Vegan and cruelty-free are two different claims, and a product can honestly carry one without the other. Cruelty-free means the product (and usually its ingredients) weren't tested on animals. Vegan means none of the ingredients are animal-derived at all — even if no animal was harmed to source them. A surprising number of lash and brow serums are cruelty-free but not vegan, because of one very common ingredient.
Vegan vs cruelty-free: the difference
| Cruelty-free | Vegan | |
|---|---|---|
| What it means | Not tested on animals | No animal-derived ingredients |
| Can overlap? | A product can be both, or cruelty-free without being vegan | A vegan product is usually also cruelty-free, but check separately |
| What to check | Brand's testing policy | The actual INCI ingredient list |
The ingredient hiding in most "clean" lash and brow serums
Hydrolyzed Keratin is one of the most common conditioning ingredients in lash, brow and scalp serums — and it's usually sourced from animal wool, not a plant. Unless a brand specifically states a plant-based alternative (like Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein), a serum listing "keratin" on the label is very likely not vegan, even if it's cruelty-free and never tested on animals.
Our own formulas, honestly
We'd rather say this plainly than let a general "cruelty-free" badge imply more than it does. Every LashOriginals serum is cruelty-free. Only one is vegan:
- Lash Serum — vegan. Built on peptides, biotin and panthenol, with no animal-derived ingredients.
- Eyebrow Serum — not vegan. Contains Hydrolyzed Keratin, sourced from wool.
- Scalp & Root Serum — not vegan. Also contains Hydrolyzed Keratin.
- Duo and Triple Care sets — not vegan, since they include the brow and/or scalp formula.
All are formulated without any free oils and without prostaglandin analogues, and none are tested on animals.
How to check any lash serum's vegan status yourself
- Read the INCI list on the box, not just the front-of-pack marketing claims
- Watch for Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Lanolin, Beeswax (Cera Alba) and Carmine — all common animal-derived cosmetic ingredients
- A genuinely vegan product will usually say so explicitly on the packaging or product page — if it doesn't mention it either way, check the ingredient list before assuming
The verdict
If vegan matters to you specifically, check the actual ingredient list rather than relying on a general "natural" or "clean beauty" label — keratin-based formulas are extremely common in this category and aren't always flagged. If cruelty-free is your main criterion, it's a lower bar that most reputable brands, including ours, already meet across their whole range.
FAQ
Is LashOriginals Lash Serum vegan?
Yes — it is built on peptides, biotin and panthenol and contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Why isn't the Brow or Scalp & Root Serum vegan if it's cruelty-free?
They contain Hydrolyzed Keratin, which conditions the hair but is sourced from animal wool rather than a plant. Cruelty-free (not tested on animals) and vegan (no animal-derived ingredients) are separate claims.
Is Hydrolyzed Keratin bad for you?
No — it's a common, well-tolerated conditioning ingredient. The only issue is that it isn't vegan, not that it's unsafe.
Are all LashOriginals products cruelty-free?
Yes, the whole range is cruelty-free regardless of vegan status.
Related reading
- Prostaglandin-Free Lash Serums Explained
- Best Eyelash Serum in Australia (2026)
- Best Eyebrow Serum in Australia (2026 Guide)
Written by the Lash Originals Editorial Team · Reviewed 16 September 2026. This article is general cosmetic information, not medical advice.