      Leading the movement to eliminate harmful chemicals from cosmetics and personal care products in the US and globally.
    • Environmental Working Group (EWG)
      In-depth research and reports on toxic chemicals in everyday consumer products, including beauty.
    • Think Dirty consumer resources
      Articles, guides, and tools for navigating clean beauty claims and understanding what product labels really mean.
    • The Story of Cosmetics (film)
      A short, accessible film examining the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in everyday personal care products and how to change it.

      Websites Advocating against Plastics
    • I'm Plastic Free
      Connects people and businesses to combat plastic pollution with eco-friendly solutions
    • Plastic Pollution Coalition
      Plastic Pollution Coalition provides a broad tent for organizations, businesses, and individuals to join together, change business as usual, and support policy and legislation to stop plastic pollution. 
    • Break Free from Plastic

              Pushing for reductions in single-use plastics and advocate for systemic         
              change across the entire plastic value chain, focusing on prevention rather
              than solutions after the fact.
              Happy Eco News

              
             
              Shopping Guides

              Shop Without Plastic

              Compassionate Shopping Guide