Why should we look for alternatives to L’Oréal & Unilever? What do they have in common? They’ve both been named as users of shark squalene in their products. Shark squalene is an oil from shark’s livers. It is hydrating and can relieve skin conditions like eczema with its anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory properties. But sharks are paying a big price for this benefit – some are facing extinction.
Unfortunately, although there are other forms of squalene (olive, amaranth), they are more difficult and costly to harvest (Rob Stewart Shark Water Foundation). It is also virtually impossible to tell the difference between shark squalene and squalene from other sources by reading an ingredients list. Unless a brand has chosen to certify with a shark friendly mark like Shark Allies “Shark Free” label (Shark Speak).
The only other way to ensure no shark squalene is used, is to use vegan beauty products. So here is a list of vegan beauty product makers to choose from that would make great alternatives to L’Oréal & Unilever.
Alternatives to L’Oréal & Unilever
Franchine Young Ireland make an organic Argan Oil that has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that promotes firmer skin, hydrates it and can be used to treat mild skin conditions. It is vegan, non-toxic, cruelty-free and 100% organic. Argan oil is suitable for dry and aging skin.
The Bath House Shop makes bath and beauty products that are vegan and natural. These include their best selling Balancing Facial Serum that is 97% natural, vegan and cruelty-free with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and hemp seed oil to hydrate, balance oil production and soothe redness.
InLight Beauty is Leaping Bunny approved. Their award-winning Face Oil with rosehip and vanilla is a long lasting moisturiser that helps balance production of skin sebum. It is certified organic, cruelty free and vegan. The vitamin E rich formula protects skin from everyday pollution.
The Neroli Pom moisturiser from Terre Verdi was the first to gain COSMOS organic certification in the UK. It combines pomegranate, neroli, & camellia oils with aloe vera to hydrate skin making it ideal for dry, mature or sensitive skin types. The preservative is also plant based. Vegan. Cruelty free.
UpCircle Beauty is a certified B Corp offering vegan and cruelty free products made from waste like coffee grounds. Their best selling organic face oil with coffee extracts fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation, boosts collagen and keeps skin firm. Rosehip and jojoba oil lock in moisture.
Conscious Skincare makes Vegetarian Society vegan approved beauty products including the Rejuvenate Day Moisturiser with organic rosehip and avocado oils that provide intense nourishment. It is EWG verified and an Ethical Consumer Best Buy. Peta approved and palm oil free.
If you are looking for an alternative to Dove body wash The Bath House Shop and Upcircle Beauty make body washes and soap bars, as well as scrubs and oils. Inlight Beauty makes body oils and butters. And Conscious Skincare makes a bath soak, wash and body butter.
The Blue Patch directory of ethical businesses is a great place to find alternatives to L’Oréal & Unilever and other brands that make use of squalene. By voting with our feet and buying products that do not endanger animals we can make it clear to brands that we don’t want to buy beauty at the expense of our natural world.