Lip stain has always been a staple in my cosmetic arsenal.
It’s an easy way to doll up, yet still feel natural.
Unfortunately, many of the conventional options on the market are comprised of animal derived ingredients.
I’ve been on the hunt for vegan lip stains and rounded up a few of the best options.
It’s important to note that just because a product states “cruelty-free”, does not necessarily mean it is vegan.
Many “cruelty-free” cosmetic companies ensure their products were not tested on animals, but some of their products do in fact contain animal derived ingredients.
This is precisely why I’ve narrowed it down to these 5 brands, which are both 100% cruetly-free and vegan.
List of Vegan Lip Stains
All of the lip stains listed below are 100% vegan and contain plant and mineral based ingredients.
These are superior to conventional brands because most of these ingredients have properties that can heal and soothe the skin.
Our skin is the largest organ of our body, what we put on it matters.
Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick Stain
Lime Crime’s matte lipstick is a revolutionary and long-lasting stain. All of their stains are PETA certified vegan and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free.
Each liquid lip color provides a velvety soft, matte finish that lasts through the day with minimal touch ups.
The liquid lip color comes in over 40 unique shades from purples to classic mauve to black.
What We Love
These cruelty-free lip stains come in a stunning variety of colors, and there is truly something for everyone. There is even a neon green shade called “Alien.”
I loved the Cashmere shade for a nude, natural and plump lip look.
The matte color of this product creates a volumizing lip effect and while matte, does not dry out your lips. I found this color held up through eating. Though the color is rich, it feels extremely lightweight on. You may even forget you are wearing lipstick.
The Downside
This product makes no claims to be organic or natural, and it isn’t. If you’re looking for a product with more natural ingredients, I would look elsewhere.
The scent of this lip product is VERY sweet. It has a flavor reminiscent of vanilla cake batter. I personally found this to be a little off-putting. While I might wear for more special occasions, I’m not convinced this is a product I would want to slather on my lips day after day.
Aster & Bay - Beet Root + Hibiscus Lip Stain
Aster & Bay makes uses only raw plant ingredients and organic when possible.
Their lip stain comes in a .25 ounce tub and comes in one red hue that gets its color from infusions of beetroot, hibiscus flowers, alkanet root, and elderberries.
The formula is highly moisturizing and contains rosehip seed oil, pomegranate extract, and coconut. It is scented with clementine and blood orange essential oils.
The stain is 100% vegan, paraben free, sulfate free and cruelty-free.
What We Love
The earthy scent of this product is divine. The lack of artificial fragrance and questionable ingredients means you can reapply and not worry about drying out your skin. Rosehip seed oil is rich in 6, 6, & 9 omega fatty acids which regenerate skin cells and repairs damaged tissue. The simplicity and versatility of this product are fabulous. I feel comfortable wearing on my lips and cheeks.
The Downside
The overall staying power of this cruelty-free lip stain is weak. In reality, I would call it more of a tinted balm than a stain. The consensus of many reviewers is that it needs to be reapplied throughout the day. While it does provide a sheer and natural look, this isn’t a set it and forget it lip stain. The lack of color variety was also disappointing to some reviewers. The shade may be too light for some darker skin tones that would prefer a more dramatic color.
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LIP INK makes virtually impossible to smear lip color which contains 40+ vitamins, minerals, herbs, antioxidants, and natural sun filters in a pure corn grain ethanol preservative-free base.
Their product outlasts meals, drinks, and kisses.
The lip stain comes in more than 60 shades.
The stain can be applied on it’s on but is recommended to be used with their base cleanser and top moisturizing coat.
What We Love
I tried using this product on its own without the additional coats and found it to be suitable and long-lasting.
I found the Energy Red color to be a great match for my fair complexion.
When applied the lip stain has a minty tingle effect. The color lasts about eight hours. The stain fades into a natural lip bitten look. The tube of color allegedly has great longevity as well. One reviewer mentioned that with nearly everyday wear her tube lasted about ten months.
The Downside
This product is extremely runny, so great care needs to be taken when handling. It is easily spillable. The durability of the color on your lips is not necessarily one you want on your carpet.
It is noted that some of the US version of the lip stains contain Red 40, Yellow 5 and Blue 1 as ingredients. These are artificial dyes have some potentially disrupting properties when consumed or applied. Though the company claims to use vitamins, minerals, and herbs in the stains, the inclusion of artificial dyes may dissuade some consumers.
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French Girl Organics Lip Tint
French Girl Organics makes an all in one lip balm and mineral lip color product.
Their tube applicator lip tint comes in eight shades.
The product is 100% vegan and made up of 100% plant derived ingredients.
Their lip tint is free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, and GMOs. A special base of organic waxes, butter and oils provide a smooth and moisturizing texture with no drag on the lips.
What We Love
The amber rose color, which I used, has tinges of soft ginger and cinnamon rose, which looks great on anyone with red hair, a warm brunette or blond.
Ambre Rose is a very light, sheer glaze of color, perfect on its own or layered over other shades. This tint is great for everyday use. I don’t feel guilty about applying it to my lips.
There is a natural and refreshing mint flavor when applied. The company manages to get the effect of beeswax while using animal-free and plant derived wax. Step aside, Burt’s Bees.
The Downside
Some reviewers did not like the amount of shimmer in some of the shades. If you are looking for a more matte finish, this lip tint is probably not your best bet. Although it is a natural product, this tint is better suited for lips only. The consistency doesn’t work as a cheek stain.
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Au Naturale makes a versatile lip and cheek tint that is organic, non-toxic, gluten-free, paraben-free, vegan, and non-nano.
Their product comes in an easy to use tub container and is available in five shades.
The base ingredient is jojoba seed oil which is structurally and chemically very similar to human sebum. It has a high content of minerals and vitamin E.
What We Love
The quality of ingredients of this product makes it a dream to apply. My lips felt smooth and buttery all day.
Despite the lack of artificial dyes, this lip color packs a punch! A little bit goes a long way, and the color is highly pigmented. I wore the Persian Pink color which is a beautiful salmon pink hue. I found it works beautifully as a lip color AND a blush.
As a blush, it gave my cheeks a healthy, dewy glow. This color had lasted about six hours before I found myself wanting to touch it up.
The Downside
Some reviewers on Amazon reported the cream in their tubs becoming rock hard and difficult to apply. While I did not have this problem, some may find this product does not have a long shelf life due to the natural ingredients.
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Does Organic Matter?
Many synthetic and toxic chemicals in cosmetic products have been clinically linked to cancer, tumors, irritation and many different skin disorders.
Organic products usually do not contain synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, parabens, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, or harsh detergents.
It is controversial as to whether the amount and exposure to an ingredient in a particular cosmetic can be cancerous, but one may choose to err on the side of caution and purchase organic and natural products when possible.
Kissable, Cruelty Free Lips
Luckily there is a growing market for animal-free and cruelty-free lip stain products.
Subtle nuances between ingredients exist.
Whether you are looking for an all natural product or not, there are a variety of options. I found most of the vegan lip stains I tried to be as long lasting as conventional competitors I’ve used in the past.
Hopefully, the research I’ve provided here will help you make a more informed and conscious decision when purchasing your next lip color.
Disappointed in your review of this as a lip stain when it is just a very expensive balm!
Hi candi.
Thanks for taking the time to make a comment. We’ve included 3 great stains and 2 that we think could make great alternatives but might not be everyone’s cup of tea. At the time we wrote this article, these are the best options we could find. We are in the process of researching a couple other brands right now and this article will be updated accordingly.
We hope you find the right stain (vegan of course) for you!