National Vegan Lipstick Day

National Vegan Lipstick Day is observed annually on February 28. This day celebrates the cosmetic industry’s shift toward animal-friendly and sustainable products, focusing specifically on lipsticks that contain no animal-derived ingredients or by-products. The holiday encourages consumers to explore cruelty-free beauty options and highlights the innovation required to create high-performance makeup using only plant-based or synthetic materials.

Read also about National Lipstick Day and World Vegan Day

History of National Vegan Lipstick Day

The holiday was established in 2020 by the American makeup brand CakeLipps. The founders, sisters Tammy and Bertha, chose February 28 for the observance to honor their grandmother, known as Grandma Bert, who was born on this date. By launching this national day, the sisters aimed to combine a personal tribute with a professional mission to educate the public about the importance of ethical cosmetics. The inaugural celebration marked a growing trend in the beauty industry where transparency and compassion are prioritized alongside aesthetic quality.

While lipstick has been used for over 5,000 years, dating back to Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, the transition to vegan formulas is a relatively modern development. Historically, many lip products relied on ingredients like beeswax for structure and carmine—a red pigment made from crushed cochineal insects—for color. The rise of National Vegan Lipstick Day reflects the success of the cruelty-free movement that began in the late 20th century, pushed forward by organizations like Leaping Bunny and global legislative bans on animal testing in the 2010s.

Why is National Vegan Lipstick Day important?

This day is important because it brings attention to the hidden animal products frequently found in traditional cosmetics. Many consumers are unaware that their favorite shades might contain tallow (animal fat), lanolin (sheep wool oil), or squalene (shark liver oil). By highlighting vegan alternatives, the holiday empowers individuals to make shopping choices that align with their personal values regarding animal welfare. It serves as a reminder that beauty does not have to come at the expense of sentient beings.

Furthermore, the holiday promotes the environmental benefits of plant-based beauty. Vegan lipsticks often utilize natural oils like jojoba, avocado, and shea butter, which are frequently sourced through more sustainable agricultural practices than animal-based fats. The celebration also debunks the myth that vegan makeup is less effective or less vibrant than standard products. Modern chemistry allows vegan lipsticks to offer the same long-lasting wear, rich pigmentation, and moisturizing properties as traditional versions, proving that ethical products can meet professional standards.

• It honors the legacy of Grandma Bert and the founding of the CakeLipps brand.
• The day educates consumers on how to identify animal-derived pigments like carmine.
• It supports the global move toward cruelty-free and “clean” beauty standards.
• The holiday highlights the environmental advantages of using plant-based waxes and oils.
• It encourages beauty brands to innovate with high-quality, synthetic, and natural alternatives.

How to Celebrate National Vegan Lipstick Day

To celebrate this day, many makeup enthusiasts conduct a “makeup bag audit” to check the ingredients of their current lip products. Looking for the V-label or the Leaping Bunny logo is a quick way to verify if a product is truly vegan and cruelty-free. Many people choose to mark the occasion by purchasing a new shade from a dedicated vegan brand, often taking advantage of special holiday discounts. Experimenting with a bold new color, such as a deep berry or a classic red made with plant-based dyes, is a popular way to share the holiday spirit.

Social media plays a large role in the celebration, with participants posting photos of their favorite vegan lip looks using the holiday’s official hashtag. Some choose to host “pucker up parties” or DIY workshops where they create their own lip balms or lipsticks using simple ingredients like coconut oil and beetroot powder for tint. Beyond personal use, the day is an opportunity to advocate for animal rights by sharing information with friends and family about why choosing vegan cosmetics is a small but impactful step toward a more humane world.

• Check the ingredient labels of your current lipsticks for beeswax or carmine.
• Purchase a new lipstick from a brand that is certified vegan and cruelty-free.
• Share a selfie of your favorite vegan lip shade on social media to spread awareness.
• Educate a friend about the difference between vegan and cruelty-free certifications.
• Try making a simple DIY lip tint at home using natural plant-based ingredients.

National Vegan Lipstick Day Dates Table