10 Top Vegan and Cruelty-Free BB Creams (Drugstore & High End)

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If you’re like us, who view skin care as a self-care ritual and not just a mere beauty routine, then you know that the ingredients used in our products are just as important as the results they give.

And we love how makeup and skincare ingredients have been merged into one formulation today to give us the best of both worlds.

A tube of bb cream and a brush on a beige background.

Just like BB creams!

With the creation of BB creams, we can have products that give us hydration, sun protection, and coverage all in one!

Gone were the days when makeup was just that — makeup. Now, it’s so much more than that with the help of BB creams.

But what if we told you that there are cruelty-free, vegan BB creams on the market? That’s right: gentle on both your skin AND the environment!

While it seems too good to be true, we’ve compiled a list of the top cruelty-free BB creams that will up your beauty game without harming any animals.

So if you’re ready to know more about these must-have products, keep reading!

Physicians Formula Super BB Cream All in 1 Beauty Balm Foundation Cream SPF 30
Editor's Choice
  • With 10 beauty benefits
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Can also work as foundation
purlisse Perfect Glow BB Cream SPF 30
Premium Pick
  • Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin
  • Chemical and nano-particle free
  • Matte meets dewy finish
COVERGIRL Smoothers Lightweight BB Cream
Budget Pick
  • Comes in four shades
  • Lightweight 
  • Best for combination skin

What Exactly Is a BB Cream?

A BB cream is a one-step beauty product that combines the benefits of a moisturizer, foundation, and sunscreen into a single cream.

The acronym BB stands for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm.”

BB creams were initially developed to provide gentle coverage for post-laser skin treatment patients.

However, they quickly gained popularity as an all-in-one solution for busy women who wanted an easy way to get a natural, dewy finish.

While most people associate it with K-beauty products, the BB cream was actually created in Germany by Dr. Christine Schrammek in the 1960s.

It wasn’t until the late 2000s that South Korea popularized this product and made it a staple in every woman’s beauty routine.

Nowadays, you can find BB creams that come in the form of a tinted moisturizer, a foundation, or even a powder.

BB creams are also available for all skin types and tones, from dry to oily. The key is to find one with a formula that matches your unique skin needs.

BB Cream vs. CC Cream: What’s the Difference?

With so many beauty products on the market today, tracking what does which is hard.

BB creams and CC creams are often confused with each other because they seem to do the same thing.

But if you take a closer look, there are some critical differences between these two products.

BB creams provide sheer, light coverage to blemishes and imperfections. It has a light to medium consistency and is often used as a primer or base before applying makeup.

On the other hand, CC creams (literally color correction creams) have a slightly lighter consistency, but they provide more coverage than BB creams. Anti-aging ingredients also set CC cream apart from BB cream.

People who want to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles often use CC cream in their beauty routine.

The texture of CC creams is also ideal for people with oily skin. BB creams’ fluffy, airy texture can sometimes make oily skin look even oilier.

Choosing the Top Cruelty-Free and Vegan BB Cream

BB creams are not a one-size-fits-all product. There are different formulas for different skin types.

So before you add a BB cream to your cart, these tips will help you find the best one for your skin type. 

Look for Signs That the Product Is Cruelty-Free

Finding cruelty-free brands is not always straightforward and clear. The question is, how do we know which brands are true to their claim that they did not harm another living being in producing their BB creams?

Thankfully, there are things you can do to identify products that support the global initiative against animal testing. 

  • Look for certifications and logos from recognized organizations likes the Leaping Bunny or PETA.

    These certifications require absolutely no animal testing at any stage “of product development by the company, its laboratories, or ingredient suppliers.”
  • Make sure that the ingredients are already well established. New ingredients may need testing on animals to provide proof of their efficacy. 

    To be on the safer side, always choose products with proven and tested ingredients. This means less animal suffering and better results for your skin. 
  • Do your research. Ensure that a brand has a good reputation for cruelty-free practices and are transparent about their animal testing practices. You can also cross-reference your favorite brands on the Leaping Bunny database.

By keeping these things in mind, you can make more informed decisions and choose the top vegan BB Creams that are also cruelty-free. 

Consider Your Skin Type

Do you have dry skin? Oily skin? Sensitive skin? Combination skin?

Answering this question will help you narrow down your options and find a BB cream that caters to your specific needs.

For example, people with dry skin should look for BB creams that are hydrating and nourishing.

On the other hand, those with oily skin should opt for BB creams that have a mattifying effect.

And if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid BB creams with fragrances or harsh chemicals. A vegan, cruelty-free BB cream is your best bet to prevent irritation.

BB creams are also specifically formulated for people with acne-prone skin. These usually contain ingredients that help control sebum production and reduce inflammation.

Consider Your Skin Tone

You would want a BB cream that blends well with your skin tone. And usually, the best way to find your perfect shade is to go for a BB cream with sheer coverage.

Sheer-coverage BB creams come in various shades, from light to dark. This allows you to experiment and find the one that looks most natural on your skin.

It’s also important to consider your undertone. Do you have a cool undertone? A warm undertone? Or are you neutral?

Your undertone will affect the way specific colors look on your skin. For example, if you have a cool undertone, shades with a pink or blue base will look best on you.

But if you have a warm undertone, shades with a yellow or golden base will be most flattering.

If you have a neutral undertone, any hue will look perfect. 

Think of the SPF

SPF is essential when choosing a BB cream, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.

Look for a BB cream with at least SPF 30. This will help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

If you spend too much time on the beach or in the pool, you might also want to consider a waterproof BB cream.

Waterproof BB creams are designed to stay on your skin even when sweating or swimming. They’re a good option if you lead an active lifestyle.

10 Certified Cruelty Free and Vegan BB Creams You Can Buy in 2023

We have listed our 10 cruelty-free and vegan BB creams, carefully selecting brands that are sure to provide you with flawless coverage.

These products not only provide a flawless finish to your skin but also prioritize ethical and sustainable practices. 

Are you ready to transform yourself into a “beauty with a conscience”?

Here are out top 10 vegan and cruelty-free BB creams you should buy today. 

Top Cruelty Free BB Cream for Sensitive Skin

1
PURITO Cica Clearing BB Cream

We are always a fan of PURITO. And their BB cream certainly does not disappoint. 

Primary benefits: Skin-friendly ingredients; gives off a velvety finish; calms irritated skin; moisturizes the face.

Features: 

  • SPF 38
  • Skin-friendly ingredients
  • Artificial and  fragrance-free
  • With Centella asiatica and niacinamide
  • 100% cruelty-free
  • Added with allantoin and panthenol (helps calm skin irritations)

This lightweight BB cream blends into the skin, giving it a velvety finish with a pinch of glow!

 

Hailing from a Korean brand that launched many cult-favorite products, PURITO is taking their promise for sustainability and animal care into another level. 

Stamped with a Leaping Bunny seal, their Cica Clearing BB Cream is 100% cruelty-free, vegan, and eco-friendly. PURITO guarantees not a single ingredient in their product was tested on animals. 

This BB cream’s star ingredient Centella asiatica extract is also well known for its healing properties, making Purito Cica Clearing BB Cream a go-to option for people with sensitive, acne-prone skin. 

If this is your first time looking for cruelty-free and vegan products, using Purito Cica Clearing BB Cream is a pretty good start. 

Top For Hydration

2
E.l.f. BB Cream SPF 20

We love E.l.f.'s affordable yet high-quality products, and their BB cream is no exception. 

Primary benefits: Evens out skin tone, conceals blemishes; easy to blend; weightless coverage; brightens and hydrates the skin

Features: 

  • SPF 20 
  • Infused with jojoba oil, aloe vera and vitamin E
  • 100% cruelty-free and vegan

E.l.f. BB Cream foundation blends super easily, giving you a clean complexion with UVA/UVB SPF 20 protection.

 

E.l.f. did it again.

From a double-certified brand (Leaping Bunny and PETA certifiations) comes one of the top drugstore cruelty-free BB creams in the market.

Filled with skin-loving ingredients like jojoba, aloe vera, and vitamin E, E.l.f.’s BB cream will make your skin moisturized and radiant all day!

And the best part? The E.l.f. BB Cream SPF 20 is super affordable. 

So you don’t have to break the bank just to look pretty with a conscience.

Top Cruelty Free BB Cream For Anti-Aging

3
Andalou Naturals Perfecting BB Beauty Balm Natural Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30

We love how this works perfectly well with mature skin, thanks to its super antioxidants and age-deying ingredients that restores a youthful-looking glow.

Primary benefits: Perfects complexion, protects skin from the sun, and hydrates the face

Features: 

  • Infused with resveratrol and CoQ10, super antioxidants that boost dermal vitality
  • Fruit stem cell science
  • SPF 30
  • Verified gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty-free 

If you want something that's specifically designed for mature skin, then you need to check this out. 

 

Introducing the ultimate multitasker that does it all! 

This natural-tinted beauty balm not only evens out your skin tone, but also provides SPF 30 protection against harmful UV rays.

Infused with anti-aging ingredients, it helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a youthful glow. 

Perfect for those who want to simplify their beauty routine without compromising on results. 

Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing Andalou Naturals is one of the most vetted cruelty-free, GF-free, and vegan brands in the market. 

So get ready to flaunt flawless, radiant skin with Andalou Naturals Perfecting BB Beauty Balm Natural Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30!

Top Cruelty Free BB Cream for Oily Skin

4
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil, Lightweight BB Cream

We love NYX providing us with professional makeup looks that are accessible to everyone.  With 12 different shades, you can easily find a tint that matches your skin tone. 

Primary benefits: Leaves the face with a satiny feel; glowing complexion; hydrating and moisturizing; conceals imperfections

Features: 

  • Concealer and moisturizer in one
  • Perfect for "no makeup" makeup looks
  • Bears the Leaping Bunny Logo  

If you want something that gives you a natural "no makeup" look, then this is the BB cream for you.

 

We conducted our research, and to our happy surprise, NYX bears the Leaping Bunny logo!

We are happy to introduce one of the most promising products on our list.

Say hello to your new go-to for effortless, natural-looking coverage: the NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil! 

Giving a satin finish, the Tinted Skin Veil makes it the perfect BB cream for oily skin while delivering potent skin hydration for up to eight hours!

It’s super lightweight and won’t clog your pores. Plus, it blurs imperfections and evens the skin tone, leaving you with a flawless complexion.

Top Lightweight BB Cream

5
Physicians Formula Super BB Cream All in 1 Beauty Balm Foundation Cream SPF 30

Who will not fall in love with an all-in-one miracle cream?

Primary benefits: Refines skin's texture; primes and perfects the face; UVA/UVB protection; brightens the skin 

Features: 

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Fragrance-free
  • SPF 30 
  • PETA-certified 
  • Skin Cancer Foundation recommended for daily use

Simplify your morning beauty routine with the benefits of moisturizer, foundation, and SPF protection in one easy to use product!

 

Carefully crafted to meet the most stringent standards, Physicians Formula Super BB Cream All-in-One Beauty Balm gives you an all-in-one miracle cream.

Bearing a PETA certification and made with effective plant-based ingredients, this ultra-blendable and lightweight beauty cream effortlessly glides on your skin, leaving a smooth, glowing, and naturally flawless look.

Infused with a hint of almond scent, this all-in-one beauty balm will give you a pleasant experience every time you use it. 

Top Sheer Moisturizer

6
Pacifica Beauty Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream

We love the skin-loving ingredients of Pacifica Beauty Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream.

Primary benefits: Diminish the appearance of pores, fine lines, and uneven tone; hydrates, primes, illuminates, and perfects skin with a sheer finish.

Features: 

  • With specialized mineral pigments
  • Infused with coconut water, hyalunonic acid, and plant stem cells
  • 100% cruelty-free and vegan

This light fluid formula gives you a dewy, radiant, bare-faced finish, perfect for an everyday look!

 

In addition to their cruelty-free and vegan certifications, Pacifica Beauty partnered with Plastic Collective for another sustainable initiative. 

If you are a fan of Pacifica Beauty’s compassionate cosmetics, then you’ll also love Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream. 

Made with coconut water, plant stem cells, and aloe vera, you will get all the hydration your skin needs, topped with a sheer moisturizing tint. 

It is also loaded with hyaluronic acid, which helps lock in moisture, giving you a plump, dewy, and healthy-looking skin while  reducing the appearance of pores, fine lines, and uneven tone.

Moreover, its specialized mineral pigments will instantly adjust to your skin tone!

Top Sun Protection

7
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face BB Cream SPF 50

With a SPF 50 sun protection, this BB cream is perfect for people who loves the outdoors craving for maximum sun defense!

Primary benefits: Moisturizes the skin; protects skin from the sun; matte finish; non-greasy 

Features: 

  • 100% mineral sunscreen
  • Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
  • Unique combination of antioxidant rich botanicals
  • Can work as a foundation
  • PETA Global Beauty Without Bunnies logo

Sunscreen and BB cream in one? Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face BB Cream SPF 50 got you covered.

 

Australian Gold has always been our favorite choice for products that offer maximum solar defense. Not to mention, it shares the same values and ethics when it comes to guilt-free beauty products. 

Discover the fragrance-free and mattifying feel of the Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Lotion for worry-free days in the sun!

It is perfect for people like us looking for coverage while getting the maximum sun protection.

This oil-free BB cream is made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two of the top ingredients for sunscreen and can withstand water for up to 80 minutes. 

Infused with native Australian botanicals, like eucalyptus and red algae, this BB cream provides vitamins and antioxidants for a powdery-clean feel every day! 

Top Budget Cruelty Free BB Cream

8
COVERGIRL Smoothers Lightweight BB Cream

We love Purlisse's BB cream for its Asian herb extract complex that brightens the skin and lightens stubborn dark spots!

Primary benefits: Soothes the skin and gives it a healthy-looking glow; brightens the skin; lightens dark spots and skin blemishes

Features: 

  • With gogi, hawthorn berry, and jasmine to help improve skin texture 
  • Infused with sugar maple that retains moisture 
  • SPF 30
  • Comes in 11 shades
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

This BB cream reduces the look of impurities!

 

Another must-have cruelty-free, Leaping Bunny certified product on our list. 

The fragrance-free and non-greasy, COVERGIRL Smoothers Lightweight BB Cream provides the holy trinity in makeup — hydration, sun protection, and coverage.

This BB cream is available in three shades and has a lightweight formula that glides smoothly on the skin.

It provides enough coverage to even out your skin tone and blur imperfections without feeling heavy or looking cakey.

Plus, it has broad-spectrum SPF 21 to keep you protected from the sun’s harmful rays. 

The result? 

A natural-looking radiance with a lightweight formula that leaves skin supple and radiant.

Plus, you get all these skin-loving benefits at a very affordable price!

Top Skin Brightening BB Cream

9
Purlisse Perfect Glow BB Cream SPF 30

We love Purlisse's BB cream for its Asian herb extract complex that brightens the skin and lightens stubborn dark spots!

Primary benefits: Soothes the skin and gives it a healthy-looking glow; brightens the skin; lightens dark spots and skin blemishes

Features: 

  • With gogi, hawthorn berry, and jasmine to help improve skin texture 
  • Infused with sugar maple that retains moisture 
  • SPF 30
  • Comes in 11 shades
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

This BB cream reduces the look of impurities!

 

With the smooth texture of a tinted moisturizer, the SPF benefits of a sunscreen, and the sheer coverage of a lightweight foundation, purlisse Perfect Glow BB Cream does it all.

Matte meets dewy skin when it comes to this BB cream as it’s formulated with both mattifying and hydrating properties.

Best part? 

You can relax in the knowledge that all Purlisse beauty products are both kind to animals (as reviewed by Blinghive and Cruel-Free Kitty) and kind to your skin!

Top All Natural BB Cream

10
Burt's Bees BB Cream with SPF 15

Who does not love the Health Beauty Awards winner Burt’s Bees? 

Primary benefits: Hides imperfections; blurs pores; hides imperfection; lightweight foundation; evens out skin tone

Features: 

  • With noni extract, a potent antioxidant
  • Anti-wrinkle cream
  • Natural makeup
  • Three ultra-flattering mineral-rich shades
  • SPF 15
  • Made with 98.9% natural ingredients
  • Leaping Bunny Seal

The natural ingredients in this BB cream will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

 

Made of natural ingredients, Burt’s Bees BB Cream is a good choice for people who are looking for an affordable yet clinically tested cruelty-free BB cream.

This BB cream is infused with SPF 15 and noni extract, a powerful antioxidant, to help improve the appearance of your skin while shielding you from UVA and UVB rays.

And this mineral-rich face lotion visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles!

Like all Burt’s Bees products, this BB cream is free of parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and SLS. They also do not test its products on animals nor ask others to do so on their behalf.

You’ll see the Leaping Bunny seal on their packaging that reinforces thier commitment.

Why Choose Vegan and Cruelty-Free Brands?

You might be wondering, why make the switch?

Beauty is now becoming conscious and cruelty-free. 

On that note, it’s time to switch to vegan and cruelty-free BB cream brands. Not only are these brands better for the planet and its inhabitants, they also offer a host of benefits for your skin.

Vegan and cruelty-free BB creams are made without animal products or byproducts containing harmful chemicals that can cause skin irritations or other health problems. 

Instead, vegan brands use natural and plant-based ingredients, such as coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera, that gently yet effectively nourish and hydrate the skin.

Moreover, vegan and cruelty-free BB creams are mild on the skin, making them suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Given their plant-based formulations, they do not contain harsh chemicals that cause skin irritation and cause breakouts. 

Instead, you are provided a lightweight, breathable coverage that enhances your natural beauty.

But the benefits of choosing vegan and cruelty-free BB creams don’t stop there. By buying these brands, you’re also supporting ethical and sustainable practices that prioritize the well-being of animals and the environment. 

These brands also use sustainable packaging materials, minimize waste, and support local and ethical suppliers.

Choosing to go vegan and cruelty-free is a win-win situation. 

You get to enjoy the benefits of high-quality, natural ingredients that nourish and enhance your skin, while also supporting ethical and sustainable practices.

By choosing vegan and cruelty-free brands, you can enjoy high-quality beauty products while also making a positive impact on the world around you.

So the next time you’re shopping for beauty products, consider choosing vegan and cruelty-free brands. Your skin and the planet will thank you!

Beauty Is Easily Achieved With These Cruelty-Free BB Creams

Many people don’t realize that several popular beauty brands test their products on innocent animals. You don’t have to support that cruelty.

A makeup brush and a bb cream texture on a marble surface.

So we’ve scoured the internet and compiled a list of the top cruelty-free BB creams for you to make an ethical switch. 

Our top 10 cruelty-free BB creams are all great options that will up your beauty game without compromising your values.

From lightweight formulas to full-coverage BB creams, these picks offer a range of benefits, such as hydration, sun protection, and anti-aging properties.

By opting for a cruelty-free BB cream, you can enhance your natural beauty with peace of mind knowing that no animals were harmed in the process and that only plant-based ingredients touch your skin.

Circle back to this blog post and take a look when you’re about to buy one!

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Author

  • Stephanie Martin

    Stephanie Martin blends her beauty industry background with expertise in communications to lead in the fashion and beauty world. As a fashion and beauty editor, she is known for engaging and informative articles. Her lifelong passion for fashion, makeup, and hair shines through her work, earning her widespread respect among readers and clients. Stephanie's style, a mix of classic and contemporary, makes her a dynamic and influential figure in the industry, inspiring others with her knowledgeable and approachable insights.

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