It’s no secret we’ve proudly been plant-based since 1998—but true certification takes more than a claim. After two years of comprehensive independent assessment, we officially achieved certification from Vegan Australia in May 2019.
Today, Vegan Australia certification represents the gold standard in skincare, giving you complete confidence that what you’re putting on your skin is genuinely cruelty-free, ethically sourced, and 100% vegan—no guesswork required.
What Does Vegan Certification Mean?
The Vegan Certification Logo, developed by Vegan Australia, was created to remove uncertainty for consumers. With increasing concern about misleading “vegan-friendly” claims, certification ensures transparency and accountability.
When you see this logo, you can be assured that:
- The product contains no animal ingredients or by-products
- It has not been tested on animals
- The entire supply chain complies with strict requirements aligned with standards set by Australian regulatory and compliance authorities
This is particularly important in Australia, where consumer watchdogs like the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission emphasise that environmental and ethical claims must be truthful and verifiable (ACCC, 2023).
The Vegan Certification Process
To receive certification from the Vegan Awareness Foundation, we were required to meet strict, independently verified criteria aligned with standards set by Australian regulatory and compliance authorities.
No Animal Products
Every product must be completely free from animal and insect-derived ingredients such as eggs, milk, honey, lanolin, and silk. This aligns with definitions of vegan products outlined by Australian regulatory guidance (Food Standards Australia New Zealand, 2022).
No Animal Testing
We provided documented evidence that not only Botáni, but also our manufacturers and suppliers, do not conduct or commission animal testing at any stage of production.
This is particularly significant given global inconsistencies in animal testing regulations (RSPCA Australia, 2022).
No Animal-Derived GMOs
Genetically modified organisms derived from animals are excluded. While more common in food systems, the principle reinforces a fully plant-based formulation philosophy.
Common Animal-Derived Ingredients in Skincare
Many consumers are surprised to learn how frequently animal-derived ingredients appear in everyday skincare.
Common examples include:
- Beeswax
- Lanolin
- Collagen (from connective tissue)
- Tallow (animal fat)
- Silk powder
- Carmine (in colour cosmetics)
- Squalene (traditionally derived from shark liver)
Even ingredients like stearic acid or glycerine can be animal-derived unless specifically sourced from plants (AICIS, 2021).
Understanding ingredient origin is critical—because without certification, labels can be misleading.
The Vegan Alternative: Plant-Based Innovation
At Botáni, we formulate using high-performance, plant-based alternatives that deliver results without compromise.
Our hero ingredients include:
- Olive-derived squalane
- Kakadu plum and quandong
- Plant-based hyaluronic acid
- Coconut oil and olive butter
These ingredients align with the growing demand for clean, sustainable, and evidence-based skincare (CSIRO, 2023).
We also go beyond vegan standards by excluding:
- Petrochemicals
- Parabens
- Synthetic fragrances and colours
- PEGs and silicones
Why Certification Matters More Than Ever
The rise of conscious consumerism has led to an increase in vague claims like “vegan-friendly” or “cruelty-free”—terms that are often unregulated.
Certification from Vegan Australia eliminates this ambiguity by providing:
- Independent verification
- Full ingredient traceability
- Supply chain transparency aligned with standards set by Australian regulatory and compliance authorities
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, misleading environmental or ethical claims—often referred to as “greenwashing”—are a growing concern (ACCC, 2023).
A Commitment Beyond Skincare
We’re proud that Botáni is officially certified and recognised by Vegan Australia. But for us, vegan skincare is more than a label—it’s a philosophy grounded in respect for people, animals, and the planet.
“If we could live happy and healthy lives without harming others, why wouldn’t we?”
Edgar's Mission
Edgar's Mission
References:
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) 2023, Environmental and sustainability claims, ACCC, Australia.
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) 2023, Sustainable ingredients and future skincare innovation, CSIRO, Australia.
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) 2022, Food labelling and ingredient standards, FSANZ, Australia.
- RSPCA Australia 2022, Animal testing and cosmetics regulation, RSPCA Australia.
- Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) 2021, Cosmetic ingredients and chemical safety regulation, Australian Government.
- Vegan Australia 2019, Certification standards and licensing criteria, Vegan Australia.
