PETA Guidelines

People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals

PETA have listed the items below as being derived from animals

and should be avoided by those who are vegan.

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Adrenaline.  A hormone, often found in medicine, is made from the adrenal glands of hogs, cattle and sheep.

Albumen.  A property found in milk, eggs, muscles, blood and many vegetable tissues and fluids.  In cosmetics, albumen is usually derived from egg whites and used as a coagulating agent in cakes, cookies, candies, and even used in "clearing" wines.

Allantoin, Alcloxa, Aldioxa.  This uric acid from cows and other mammals, is frequently used in cosmetics (especially creams and lotions) and in the treatment of wounds and ulcers.  The alternative is to use comfrey root or synthetics.

Alpha-Hydroxide Acids.  Exfoliants and anti-wrinkle products often used this acid that is frequently derived from animals.  The alternative is to use cosmetics containing glycolic acid, citric acid, or salicylic acid.

Ambergris. Made from whale intestines, this may be found in perfumes and as a flavoring in foods and beverages. 

Amino Acids, Alanine.  These acids are the building blocks of protein in all animals and plants.  Plant amino acids are fine to consume.  Meat amino acids may be found in cosmetics, vitamins, supplements, shampoos, and cosmetics.

Animal Fats, Animal Oils.  These may be hidden in a vast number of foods and cosmetics.  Instead, look for products listing olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, almond oil, peanut oil, or safflower oil in their ingredients.

Animal Hair, Horse Hair. Animal hair may be found in blankets, mattresses, brushes, furniture, toys, coats.

Arachidonic Acid. This acid is a liquid, found in the liver, brain, glands, and fat of animals, is found in animal food, skin creams and lotions (especially those used for eczema and rashes).

Arachidly Proprionate. A wax that is usually derived from animal fat.

Aspartic Acid.  This acid may be made from either animal or plant source.  Check with the manufacturer.

Bee Pollen. Bees do not manufacture the pollen; they collect it.  Pollen may be found in nutritional supplements, shampoos, toothpastes and deodorants.

Beeswax, Cera Flava, Honeycomb. Wax is obtained by melting honeycomb with boiling water.  This is widely used in lipsticks, face creams, lotions, mascara, eye creams and shadows, face make-up, nail whiteners and lip balm. 

Beer.  Many domestic beers use animal charcoal.  Drink organic beer or make your own.

Biotin, Vitamin H, Vitamin B Factor. These are found in every living cell, and in larger amounts in milk and yeast.  They are used as a texturizer in cosmetics, shampoos, and creams.

Blood.  Blood from any animal may be used as an adhesive in plywood, in cheese-making, foam rubber, intravenous feedings, and in medicines.

Boar Bristles. These hairs from wild or captive hogs are in "natural" toothbrushes and bath and shaving brushes. 

Bone Ash.   Animal bone ash is found in bone china and aquarium filters, and is often used to make sugar white in color. 

Bone Meal. Crushed or ground animal bones are in some fertilizers, vitamins, supplements, and toothpastes.

Brown and White Sugar. Most sugar refineries use animal charcoal filters.

Caprylic Acid, Caprylamine Oxide, Capryl Betaine.   May be used in many man-made products.

Triglyceride. This liquid fatty acid, which is found in many perfumes and soaps, may be made from plant oils, but is frequently made from cow's or goat's milk. 

Carmine, Cochineal, Carminic Acid. Derived from crushed female beetles, this red dye is used in cosmetics, shampoos, red apple sauce, red lollipops, and red food coloring.

Carotene, Provitamin A, Beta Carotene.  This pigment is found in all plants, but also in many animal tissues.  It is used as a coloring in cosmetics and Vitamin A.

Casein, Caseinate, Sodium Caseinate.  This milk protein is in non-dairy creamers, many cosmetics, hair preparations, beauty masks.  While it is in soy cheese, it is not present in soy milk, soy protein, and other vegetable milks.

Castor, Castoreum. Used as a fixative in perfume and incense, this creamy substance is derived from the muskrat and beaver.

Catgut.  The intestines of sheep and horses are used to make a tough string that can be found in surgical sutures, stringing tennis rackets, and musical instruments.  There are many synthetic fibers available as an alternative.

Cetyl Alcohol. This wax comes from sperm whales and dolphins.

Chitosan.  Many diet products use a fiber derived from crustacean shells as a binder.

Chocolate.  Milk chocolate contains milk and milk products.  Use carob and some forms of dark chocolate instead.

Cholesterol. An alcohol present in all animal fats and oils, nervous tissue, egg yolk and blood, is most often used in cosmetics, eye creams, and shampoos.

Civet. Used as a fixative in perfumes, civet comes from the organs of civet cats.

Collagen. Animal tissue is usually the source for this fibrous protein.

Colors, Dyes, FD&C Colors.  While many colors and dyes come from fruits, vegetables, and synthetics, some pigments come from animals.

Cortisone, Corticosteroid, Hydrocortisone.  A hormone used widely in medicine, is found in the adrenal glands.

Cysteine, L-Form.   An amino acid which usually comes from the hair of animals, is used in hair care products and creams, in some bakery products, and in wound-healing formulas.

Cystine. An amino acid found in animals that is used as a nutritional supplement and in emollients.

Down. Goose or duck feathers used as insulation in quilts, parkas, sleeping bags and pillows.

Duodenum Substances. Derived from cows and pigs, some vitamin tablets and some medications use these.

Egg Protein. Egg protein is used in shampoos and skin preparations.

Elastin. Similar to collagen, this protein comes from cows.

Emu Oil.  An oil from the ratite bird, it is used in cosmetics and creams.

Estrogen, Estrace, Estradiol. Hormones from cows or mares are used for reproductive problems, in birth control pills, and in menopausal drugs.  Considered a drug, they are also used in many skin-restoration creams.

Fatty Acids. Animal-derived acids are used in bubble bath, lipsticks, soap, detergents, cosmetics, and food.

Feathers. Coming from a wide variety of animals, feathers are used whole as ornaments or ground into shampoos.

Fish Liver Oil. These oils are used in vitamins, supplements, soaps, and in milk fortified with Vitamin D.

Fish Scales.  Scales are used in shimmery makeup.

Fur. Obtained from animals and used to make coats, gloves, accent pieces.

Gelatin, Gel. Protein from cow and pig bone marrow is used in shampoos, face masks, cosmetics, as a thickener for fruit gelatins and puddings, in candy, marshmallows, cakes, ice cream, yogurts.  It is on photographic film, in vitamins,  used as a coating for capsules, and is sometimes used in "clearing" wines.

Glycerin, Glycerol, Glyderides, Glyceryls, Glycreth-26, Polyglycerol. A by-product of soap manufacturing, this animal fat is present in many cosmetics, foods, mouthwashes, chewing gum, toothpastes, soaps, ointments, medicines,  lubricants, transmission and brake fluid, and plastics.

Guanine, Pearl Essence. Obtained from the scales of fish, this is found in shampoo, nail polish, and cosmetics.

Hide Glue.  This is the same of gelatin, but a more crude, impure form.

Honey. Made by bees, honey is used as a coloring, flavoring in foods, and an emollient in cosmetics.

Hyaluronic Acid.  Found in cosmetic oils, this protein comes from umbilical cords and fluids around  joints.

Hydrolized Animal Protein. This protein in is cosmetics, shampoo, and hair treatments.

Insulin. Produced from the pancreas of the pig, insulin is used by millions of diabetics daily.  Alternatives include synthetics, vegetarian diet and nutritional supplements, or human insulin grown in a lab.

Isinglass. A form of gelatin from fish used to "clear" wines.

Isopropyl Palmitate. This is a complex mixture of acids.  (See Stearic Acid)

Keratin.  A protein from various animals, keratin is in hair rinses, shampoos, permanent wave solutions.

Lactic Acid, Sodium Steroyl Lactylate. This acid is present in animal blood and muscle tissue.  It is also present in sour milk, beer, sauerkraut, pickles, and other food products made by bacterial fermentation.  It is used in skin fresheners,  as a preservative, and in the formation of plasticizers.

Lactose. Milk sugar from the milk of mammals is in foods, baked goods, eye lotions, tablets, cosmetics, and medicines.

Lanolin, Lanolin Acids, Cholesterin, Choline Bitartrate, Isoproply, Lanolate, Wool Fat, Wool Wax, Triterpene Alcohols. This emollient from sheep is in many skin care products, cosmetics, and medicines.

Lard. Fat from the hog is present in shaving creams, soaps, cosmetics, baked goods, French fries, refried beans, and many other foods.

Leather, Suede, Calfskin, Sheepskin, Alligator Skin. Animal skins are used to make wallets, handbags, shoes, furniture, car upholstery, and accents on clothing.

Lecithin, Choline Bitartrate. Most lecithin is derived from living organisms and is used in eye creams, lipsticks, liquid powders, hand creams, lotions, soaps, shampoos, and other cosmetics.  It is also used in some medications.

Linoleic Acid.  This essential fatty acid is used in cheese-making and in digestive aids.

Lipoids, Lipids.  Derived from both animals and plants, these fat-like substances are used in soaps, as a shortening (especially in some margarines), as a lubricant, and in paint.  Use vegetable oils as an alternative.

Maple Syrup. Some companies add lard to reduce the foam.

Marine Oil, Fish Oil, Cod Liver Oil.  Oils from fish are used in vitamins, supplements, and soap-making.

Methionine. This amino acid is used as texturizer and for freshness in potato chips.

Milk Protein. Milk protein is in cosmetics, shampoos, moisturizers, and conditioners.

Mink Oil. Many cosmetics and creams contain this oil from the mink.

Molasses. A by-product of sugar, lard is often added to reduce foam.  Use organic molasses.

Monoglycerides, Diglycerides, Glycerides. Made from animal fat, this is used in margarines, cake mixes, candies, foods, and cosmetics.

Musk Oil. Coming from a wide variety of animals (musk deer, beaver, muskrat, civet cat, otter), this oil is used in perfumes and in food flavorings.

Myristic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Myristal Ether Sulfate, Myristyls. This is an organic acid found in both animal and vegetable fats.  It is commonly used in shampoos, creams, cosmetics, and in food flavorings.

"Natural Sources".  This can mean animal or vegetable sources.  In the cosmetic industry, it usually refers to an animal source.

Nucleic Acids. Found in all living cells, these acids are in cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners, vitamins, and supplements.

Octyl Dodecanol.  Made primarily from stearyl alcohol.  (See Stearyl Alcohol)

Oleic Acid. Obtained from various animal and vegetables fats and oils, it is in many foods, soft soap, bar soap, permanent wave solutions, creams, nail polish, lipsticks, and other skin preparations.

Oleyl Alcohol, Ocenol, Oleyl Arachidate, Oleyl Imidazoline, Oleyl Stearate.  This fish oil is used in detergents, as a plasticizer for softening fabrics, and in medications.

Palmitic Acid, Palitamide, Palmitamine. Found in many animal fats and plant oils, this is used in shampoos, shaving soaps, and creams.

Panthenol, Panthenyl, Dexpanthenol, Vitamin B-Complex Factor, Provitamin B-5. Coming from both animal and plant sources, these are found in shampoos, supplements, emollients, and in foods.

Pepsin. This clotting agent that is used in some cheese and vitamins comes from pigs.

Placenta, Placenta Polypeptides Protein, Afterbirth. Animal placenta is widely used in skin creams, shampoos, and masks. 

Polypeptides. Made from animal protein, these are used in cosmetics.

Polysorbates. Derived from fatty acids, these are used in cosmetics and foods.

Pristane. This oil, often used as a lubricant, anti-corrosive agent, and in cosmetics, is obtained from sharks and whales.

Progesterone. This is a steroid hormone used in anti-wrinkle face creams.

Propolis.  This tree sap, gathered by bees and used as a sealant in beehives, is in toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and supplements.

Rennet, Rennin. Many coagulated dairy products (cheese, custard) use this enzyme from calves.

RNA, Ribonucleic Acid.  RNA from animal sources is used in many protein shampoos and cosmetics.

Royal Jelly.  Manufactured from honeybees, this jelly is often found in cosmetics.

Sable Brushes. The fur from sables is used to make eye make-up, lipstick, and artists' brushes.

Shark Liver Oil, Squalane.  This oil is used in lubricating creams and lotions, cosmetics, moisturizers, and hair dyes.

Shellac, Resinous Glaze. Often found in candy glazes, hair sprays, and on jewelry, this glaze is made from insects.

Silk, Silk Powder. Originating from the silkworm, the fibers are used in cloth (silk-screening, taffeta, silk fabric), and in coloring agents in face powders and soaps.

Snails.  Some cosmetics use crushed snails.

Spermaceti, Cetyl Palmitate, Sperm Oil.   Derived from sperm whales or dolphins, this oil is in many margarines, skin creams and ointments, shampoos, candles, and is used in the leather industry.

Sponge. Authentic sponge is a  plant-like animal that lives in the sea.  Use synthetic sponges or loofahs.

Stearic Acid, Dimethyl Stearamine, Stearamide, Stearamine, Stearates, Stearic Hydrazide, Stearone.   A fatty substance taken from cows, sheep and pigs, it is found in cosmetics, soaps, lubricants, candles, hair spray, conditioners, deodorants, creams, and chewing gum.

Stearyl Alcohol, Stearamine Oxide, Stearyl Acetate, Sterols.   These solid alcohols are often made from sperm whale oil and can be found in medicines, creams, rinses, and shampoos.

Steroids, Sterols.   Alcohol derived from animal glands or plant tissues is found in hormone preparation, creams, lotions, hair conditioners, and fragrances.

Sugar.  Most refineries use animal charcoal filters to process the sugar (both white and brown sugars).

Syrup.  Organic maple syrup is pure syrup.  Commercial brands often use lard as a foam reducer.

Tallow, Sodium Tallowate, Tallow Fatty Alcohol.  Rendered beef fat is wax paper, crayons, margarine, paints, rubber, lubricants, candles, soaps, lipsticks, shaving creams, and other cosmetics.

Turtle Oil. Soap, skin creams, nail creams, and other cosmetics use this oil from giant sea turtles.

Tyrosine, Glucose Tyrosinase. This is an amino acid from casein and is used in cosmetics and creams.

Urea, Carbamide, Imidazolidinyl Urea.

Vinegar.  Distilled white vinegar is made by filtering the vinegar through animal charcoal.

Vitamin A. Some of the ingredients in this vitamin come from fish liver oil, egg yolk, and butter, and can be found in cosmetics, creams, perfumes, hair dyes, vitamins, and supplements.

Vitamin B-12. While this vitamin can be made from vegetable sources, it usually comes from animal sources.

Vitamin D, Vitamin D-3, Provitamin D-2, Calciferol, Ergocalciferol, Ergosterol. These vitamins may come from fish liver oil, milk, egg yolk, and animal fats.  They are found in creams, lotions, cosmetics, and vitamin tablets.

Wax. Lipsticks, depilatories, and hair straighteners all use this glossy, hard substance which comes from animals.

Whey. This serum from milk is usually in cakes, cookies, candies and breads and is used in making cheese.

Wool. The sheep's "coat" is used to make clothing.

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