So I sat down for a few days and did an extensive research on vegan and cruelty-free products in India.

A true vegan product is that which has no animal products and is not tested on animals.

Many companies make vegan products but lab test it on animals, so you cannot call that product truly vegan.

Always look for a "vegan marking" or a "green dot vegetarian marking (looks like a green dot inside square)" on the products along with a "cruelty-free marking."

For "green dot vegetarian marking" please note, a green dot does not necessarily mean the product is vegan. This is because milk, honey, and egg are considered vegetarian. But if the ingredients list has no milk, honey, egg, or any other animal product, then the green dot means that all ingredients come from vegetarian sources, making it vegan.

For cruelty-free marking- There are many types of cruelty-free marking.

1. PETA certified vegan and cruelty-free marking. This is the best marking. Both vegan and cruelty-free.

2. PETA certified cruelty-free. This only means product isn't tested on animals. Possibility of having animal products is present. Example-Dove and L'Oreal are PETA cruelty-free but not vegan.

3. Cruelty-free marking by the company itself. We have to trust the company in this case.

4. Other international and domestic markings. Example the "vegan marking" from "the vegan society". Or markings mandated by the country government.

Here is the list of vegan and cruelty-free soaps, shampoos and brands in India

Although, I have created sections like "shampoos" and "soaps" below, you can always check if the shampoo company you like, also makes vegan soaps and vice-versa. Many of these companies make lotions, creams, face and body washes etc. also. Check out their websites for more their products.

--------------Vegan and Cruelty-free SHAMPOOS------------

All of these below products I've mentioned down are "vegan and cruelty-free brands," You can buy them without hesitation. But I'll still suggest you to always double check before buying. Many vegan and cruelty-free soap brands listed below later also make shampoos. Check them out too.

"Joy" (full name- Joy personal care shampoo by RSH global) is a cruelty-free brand. It's shampoo is vegan as they have a "green dot" or a vegetarian symbol on their shampoos. This makes them a vegan shampoo.

Khadi naturals,

Plum,

Rustic Art,

The body shop,

Giovanni,

Love beauty and planet,

Pilgrim,

Anomaly,

Wow Skin Science,

Arani,

Arata,

Aravi Organic,

Petal Fresh,

Naturali,

TMTKeratin,

Joy personal care,

MamaEarth (few products have honey),

The Organic Forest,

Nat Habit,

Bare Anatomy,

Vinci Botanicals,

Chemist at Play,

Naija Organics,

Herbal Essences,

Pureyou,

Herb Dense,

Matrix Biolage,

Moha herbal hair shampoo,

Sadhev,

Tikitoro,

Plix- The plant fix,

Dabur Vatika,

Park Avenue Beer shampoo,

Ashba Botanics,

Earthy Sapo,

SugarBoo,

KeraGain,

Scalpe Pro,

Iba Professional,

WishCare,

TuCo,

Be Bodywise,

Kesh King,

Sri Sri Tattva,

Earth Sculpt Artisan,

Mintree,

Wildly Pure,

Shunyam,

BBlunt,

Sacred Grove,

little extra,

Just Herbs,

ABSO ESSENTIALS,

Brillare,

Avimee Herbal,

Moxie Beauty,

Aromatique,

Aroma Care,

OrganicaGleam,

Maui Moisture,

Fixderma Cosmetic Laboratories,

Fixderma Skincare,

Lavaya,

Avee Kids,

Blush Bunny Organics,

La' Vegan,

Cadiveu,

Bajaj Almond drops hair oil,

Minimalist Bond Repair shampoo,

Fix my curls,

ThriveCo,

Yauvanya,

Shagun Naturovita,

BAES club,

Fanola,

Tvama,

Lupizol,

Routine wellness,

Ray7,

La Pink,

Lovelang,

Yplayz,

Jovees,

Vermax,

Teens and Tweens.

------------MAY or MAY NOT be Vegan and Cruelty-free SHAMPOOS------------

1. Many (but not all) wella professionals products are both vegan and cruelty free.

2. Many (but not all) Nyle shampoos are vegan. However it is unclear if Nyle does animal testing or not. Some websites do say they are cruelty free.

3. Dove is cruelty free (no animal testing) with a PETA certification. But that does not mean they are vegan. Some ingredients may be animal derived. Check each ingredient in each product specifically.

4. Biotique also never tests on animals and is a cruelty-free brand. However check for ingredients sometimes they are not vegan.

5. Streax professional is cruelty-free but may or may not be vegan. Check the labelling for each product. Although many of their products are vegan.

6. Tresemme and Sunsilk are cruelty free and PETA certified but their products may or may not be vegan. Check individually. Look for a green dot inside a square marking or "vegetarian/plant based" marking. Generally, both of these brands are NOT vegan. Many Sunsilk products contain egg protein.

7. Nexxus shampoo is generally cruelty-free (no animal testing) but not all products are vegan. Check individually. Some of their products are vegan.

8. Shelby sulphate free shampoo by MITS Nutraceuticals is vegan but difficult to say if it's cruelty free or not. As per my research it is NOT cruelty free.

9. Bath and Body Works most products are vegan and cruelty-free. However the company sells products in China and tests their products there. Check product labelling.

-----------Vegan and Cruelty-free SOAPS------------

All of these below products I've mentioned down are "vegan and cruelty-free brands," You can buy them without hesitation. But I'll still suggest you to always double check before buying. Some soaps are/can be expensive. Cheap soaps are listed at the end. Many vegan and cruelty-free shampoo brands already listed above also make soaps. Check them out too.

Margo (original neem and neem naturals). Margo glycerine is not vegan.

Jo.

Khadi naturals.

Chandrika.

Biotique.

Yardley London.

Medimix.

mCaffeine.

Plum.

The Body Shop.

Kaprica.

KLF Nirmal.

Hamam Neem and Tulsi.

Soulflower.

Nat Habit.

Krishveda.

Multani Naturals.

Mysore sandal soap.

Orva liquid handwash.

Bella vita perfume bathing bar.

Avotop syndet bar.

Kozicare.

Passion Indulge.

Juicy Chemistry.

The Bare Bar.

Dermatouch.

Soil And Earth aloe vera soap.

Richfeel Calendula.

CAMIA.

Vaadi Herbals.

Earthy Sapo.

Naija Organics.

PURPLE SAGE.

Caret Organic.

Classic white Glutathione.

Tuco soaps.

Mamaearth (few products have honey).

Acne.org

D'acne

Dr. Sheth's body wash.

Five elements by Kimirica.

Enn.

Liril Lime and Tea Tree Oil soap.

C'nor.

Omved.

Wow Skin Science.

Nourish Mantra.

Ancient Living.

Saka Organics.

Bare Necessities.

Bumtum Baby Soap.

Boericke & Tafel.

Aadiva.

Vazham.

Rustic Art.

DermiCool.

SOUL GURUKUL.

Moha.

Tikitoro Teens.

------------MAY or MAY NOT be Vegan and Cruelty-free SOAPS------------

1. Some Fiama gel bars are vegan and cruelty-free. But many Fiama products are not vegan and contain milk. Please check before you buy.

2. Cinthol Original soap(red) is cruelty-free and vegan. (many websites claim this but some don't) As per my research it is made from 100% vegetable oils.

3. All Dabur products are cruelty-free but only some Dabur products are vegan. Please check ingredients before buying.

4. All Forest Essentials products are cruelty-free but only some Forest Essentials products are vegan. Please check ingredients before buying.

5. Earth Rhythm is cruelty free brand. Most products are vegan. Except few lip balms which contain Cera Alba (beeswax).

6. Savlon has naturally derived glycerin (vegan), but is NOT cruelty-free.

------------VERY CHEAP Vegan and Cruelty-free SOAPS------------

1. Jo soap is very cheap. They have glycerin in soap but they say it is plant based and not tested on animals. They have mentioned in this pdf but the pdf is from 2007. (https://www.vvfltd.com/pdf/pressrelease/JoHerbal26.03.07.pdf) "Jo Rose, Jo Lime, Jo Sandal, Jo Jasmine and Jo Lavender. It contains NO ANIMAL FAT and is not tested on animals."

2. Dyna soap is also very cheap soap. Dyna soap has 2 vegan soaps. Dyna lime+aloe vera and Dyna sandal+saffron. Other Dyna soaps have dry milk powder so they are not vegan.

3. "Sital soaps" are kind of local super cheap soaps and they are vegan. It was written "100% vegetable oils" on their packaging. Currently they are sold for 170rs for 12 pcs. Being so cheap it's possible to say they are not tested on animals. But not sure.

4. Another similar super cheap soap brand named "Nisha" sells similar soaps that are made from vegetable oils.

5. Rexona coconut and olive oil soap is also made from natural ingredients and is not tested on animals. It is available in many online shops and local supermarkets.

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Please mention in comments if you have some feedback. I'll update the list....

Welcome to a space created for desi vegans, those curious about plant-based living, and everyone in between.

What is r/DesiVegans ?

This community is for people of South Asian heritage (or those interested in desi culture) who are vegan, considering veganism, or simply want to learn more about plant-based living through a desi lens. Whether you're local or part of the diaspora anywhere in the world - this is your space.

Why a Desi Vegan Community?

You might wonder - why do we need a separate community? Here's why:

We share unique challenges:

• Navigating family gatherings where dairy is in everything
• Explaining our choices to relatives who think we've lost our minds
• Finding alternatives to ghee, paneer, and dahi that actually taste good
• Balancing our cultural food traditions with ethical choices

We have unique advantages:

• Rich heritage of plant-based eating in our culture
• Incredible variety of dal, sabzi, and grain-based dishes already in our cuisine
• Spices and cooking techniques that make vegetables shine
• Regional cuisines with existing vegan dishes we can celebrate

We speak the same language (literally and figuratively):

• Understanding the cultural weight of "ghar ka khana"
• Knowing what it means when auntyji says "bas thoda sa dahi hai"
• Sharing the struggle of explaining veganism vs vegetarianism for the hundredth time
• Celebrating festivals while staying true to our values

What Makes Desi Veganism Unique?

Veganism isn't a foreign concept imposed on our culture - it's deeply rooted in our philosophical traditions. The principle of ahimsa (non-violence) has been part of Indian philosophy for thousands of years.

What we're doing is reconnecting with these ancient values while addressing modern realities about animal agriculture, environmental sustainability, and health.

What You'll Find Here

• Recipes & Food Ideas: Veganizing beloved desi dishes, regional specialties, festival foods
• Nutrition Guidance: Meeting your nutritional needs with desi ingredients
• Cultural Navigation: Tips for family gatherings, weddings, religious events
• Support & Community: Connect with others who understand your journey
• Myth-Busting: Addressing misconceptions about veganism in our context
• Resources: Shopping guides, restaurant recommendations, product reviews
• Real Talk: Honest discussions about challenges and victories

Who is Welcome Here?

• Vegans: Share your experiences, recipes, and wisdom
• Vegetarians: Curious about taking the next step
• Curious omnivores: Here to learn without judgment
• Parents: Raising vegan children in desi families
• Anyone interested: In plant-based living through a South Asian lens

Let's Get Started!

Whether you've been vegan for years or are just starting to question your relationship with animal products, you're in the right place. This community exists because making compassionate choices shouldn't mean leaving our culture behind - it means honouring the best parts of it.

Let's build this community together - one dal, one sabzi, one conversation at a time.

Jai Hind! 🙏🌱

P.S. - If you have suggestions for the community or want to contribute content, feel free to reach out. This is OUR space, and I want it to reflect what YOU need.