Vegan Lip Balm Reviews

I am a self-professed lip balm junky. 

Strangely enough, I have found a lot of people who complain about the lack of vegan lip balms on the market. Truth be told, there's actually a lot on the market, the problem is finding them near you. Ordering online tends to be essential for something like this unless you live in a town that happens to have a vegan store, health food store with good selection or a Whole Foods near you (but even WF's isn't a guarantee since my friend that's in Vegas couldn't find any there until just recently).

I wanted to do a review of all the different ones I have used to give you my honest opinion and maybe give you an idea of where you can buy some for yourself. No beeswax, testing on animals or animal ingredients whatsoever in this blog post. 

Disclaimer: I can't guarantee all of these are still on the market. :) 

Alright, let's get started:

Hurraw!: Hurraw tends to be one of the most well known vegan balms on the market and for good reason. They have a huge selection flavours, scents and protections, including SPF. Their balms smell delicious and feel great on the lips-- non-oily and long-lasting. They also happen to be raw and organic. If you grew up on lip smackers, you won't be disappointed as a vegan with great companies like this around. They also can be ordered right from their website and they ship worldwide too!

Concord Soap Company: This is actually an indie company that I found through Etsy. It was my very first vegan lip balm I used after I first transitioned to veganism and still one of my favourites. They come in a variety of scents and flavours. With great fruity and unique scents. The consistency is smooth and non-oily which is super moisturizing. You can buy their products right from their website or their Etsy shop. They also offer vegan soaps, creams and more.

Merry Hempsters: Merry Hempsters has an extensive organic balm line, including a full vegan lip balm and healing salves. They have 7 vegan lip balm varieties in wonderful scents. They work great, are not oily and go on smooth. You can order right from their website for an affordable price but they are also sold on places like Vitacost.

Ladybug Jane:  Another organic lip balm that leaves smooth lips but what sets Ladybug Jane apart is the AMAZING flavours. Not only do they smell incredible, they TASTE good too! She has a huge selection of flavours that can be ordered from the website.

Out of Africa: Of all the vegan lip balms I have used, I have to say this one is my least favourite. They smell pretty good and the flavours sound appealing but I have never had a lip balm so grainy in my life. It leaves grainy pieces all over my lips. So unfortunately, I give this one thumbs down. If for some reason you still feel like trying them after my poor recommendation, they are available on their website as well as iHerb.com.

Epic Blend: Epic Blend is a Canadian company that offers 2 flavours of vegan lip balm. They smell and work fantastic! It is actually another one of my most favourite lip balms I have used. Soft, smooth and moisturizing for the lips. You can order directly from their website.

Hugo Naturals: Hugo offers 3 varieties in lovely fruit scents. They are mild smelling and go on smooth. I did find them a little oilier than other lip balms I have used but I still enjoyed them and used the product until finished. Hugo Naturals also makes lots of vegan body products, perfumes and more. Everything can be ordered from their website.

All Natural Face:  I am a huge fan of the All Natural Face and have used many of her products, so it was natural for me to try the lip balm. All her products are vegan and very natural. The lip balm felt great on the lips, I just wasn't overly fond of the flavour, chocolate mint, in which I chose. Other than that, it was smooth on the lips and felt great. You can order her extremely affordable products on her website.

The Fanciful Fox: I received a single lip balm from the Fanciful Fox from a Vegan Cuts box months back. I got it in peanut butter flavour which sounded awesome at the time but I didn't actually care for it. It was extremely mild. The balm itself was okay but not my most favourite I have ever used. She has 9 varieties on her website and offers them for sale there, as well as the Vegan Cuts website.

LUSH: I received LUSH's None of your Beeswax lip balm as a gift. I was extremely excited to try it but was let down severely. The balm is extremely sticky and not hydrating whatsoever. I declare a fail on LUSH's part.

Meow Meow Tweet: Another indie company that came through my Vegan Cuts box. She has 5 varieties of lip balm available, I received the cocoa. I wasn't fond of the extremely natural smell and also found the lip balm chunky and not moisturizing. You can order directly from her website or the Vegan Cuts website.

EcoLips: My dear friend Shannon sent me the lemon-lime vegan lipbalm from EcoLips and guess what? It rocks my world! Moisturizing and smooth and it smells lovely too. They have 3 different flavours of vegan balm you can try and ones with SPF as well.

Crazy Rumours: I will have a full review of the products I have tried soon but until then, I love them! Super moisturizing, they smell amazing and they have so much to choose from.

Surya Basil: I have tried all the flavours and love all but the cinnamon (I have cinnamon sensitivity). They smell great and work really well on dry, chapped lips.

Alaffia: My friend sent me 2 varieties of Alaffia's lip balms, right now I am using the Coconut Pineapple at work and it smells and works amazing, which says a lot because this dry weather kills my skin. It's super moisturizing and feels fantastic on the lips! 

Bare Bones Skincare: No nasty ingredients in this brand. Made by a girl in her kitchen, all vegan and cruelty free. Bare Bones offers a few varieties of lip balms that will get your lips kissable. I have personally tried the Spiced balm and it's lovely, smooth and smells great!    

David's Tea: I was thrilled to see David's Tea carrying vegan lip balm in lots of variety of tea infused scents. Their balm is smooth and leaves your lips feeling lovely. 

Vesper Beauty: I was given this lip balm from my friend from Iowa. I love the lemon scent and it feels great on my lips. I do find like I have to apply quite a bit but it works great otherwise.

 

Bare English & Co.: Received as a gift. The peach scent I recieved is so nice and the lip balm is smooth and moisturizing. Definitely recommend! 

Booda Butter: A gift from a friend. It has a nice smooth consistency but I do find I have to reapply often as it is more of an oily balm. It does moisturizer decently though and totally does the trick!

 

The Body Shop: I recently was visiting my mother in Moncton and I really needed some vegan lipbalm. I hadn't been in The Body Shop for many years, so I went in to see if they carried any. It turns out that everything in The Body Shop is now vegan (except old stock they haven't sold yet). I picked up this lovely tinted lip balm but they also have non-tinted options as well. I love the colour and it feels so nice on the lips! I also love the Shea lip butter! 

  Get moisturizing peaches!🍑

Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Night Cream Review

Sibu Beauty approached The Vegan Peach with the opportunity to review their replenishing night cream. I have previously used their facial scrub and adored it so jumped on the opportunity.

Sibu offers products that are not only effective but cruelty-free, vegan, sustainable, fair trade and GMO free. You can also see their humanitarian efforts here.

They offer a full range of products from cleansers, creams, serums and even supplements. Their products all contain a unique blend steaming from sea buckthorn as the main ingredient. Read for yourself:

"For healthy and beautiful hair, skin and nails

High in the Tibetan Himalayas (12,000 feet above sea level) grows a tiny but resilient fruit that resists the harsh weather conditions and high altitudes. The sea buckthorn berry fortifies itself against the elements by producing an array of powerful nutrients. With over 190 bioactive compounds, sea buckthorn is an unsurpassed source of Omegas 3, 6, and 9. And it's a rich source of the elusive essential fatty acid, Omega-7, an essential fatty acid vital to collagen production and healthy skin, hair and nails."

Cruelty-free and Vegan certified

Ingredients

water, sd alcohol 40-b, glycerin, cetearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, stearic acid, polyglyceryl-10 pentastearate, sea buckthorn seed oil (hippophae rhamnoides), olea europaea (olive) fruit unsaponifiables, phenethyl alcohol, sea buckthorn fruit extract, (hippophae rhamnoides), limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, hydrolyzed rice bran protein, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter extract, panthenol, brassica juncea (brown mustard) sprout extract, brassica oleracea acephala sprout extract, brassica oleracea botrytis (cauliflower) sprout extract, brassica oleracea capitata (cabbage) sprout extract, brassica oleracea italica (broccoli) sprout extract, wasabi japonica root extract, glycine soja (soybean) protein, oxido reductases, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed extract, hyaluronic acid, xanthan gum, sea water, sodium stearoyl lactylate, sodium anisate, sodium levulinate, sodium phytate, fragrance (from orange and lemon essential oils)

 The Sibu Sea Buckthorn replenishing night cream has been a great addition to my routine. Although, I do not use it every single night, I use it at least 3 times a week. It has a mild but soothing smell that adds to the relaxation before bed. The cream goes on smooth and feels fantastic on the skin. It leaves my skin feeling refreshed with a bit of tightness that is perfect for aging or any stubborn wrinkles you may have. It has really helped the dryness that I occur in the winter months and I have noticed a total improvement in the health of my skin.

Their products can be ordered directly from their website but I do know they are also available at many of my local stores as well including; Marshalls and Superstore. If you are looking for a mid to high-end skincare regime, I highly recommend Sibu. As their tagline states "Ethical Meets Beauty." That just about sums up their company. Better for you, the planet and our animal friends.

Thanks to Sibu Beauty for giving me the opportunity to review this lovely product.

Thera Wise Acne Ointment Review

 Thera Wise is based out of Vancouver, Canada who's expertise in natural skincare really stand up to the test of effectiveness, as well as flourishing as a environmentally ethical company. 

I contacted Thera Wise in hopes of reviewing a product and here it is. They were kind enough to send me their acne ointment. I have hormonal acne that has also been exacerbated by a medication I have been on for 3 years. My beautiful skin has declined greatly over the years and I am constantly seeking the major cure. I haven't found it but I have found ways to at least sooth and lessen the intensity of my breakouts. Thera Wise is now one of those helpers.

Ingredients: Salicylic acid (Salix nigra – Willowbark extract), Purified Water, Olive Squalane, Organic Aloe Leaf Extract , Sclerotium Gum, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Organic Tamanu Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Oat Beta-Glucan, Tea Tree Oil, Organic Peppermint Oil, Organic Tapioca Starch, Tocopherols, Witch Hazel Extract, Alpha Glucan Oligosaccharide, Marine Algae Extract, Denatured Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Levulinate, Organic Rose Hip Seed Oil

Salicylic acid (Salix nigra – Willowbark extract), Purified Water, Olive Squalane, Organic Aloe Leaf Extract , Sclerotium Gum, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Organic Tamanu Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Oat Beta-Glucan, Tea Tree Oil, Organic Peppermint Oil, Organic Tapioca Starch, Tocopherols, Witch Hazel Extract, Alpha Glucan Oligosaccharide, Marine Algae Extract, Denatured Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Levulinate, Organic Rose Hip Seed Oil - See more at: http://www.therawise.com/products/ac/#sthash.ERsaeTq3.dpuf

Salicylic acid (Salix nigra – Willowbark extract), Purified Water, Olive Squalane, Organic Aloe Leaf Extract , Sclerotium Gum, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Organic Tamanu Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Oat Beta-Glucan, Tea Tree Oil, Organic Peppermint Oil, Organic Tapioca Starch, Tocopherols, Witch Hazel Extract, Alpha Glucan Oligosaccharide, Marine Algae Extract, Denatured Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Levulinate, Organic Rose Hip Seed Oil - See more at: http://www.therawise.com/products/ac/#sthash.ERsaeTq3.dpuf

 Using plant based ingredients, no animal testing, Thera Wise AC+ acne one of the most natural products you could find on the market.

"Our products and packaging, manufactured in Canada, are BPA and Phthalate free. This means Théra Wise contains:

•     No parabens

•     No ethoxylated ingredients, glycols, DEA, TEA, BHT, BHA, synthetic dyes, silicones, hydrocarbons, phthalates, fumarates, amines, polyacrylamide, metacrylate, elastomer, styrene, nitrosamine releasers, aluminum and alumina Théra Wise is also passionately committed to being vegan-friendly, no insect- or animal-sourced ingredients and absolutely no animal testing (on raw materials and finished products)."

Our products and packaging, manufactured in Canada, are BPA and Phthalate free. This means Théra Wise contains:

• No parabens
• No ethoxylated ingredients, glycols, DEA, TEA, BHT, BHA, synthetic dyes, silicones, hydrocarbons, phthalates, fumarates, amines, polyacrylamide, metacrylate, elastomer, styrene, nitrosamine releasers, aluminum and alumina Théra Wise is also passionately committed to being vegan-friendly, no insect- or animal-sourced ingredients and absolutely no animal testing (on raw materials and finished products).

- See more at: http://www.therawise.com/about/#sthash.K8NllrrL.dpuf

My personal experience with Thera Wise Ac+ Natural Bio-Active Acne Ointment has been a positive one. It has lessened the strength and intensity of my breakouts, we well as not drying my skin out to the point of a painful irritation. It leaves an awesome tingly sensation on the skin which makes you know it's working, which also soothes the breakout area. The smell is pleasant and not overly potent like some acne medications. I personally recommend this product for anyone with mild to severe acne breakouts.

Thera Wise also specializes in several other products including: Skin healing ointment, hemorrhoidal cream, vaporizing rub, diaper cream and children's toothbrushes.

There is no need to harm animals to get results you want, Thera Wise is proof of that. You can purchase their products directly from their website www.therawise.com or from many participating retailers across Canada, which you can find linked on their website.

Thanks to Thera Wise for the opportunity to review and try this great product!

Thera Wise Ac+ Natural Bio-Active Acne Ointment

 Shopping Cruelty-Free in Canada

Obviously, this can differ very much depending on location. The west is different than the east and north from south. If you live in a small town it can also be a lot more difficult than if you live in a large city. Thankfully with the internet now places like well.ca, vitacost.com and iHerb.com no matter where you are, you can get bunny friendly products.

Sobeys, Lawtons and Shoppers are not listed on here simply because the selection is very inconsistent. Some Sobeys have a fairly large natural foods department, others do not. Lawtons have also been very hit and miss. Some of the Lawtons I have been to carry a lot of cruelty-free cosmetics, others do not. Shoppers has seemed to slowly get rid of everything cruelty-free, where they once thrived in that area. It's very sad to see since I used to really love Shoppers, however you can still find a few brands such as Live Clean and Yes To, as well as a few cosmetic brands. 

I thought I'd make a list of some of the best places I have found for cruelty-free shopping.

1. Health Food Stores: This is a pretty obvious hint but checking local health food stores is your best bet in most places. Even in small towns or cities, most places have at least one natural store. When you get into very small towns, that can be another story but if you can find one, go in! They normally carry a wide variety of supplements and vitamins and most also have at least a small section of cruelty free beauty, including shampoo, lotions, hair colour and more. Some stores also offer some natural foods, usually a lot of which are vegan-friendly.

2. Atlantic Superstore-- I say Atlantic because I have lived out west and truly found Real Canadian Superstore to be a joke. They carry very little in the way of natural products. Some have a small organic section with a few specialty vegan-friendly products but it's very limited. Obviously this may not be the case at every Western store but from my experience this is what I have seen. Where as the Atlantic versions all have a large natural food department, carrying not only cereals, snacks, vegan-meats and cheese but also having a large cruelty-free area with baby supplies, hair care, body care and cleaning supplies. They also normally carry Wet N' Wild and Live Clean products.

3. Winners-- Winners is one of my favourite stores to shop at now, not only because they have cool household products but they also carry awesome selections of cruelty-free beauty products and even vegan food items. They carry some unique brands I never see elsewhere, Moom, DermOrganic, Sibu and E.L.F. just to name a few.

4. Canadian Tire-- Depending on the size of the store, Canadian Tire normally has a great selection of cruelty-free cleaning supplies from companies like Method, Nature Clean and Earth Friendly Products.

5. Whole Foods-- There are only a handful of Whole Foods locations in Canada but if you happen to be in the area of one, it's an amazing store not only for vegan food but for cruelty-free beauty. In fact, I believe they even have a policy about only bringing in non-tested products (mind you some of the brands don't meet my standards).

6. LUSH cosmetics-- Again, this is not a place that happens to be everywhere, in every small corner of Canada but they do have a large amount of locations and are always expanding. LUSH makes awesome bath products, hair care, make-up and skincare, all of which are completely cruelty-free. Also almost all their products are also vegan and all vegetarian. If you don't have a LUSH locally, you can even order from the website.

7. Walmart-- Walmart tends to be a hit and miss when it comes to cruelty-free. Some have lots, some little, some none. But it is always worth checking. They do carry Hard Candy which is a cruelty-free cosmetic company. I've also been informed that they have started carrying E.L.F. Most stores also carry at least soy or almond milk and some locations also carry Yves and tofu products.

8. Bulk Barn--  Bulk Barn is mostly known for it's bulk foods but they also carry a small amount of cruelty-free cleaning supplies and beauty. I also wanted to include them on the list because they have a good selection of vegan food items as well, everything from soy milk powder to cookies, rice syrup, cereals, energy bars, Daiya's boxed products and much more.

9. Dollarama--  Note: Stock changes frequently, items may not always be available. I know, this one really is a shocker but Dollarama carries a few cruelty-free cosmetic brands such as E.L.F. and Wet n Wild. I've also recently found a brand called Delon which is based out of Montreal that is completely cruelty-free and the company has mostly vegan products as well, just look out for beeswax. They also carry almond and soy milk.

10. Bed, Bath & Beyond-- Believe it or not, one of the only cleaning supplies brand they carry happens to be a cruelty-free one, Method.

11. Marshalls-- Honestly, it's pretty much identical to Winners but that also means more cruelty-free products. They sell lots of cruelty-free cosmetics, hair care, skin care, etc. And also have a good selection of vegan snacks as well.

12. Sally's Beauty Supply-- If you are looking for hair dye, Sally's is the place to go. They carry Manic Panic, Arctic Fox, as well as, Ion which is cruelty free and mostly vegan (I believe all the hair dyes are vegan but some other products have keratin and silk.)

13. Saje Wellness--Essential oils, body care and more. Cruelty-free and mostly vegan, some products contain beeswax.

14. Sephora-- Check out Logical Harmony's Blog for a full list of cruelty-free brands.

15. The Body Shop-- Finally they have been acquired by someone other than animal testing giants L'Oreal. In 2017 they sold to Brazillian company Natura, who are completely cruelty-free, therefore The Body Shop is now in good standings again. They have a large selection of body care, some of which has honey so read labels.