Why We Prefer Vegan Raw Materials in Cosmetics Manufacturing

Several names on this list, such as glycerin, stearic acid or squalane, can come from either plant or animal sources. The INCI name alone does not tell you the origin, which is why supplier documentation matters. When a customer asks for a “keratin shampoo” or “collagen mask”, we discuss whether a vegan-compatible alternative can deliver the product concept, or whether the brand accepts a non-vegan version.

Why we prioritise vegan raw materials

1. It keeps more doors open for our customers

A formula built on vegan raw materials can be sold as vegan and also to customers who do not care about the claim. The reverse is not true. Starting vegan gives a brand more options later: a vegan certification, a retailer listing that requires it, or entry into markets where vegan consumers are a significant share of buyers.

2. Supply chain transparency

About 95% of our raw materials come from European suppliers. Working with established suppliers makes it easier to obtain origin statements and vegan declarations for each ingredient, and keeps documentation consistent across repeat orders.

3. Performance does not need to suffer

Modern plant-based and biotechnology-derived ingredients cover almost every function in a formula: emollients, emulsifiers, thickeners, conditioning agents and actives. Many of the products we make, such as niacinamide and zinc PCA anti-acne creams, ceramide and hyaluronic acid moisturisers or argan and jojoba hair serums, are built on ingredients that are vegan by nature.

4. It fits wider sustainability goals

Brands that choose vegan formulas often also want recycled or eco-conscious packaging. Treating both as part of the same brief from the start saves redesign work later.

The Vegan Society certification: what it means for your brand

Rowe Cosmetics holds certification with The Vegan Society, the organisation behind the well-known Vegan trademark with the sunflower logo. For brand owners this has practical value:

• Products that meet the criteria can be registered for the Vegan trademark, giving consumers and retailers an independent, recognisable signal on pack.
• The criteria cover ingredients, manufacturing processes and the absence of animal testing, so the trademark addresses both the vegan and the testing question.
• Registration is per product. Each formula is reviewed against the criteria, so it is worth deciding early which SKUs in your range should carry the logo.

Self-declared “vegan” wording without certification is used in the market, but it relies entirely on your own documentation and can be challenged by retailers or authorities. A recognised trademark reduces that risk and saves explanation in B2B sales.