A vegan cleaning product contains no animal-derived ingredients and has not been tested on animals. In the UK, the most reliable sign is The Vegan Society's Vegan Trademark, which checks both ingredients and animal testing. Cruelty-free logos such as Leaping Bunny cover animal testing only, not ingredients. Beyond the logo, look for plant-based cleaning agents and watch for animal derivatives such as tallow-based soap, lanolin and beeswax.
"Natural", "plant-based", "eco" and "cruelty-free" are printed on so many bottles that it is easy to assume they all mean vegan. They do not. Each label answers a different question, and only one of them answers both of the questions vegans care about. If you are reviewing your whole cupboard, start with the core products UK cleaners actually use.
What Makes a Cleaning Product Vegan?
A product has to pass two separate tests to be genuinely vegan:
1. No Animal Ingredients
Nothing in the formula comes from animals, including hidden processing aids such as animal-derived enzymes or fats used to make soap.
2. No Animal Testing
Neither the finished product nor its ingredients have been tested on animals by the company or on its behalf.
That is why "plant-based" and "vegan" are not the same. A plant-based polish can still contain beeswax, and a fully plant-based formula can come from a company that tests on animals. Equally, a product can be eco-friendly without being vegan, because environmental labels do not look at animal use at all.
Which UK Labels Can You Trust?
| Label | Checks ingredients | Checks animal testing | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegan Trademark (The Vegan Society) | Yes | Yes | The strongest vegan assurance for household products |
| Leaping Bunny (Cruelty Free International) | No | Yes | Cruelty-free, but may still contain animal ingredients |
| "Vegan" printed by the brand | Varies | Varies | Not independently checked; look for an ingredient list and a testing policy |
| Environmental labels (for example EU Ecolabel) | No | No | About environmental impact, not animal use |
The Vegan Trademark standards rule out animal ingredients and any animal testing of the product or its ingredients by the company or on its behalf. The Vegan Society is also clear that its trademark is not an environmental certification, so a product can carry both a vegan and an eco label for different reasons.
Animal-Derived Ingredients to Watch For
| Ingredient | Where you might find it |
|---|---|
| Tallow and sodium tallowate (animal fat) | Traditional bar soaps, some soap-based cleaners and laundry bars |
| Lanolin (from sheep's wool) | Some polishes, leather care and wool wash products |
| Beeswax | Furniture polish and wood care |
| Shellac (from insects) | Some wood finishes and polishes |
| Stearic acid, stearates and glycerin | Can come from animal or plant fats; only the manufacturer can confirm the source |
| Enzymes | Biological laundry and dishwasher products; some are produced using animal derivatives |
Simple single-ingredient cleaners are easier: bicarbonate of soda, soda crystals, citric acid and white vinegar are mineral or plant-derived and contain nothing from animals.
Is Animal Testing Still an Issue in the UK?
Less than it used to be, but it has not disappeared. The UK government introduced a ban on testing finished household products on animals in 2015, covering detergents, cleaning products, laundry products and air fresheners. Testing of ingredients can still take place where there is a legal requirement or an exceptional justification. So "this product is not tested on animals" does not always cover every ingredient inside it, which is exactly the gap that independent certification closes.
How to Switch to Vegan Cleaning Without Waste
- Use up what you have. Throwing away half-full bottles helps no one. Replace each product as it runs out.
- Start with what you buy most. Washing-up liquid, multi-surface spray and laundry detergent make up most of a household's cleaning spend.
- Look for the Vegan Trademark first. If a brand only says "vegan", check its website for a full ingredient list and an animal testing policy.
- Swap the tools too. Plant-based cellulose sponges and Swedish dishcloths replace plastic sponges and rolls of kitchen paper.
- Keep a few basics. Bicarbonate of soda, citric acid and white vinegar cover many jobs and are vegan by nature.
Our Pick for Vegan Cleaning
Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner – Eucalyptus & Geranium
Described by its maker as vegan and cruelty-free, with 100% natural-origin, biodegradable ingredients and a plant-derived cleanser. One spray covers kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
View ProductQuick Summary
- Vegan means no animal ingredients and no animal testing.
- The Vegan Trademark checks both; Leaping Bunny checks testing only.
- Plant-based, natural and eco labels do not guarantee vegan.
- Watch for tallow, lanolin, beeswax, shellac and unspecified enzymes.
- Switch gradually, starting with the products you use most.
Shop Cleaning Products
Plant-based sprays, compostable sponges and reusable cloths for a kinder cleaning cupboard.
Shop Cleaning ProductsFrequently Asked Questions
What does vegan mean on cleaning products?
It means the product contains no animal-derived ingredients and has not been tested on animals. Independent certification, such as The Vegan Society's Vegan Trademark, confirms both.
Is cruelty-free the same as vegan?
No. Cruelty-free covers animal testing only. A cruelty-free product can still contain animal ingredients such as beeswax or lanolin.
Are eco-friendly cleaning products vegan?
Not automatically. Environmental labels look at ingredients' impact on the planet, not whether they come from animals or were tested on them.
Is washing-up liquid vegan?
Many are, but not all. Some contain animal-derived ingredients or come from brands that test on animals, so check for a vegan trademark or the brand's ingredient list.
Are bicarbonate of soda and vinegar vegan?
Yes. Bicarbonate of soda is a mineral compound and white vinegar is made by fermenting plant-based alcohol, so both are suitable for a vegan cleaning routine.
Are biological laundry detergents vegan?
Not always. The enzymes in biological detergents can be produced using animal derivatives, so look for the Vegan Trademark or ask the manufacturer.
Sources: The Vegan Society, Vegan Trademark standards; The Vegan Society, 30 years of cleaning with a clear conscience; GOV.UK, Ban will end testing of household products on animals; Cruelty Free International.