Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm has been the brand’s best-selling product for years, but is it vegan-friendly? Whilst Elemis claims that a lot of their products are vegan, the cruelty-free status of the brand isn’t crystal clear.

Is Elemis a vegan and cruelty-free vegan brand?

A confusing cruelty-free status

Luxury skincare brand Elemis is part of L'OCCITANE Group and available worldwide.

Whilst Elemis claim that they have always been against animal testing and have been funding campaigns to end it, the reality is that Elemis products can be bought in China, where beauty products must be tested on animals in order to enter the Chinese market.

This indicates that even if Elemis do not conduct test on animals themselves, their products, at least the ones going to China, are subjected to animal testing by a third party. Therefore, as long as Elemis sell in China, they will not be cruelty-free.

Are the products vegan?

Elemis have a dedicated page on their website for “vegan-friendly” skincare with nearly 30 products from the iconic Pro Collagen Overnight Matrix to the Advanced Eye Treatment.

These products are free from animal-derived ingredients such as lanolin, animal squalene, gelatin, uric acid, carmine and keratin.

However, considering that the brand is not cruelty-free, some would argue that none of these products are vegan, simply because animals will be used further down the line.

Is Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm vegan?

Why is it iconic?

This cleanser is basically a 3 in 1 product, turning into 3 unique textures: nourishing balm, cleansing oil and cleansing milk. Not only does it offer a better cleansing experience, but it also leaves no chance to dirt and makeup, removing it all.

Not to mention its blend of 9 essential oils which smells divinely good.

Is it vegan-friendly?

The Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm isn’t on Elemis’ list of vegan products because it contains Beeswax. So even if we forget about the cruelty-free dilemma for a second, their best-selling cleansing balm cannot be considered vegan.

Vegan alternatives to Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm

If you’re looking for a cleanser that is as effective, feels as nice on the skin, has a balm-like texture and is definitely vegan & cruelty-free, check out these 3 alternatives.

Evolve Beauty Gentle Cleansing Melt

Once in contact with water, the formula turns into a creamy milk that rinses off any impurities, leaving your skin calm and hydrated.

The formula contains nourishing organic baobab oil which also improves skin elasticity, as well as Vanilla for its anti-oxidant properties and soothing aroma.

RRP: £27 - Find it on Evolve Beauty or Sephora UK

Oskia Perfect Cleanser

Oskia is a luxury brand that is 100% cruelty-free, do not sell in China and has some vegan products such as this Perfect Cleanser.

Suitable for all skin types especially dry and mature, this nourishing cleansing balm is packed with prebiotics, essential fatty acids and natural emollients to cleanse the skin and restore moisture levels.

Once on damp skin, the balm turns into a light milk that removes all impurities without drying your skin.

RRP: £39 - Find it on Oskia, Cult Beauty or Lookfantastic

Alpha H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm

Nothing like this divine balm-to-oil cleanser to elevate your skincare routine! Infused with antioxidants and enriched with Australian wild orange extract, abundant in amino acids to nourish and hydrate the skin, this cleansing balm offers a multitude of benefits.

From brightening and protecting to calming and supporting skin barrier function, it also regulates sebum production while maintaining your skin's natural pH balance.

RRP: £39.99 - Find it on Cult Beauty or Space NK

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