Veganism is more than just a diet—it’s a lifestyle that avoids using animal-derived ingredients in all products, including cosmetics, clothing, and even vaping.
Ethical consumerism plays a big role in veganism, as people are becoming more conscious of the ingredients used in everyday products. This has led to a rising demand for vegan-friendly vapes that are free from animal testing and harmful additives.
Many vapers assume that all e-liquids and vape devices are vegan, but this isn’t always the case. Some vape juice flavors contain castoreum, a substance derived from beavers, or carmine, a red dye made from beetles.
Even disposable vapes may include non-vegan additives or be produced by companies that test on animals.
As more people look for cruelty-free vaping options, brands are starting to provide certified vegan products. Companies like Kai’s Virgin Vapor, Hyla, and Velvet Cloud focus on plant-based vaping, ensuring their vegan e-liquids and devices align with ethical standards.
But how can you tell if a vape is truly vegan? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about vegan vaping, from e-liquid ingredients to vape product manufacturing and ethical concerns.
What Makes a Vape Product Vegan?
Not all vapes are vegan-friendly—some contain animal-derived ingredients, while others come from brands that test on animals. A vegan vape product means it is free from animal-based additives and is produced without animal testing. This applies to e-liquids, vape devices, and accessories.
Vegan E-Liquids: What’s Inside?
A truly vegan e-liquid is made from plant-based ingredients and synthetic flavorings. The two main components, Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG), are usually vegan, but some vape flavors contain hidden non-vegan additives like:
- Castoreum – A flavoring extracted from beavers, often found in vanilla and berry flavors.
- Carmine (Red Dye 4) – A red coloring made from crushed beetles.
- Honey & Casein – Occasionally used as sweeteners or stabilizers.
Vegan Vape Devices & Accessories
Most vape kits, mods, and coils are made from glass, plastic, or stainless steel, making them vegan-friendly. However, some accessories may contain animal-derived materials, such as:
- Leather-wrapped vape mods – Often made from real animal leather.
- Beeswax coatings – Found in certain vape components.
How to Identify Vegan & Cruelty-Free Vaping Products?
To ensure a vape product is truly vegan, look for certifications from well-known organizations like:
- Vegan Society – A global certification ensuring products contain no animal-derived ingredients.
- PETA-Approved Vapes – A cruelty-free certification that guarantees the brand does not test on animals.
- Leaping Bunny Certification – Ensures the entire production process is free from animal testing.
Why Avoid Animal Testing in Vaping?
Many consumers choose cruelty-free vaping because animal testing is unethical and unnecessary. Some vape brands still test ingredients on animals, which goes against vegan and ethical consumerism.
By choosing certified vegan vape brands, you support ethical vaping and help push the industry toward sustainable and cruelty-free practices.
Are E-Liquids Vegan?
Many people assume that e-liquids are automatically vegan-friendly, but this isn’t always the case. While most vape juices are made with plant-based ingredients, some contain animal-derived additives that make them non-vegan.
Understanding what goes into your vape juice is essential if you want to practice cruelty-free vaping.
Vegan Ingredients in E-Liquids
A vegan e-liquid should contain only plant-based or synthetically produced ingredients. The most common components of vegan-friendly vapes include:
- Propylene Glycol (PG) & Vegetable Glycerin (VG) – These are the two main base liquids in vape juice.
- PG is a synthetic compound and is generally vegan.
- VG is plant-derived, making it a preferred option for vegan vaping.
- However, in rare cases, VG can come from animal fats, so it’s best to check if it’s labeled 100% plant-based.
- Synthetic Nicotine vs. Tobacco-Derived Nicotine – While nicotine itself is plant-based, it raises ethical concerns due to its connection to the tobacco industry, which has a history of animal testing.
- Synthetic nicotine is created in a lab and is free from tobacco-derived sources, making it a more ethical option for vegan vapers.
- Some brands focus on tobacco-free nicotine (TFN) to ensure a cruelty-free experience.
Non-Vegan Ingredients to Watch Out For
Even if a vape juice seems vegan-friendly, some ingredients may come from animal sources. Here are some non-vegan additives to be aware of:
- Castoreum – A substance derived from beavers, sometimes used in vanilla, raspberry, and strawberry flavorings.
- Carmine (Red Dye 4) – A red coloring agent extracted from crushed beetles, used in some fruit-flavored e-liquids.
- Shellac & Gelatin – These animal-based substances are sometimes found in flavor carriers or coatings.
- Honey & Casein – Occasionally used as natural sweeteners or stabilizers in some e-liquids.
To ensure a vegan e-liquid, always check for certifications like Vegan Society or PETA-Approved Vapes, and look for brands that are transparent about their ingredients and production process.
By choosing plant-based vaping options, you can enjoy your vape while staying true to vegan ethics.
Is Vape Hardware Vegan-Friendly?
When we talk about vegan vaping, we often focus on e-liquids, but what about vape hardware? While most vape kits, coils, and devices are made from glass, plastic, and stainless steel, making them vegan-friendly, some accessories and disposable vapes may include animal-derived materials.
Are Disposable Vapes Vegan?
Not all disposable vapes are vegan-friendly. While the e-liquid inside can be vegan, the manufacturing process and some flavoring ingredients may not be. Some brands use non-vegan additives, such as:
- Castoreum (from beavers) – Found in certain flavored disposable vapes.
- Carmine (Red Dye 4) – A beetle-based coloring sometimes used in vape juice formulations.
- Animal testing concerns – Some brands do not follow cruelty-free practices, making their products non-vegan.
Vegan-Friendly Disposable Vape Brands
If you prefer disposable vapes but want to stay cruelty-free, look for brands that focus on vegan-friendly vaping, such as:
- Kai’s Virgin Vapor – Offers organic, plant-based vape juice in disposable options.
- Hyla – A nicotine-free disposable vape brand known for its vegan-certified ingredients.
- Fantasi Bar – Marketed as a vegan-friendly disposable vape brand.
Are Vape Coils, Mods, and Accessories Vegan?
Most vape coils, mods, and kits are made from stainless steel, glass, and plastic, meaning they are naturally vegan. However, some vape accessories contain animal-derived materials, including:
- Leather-wrapped mods – Some high-end vape mods use real leather, which is not vegan-friendly.
- Beeswax coatings – Certain vape accessories may have a beeswax finish, which is an animal-derived ingredient.
To ensure your vape setup is 100% vegan, look for brands that use synthetic or plant-based materials and avoid accessories with leather or beeswax coatings. Choosing vegan-certified brands or checking with manufacturers about their production process can help you maintain a cruelty-free vaping lifestyle.
By being mindful of both e-liquid ingredients and vape hardware materials, you can make sure your entire vaping experience aligns with vegan ethics.
Ethical & Environmental Considerations
Choosing a vegan vape isn’t just about avoiding animal-derived ingredients—it’s also about supporting ethical and sustainable vaping. Many vapers who follow a vegan lifestyle also care about cruelty-free practices and the environmental impact of vaping. Let’s explore why these factors matter and how you can make ethical choices when vaping.
Cruelty-Free & Ethical Vaping
Ethical vaping goes beyond just plant-based ingredients—it also means avoiding brands that engage in animal testing or make misleading vegan claims. Unfortunately, some vape companies may label their products as vegan-friendly, even though they:
- Use non-vegan additives like castoreum, carmine, or gelatin in their e-liquids.
- Source nicotine from tobacco companies that conduct animal testing.
- Lack cruelty-free certifications like PETA-Approved Vapes or the Vegan Society Trademark.
How to Choose an Ethical Vape Brand?
To ensure your vape products align with your vegan values, look for brands that:
✅ Clearly state their ingredients and avoid animal-derived additives.
✅ Carry cruelty-free certifications, such as Leaping Bunny Certification.
✅ Do not test on animals or partner with companies involved in animal testing.
Some well-known cruelty-free vape brands include:
- Kai’s Virgin Vapor – Uses organic, plant-based ingredients and never tests on animals.
- Velvet Cloud – A vegan e-liquid brand focused on clean, cruelty-free flavors.
- Hyla – Specializes in nicotine-free vapes with vegan ingredients.
Sustainable Vaping: Eco-Friendly Choices
Sustainability is another key factor in ethical vaping. While vaping is often seen as an alternative to traditional smoking, it still has an environmental impact—especially with the rise of disposable vapes.
The Problem with Disposable Vapes
🚨 Many disposable vapes create electronic waste and contain plastic, lithium batteries, and non-recyclable components.
🚨 Some vape brands use unsustainable materials that contribute to pollution and harm wildlife.
Eco-Friendly Vape Brands
To reduce your carbon footprint, consider switching to sustainable vaping options, such as:
🌱 Hyla – Offers nicotine-free, plant-based vape products with a focus on eco-friendly packaging.
🌱 Kai’s Virgin Vapor – Uses organic, biodegradable e-liquids to minimize environmental impact.
🌱 Velvet Cloud – Committed to cruelty-free, environmentally responsible production.
By choosing sustainable vape brands, avoiding disposable vapes, and supporting companies that prioritize ethical production, you can enjoy vaping while staying true to your vegan and environmental values.
Being a vegan vaper isn’t just about what you inhale—it’s about making choices that align with a cruelty-free lifestyle.
How to Identify Vegan & Cruelty-Free Vaping Products?
With so many vape brands on the market, finding truly vegan and cruelty-free products can be challenging. Some companies label their products as vegan-friendly, but they may still contain animal-derived ingredients or lack transparency about cruelty-free practices.
Here’s how you can make sure your vape products align with your vegan and ethical values.
Checking Vape Certifications
One of the easiest ways to verify whether a vape brand is truly vegan and cruelty-free is by looking for official certifications. These labels ensure that no animal-derived ingredients are used and that the product was not tested on animals.
🔍 Key Vegan & Cruelty-Free Certifications to Look For:
✅ Vegan Society Trademark – Guarantees that the product contains no animal-derived ingredients.
✅ PETA-Approved Vegan – Ensures the brand does not conduct animal testing and follows cruelty-free practices.
✅ Leaping Bunny Certification – Confirms that the entire supply chain is free from animal testing.
Many trusted vegan vape brands, like Kai’s Virgin Vapor and Velvet Cloud, proudly display these certifications on their products. If a vape company does not clearly state its certifications, it’s a sign that you should investigate further.
Reading Ingredient Labels for Transparency
To ensure you’re using 100% vegan vape products, it’s important to carefully check ingredient lists. Some e-liquids contain hidden animal-derived additives, even if they claim to be vegan-friendly.
🧐 Key Ingredients to Look For:
✅ Propylene Glycol (PG) & Vegetable Glycerin (VG) – Typically vegan, but some VG sources come from animal fats (always check the label!).
✅ Synthetic Nicotine – A tobacco-free alternative that avoids the ethical concerns of the tobacco industry.
❌ Non-Vegan Ingredients to Avoid:
🚫 Castoreum (from beavers) – Found in certain e-liquid flavorings.
🚫 Carmine (Red Dye 4) – A beetle-derived coloring used in some vape juices.
🚫 Shellac & Gelatin – Occasionally used in vape coatings or flavor carriers.
🚫 Honey & Casein – Found in some sweetened e-liquids.
To ensure e-liquid transparency, always check the brand’s website or contact customer support if an ingredient list is unclear. Ethical vape brands are open about their formulas and will readily provide detailed information.
Avoiding Brands That Conduct Animal Testing
Many e-liquid companies do not test on animals, but some tobacco-related vape brands may still be linked to animal testing practices. Large corporations involved in traditional tobacco production often conduct tests on animals to study the effects of nicotine.
🚨 How to Spot Brands That Might Conduct Animal Testing:
❌ Lack of cruelty-free certifications (e.g., Leaping Bunny, PETA-Approved).
❌ No clear information about their testing policies.
❌ Affiliation with tobacco companies known for animal testing.
Instead, choose brands that publicly commit to cruelty-free practices and vegan-friendly production. Kai’s Virgin Vapor, Velvet Cloud, and Hyla are great examples of ethical vape brands that avoid animal testing and promote plant-based vaping.
By following these steps—checking for certifications, reading ingredient labels, and avoiding brands linked to animal testing—you can ensure your vaping experience aligns with your vegan and cruelty-free values.
Common Myths About Vegan Vaping
As vegan vaping becomes more popular, many misconceptions have started circulating about what makes a vape product truly vegan. Some assume that all e-liquids are vegan, while others believe that nicotine is always cruelty-free or that vegan vapes are automatically healthier.
Let’s break down these common myths and uncover the truth.
Myth #1: “All E-Liquids Are Vegan”
🚫 False! Not all e-liquids are vegan-friendly.
While most e-liquids contain Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), flavorings, and nicotine, some also include animal-derived ingredients.
🔎 Non-Vegan Ingredients Found in Some E-Liquids:
❌ Castoreum – A beaver-derived flavoring used in some sweet and fruity vape juices.
❌ Carmine (Red Dye 4) – A coloring agent made from crushed beetles.
❌ Shellac & Gelatin – Found in certain coatings or flavor carriers.
❌ Honey & Casein – Occasionally used as sweeteners or binding agents.
✅ How to Ensure Your E-Liquid is Vegan:
- Look for Vegan Society Trademark, PETA-Approved Vegan, or Leaping Bunny Certification on the packaging.
- Choose brands that openly state they produce cruelty-free vaping products, such as Kai’s Virgin Vapor and Velvet Cloud.
- Read the ingredient list carefully and check for e-liquid transparency before purchasing.
Myth #2: “Nicotine is Always Cruelty-Free”
🚫 False! While nicotine itself is plant-based, its production raises ethical concerns.
Nicotine is derived from the tobacco plant, making it naturally vegan-friendly. However, the tobacco industry has a long history of animal testing, and many traditional nicotine products are linked to cruelty toward animals.
🐾 Why Some Nicotine Products May Not Be Cruelty-Free:
❌ Animal Testing – Some nicotine manufacturers test on mice, rats, and rabbits to study its effects.
❌ Tobacco Industry Ties – Many big tobacco companies conduct animal research as part of their product development.
✅ Vegan & Ethical Nicotine Options:
- Choose Synthetic Nicotine or Tobacco-Free Nicotine (TFN), which is lab-made and avoids ties to animal testing.
- Support brands that are committed to cruelty-free practices and do not fund animal research.
Myth #3: “Vegan Vapes Are Healthier”
🚫 False! Vegan vapes may be more ethical, but they are not necessarily safer.
Some people assume that vegan e-liquids are healthier because they avoid animal-derived ingredients. While cruelty-free vaping is an ethical choice, it doesn’t eliminate the health risks associated with vaping.
⚠️ Health Considerations of Vaping (Vegan or Not):
❌ EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury) – A serious lung condition linked to certain vape additives, especially Vitamin E acetate in black market THC cartridges.
❌ Nicotine Addiction – Whether plant-based or synthetic, nicotine is still highly addictive.
❌ Long-Term Effects – The health impact of vaping is still being studied, and research is ongoing.
✅ How to Vape More Safely:
- Avoid cheap or unregulated e-liquids that may contain harmful additives.
- Choose transparent brands that disclose all ingredients and avoid questionable substances.
- Stay informed about vape regulations and ongoing health studies.
Conclusion: Making Informed Vegan Vaping Choices
As the demand for vegan-friendly vapes continues to grow, it’s more important than ever for consumers to make informed and ethical choices. Choosing cruelty-free vaping products not only supports animal welfare but also promotes transparency and sustainability in the vaping industry.
Why Choosing Vegan Vapes Matters?
✅ Avoids Animal-Derived Ingredients – Some e-liquids contain non-vegan additives like castoreum, carmine, gelatin, and honey. Checking ingredient labels ensures that your vape juice aligns with vegan values.
✅ Supports Ethical & Cruelty-Free Brands – Many vape companies still conduct animal testing or use tobacco-derived nicotine from industries with a history of animal cruelty. Opting for brands with Leaping Bunny Certification, PETA-Approved Vegan, or Vegan Society trademarks helps eliminate animal exploitation.
✅ Encourages Sustainable Vaping – The vape industry is evolving, with brands like Hyla, Kai’s Virgin Vapor, and Velvet Cloud leading the way in eco-friendly vape production. Supporting sustainable brands helps reduce the environmental impact of vaping.
How to Make Ethical Vaping Choices?
🔎 Always Check Ingredients – Look for transparent e-liquid labels to avoid non-vegan vape ingredients.
🔎 Look for Certifications – Ensure the vape brand carries Vegan Society, Leaping Bunny, or PETA-approved labels for cruelty-free vaping.
🔎 Research Brand Ethics – Avoid brands that conduct animal testing or make misleading vegan claims.
Consider Synthetic Nicotine – Tobacco-Free Nicotine (TFN) offers an ethical alternative without ties to animal testing.
Final Thoughts
Vaping as a vegan doesn’t have to be complicated—by choosing certified cruelty-free brands, checking ingredient transparency, and supporting sustainable practices, you can enjoy vaping while staying true to your ethical beliefs. Whether you’re switching to plant-based vaping for animal welfare, sustainability, or personal health, staying informed is the key to making responsible choices.
By advocating for more transparency and ethical production in the vape industry, vegan vapers can drive change and encourage brands to create more ethical, eco-friendly products for the future.