Grass-Fed, Pasture-Raised, and Other Animal-Sourcing Claims in Skincare

Introduction

Skincare products are made from a wide range of ingredients, including plant-based materials, minerals, and in some cases, ingredients derived from animals or animal agriculture.

Examples may include materials such as tallow, beeswax, honey, lanolin, or milk-derived ingredients. When brands communicate information about these ingredients, they may sometimes include sourcing descriptions such as grass-fed, pasture-raised, or ethically sourced.

These terms are intended to provide additional context about how the raw materials used in an ingredient may have been produced.

Understanding Animal-Derived Ingredients in Skincare

Animal-derived ingredients have been used in skincare formulations for many years. These materials may serve different functional roles depending on the formulation.

or example:

• Tallow is a rendered fat derived from animal sources and may be used in certain traditional skincare formulations.

• Beeswax is produced by honeybees and is often used to help structure balms and ointments.

• Lanolin is derived from wool and may be used as an emollient in some formulations.

• Honey is sometimes included in skincare products for formulation or marketing purposes.

Like many cosmetic ingredients, these materials typically originate within agricultural supply chains before they are processed and supplied to cosmetic manufacturers.

What Do Terms Like “Grass-Fed” or “Pasture-Raised” Mean?

When brands describe animal-derived ingredients using terms such as grass-fed or pasture-raised, these phrases generally refer to aspects of animal husbandry or agricultural practices associated with the source material.

Because cosmetic ingredient supply chains may involve multiple steps — including farming, rendering, refining, and distribution — these descriptions are typically based on information provided by suppliers or producers.

As with many ingredient claims used in skincare, definitions may vary depending on how the supplier or manufacturer describes their sourcing practices.

Why Sourcing Information Is Helpful

For some brands, sharing sourcing information is part of communicating the story behind their ingredients.

Providing additional context about ingredient sourcing may help explain:

• How the raw material is produced

• The type of agricultural system involved

• The origin of the ingredient within the supply chain

This type of information can help consumers better understand the journey of an ingredient from its original source to the finished product.

The Role of Documentation

When sourcing claims are used in product descriptions, supplier documentation may help provide additional clarity.

Examples of documentation that may support sourcing claims include:

• Supplier sourcing statements

• Ingredient specifications

• Agricultural sourcing descriptions

• Certification records, when applicable

Maintaining documentation can help brands ensure that sourcing claims are communicated clearly and consistently.

Supporting Transparency in Ingredient Communication

As interest in ingredient transparency grows, many skincare brands are exploring ways to provide more information about how their ingredients are sourced and produced.

Clear documentation helps support these conversations by providing context for the language used to describe ingredients.

At The Skincare Bureau™, our documentation-based review process considers the records associated with ingredient claims, including those related to sourcing descriptions. Our goal is to encourage clarity and consistency in how ingredient information is communicated.

A Broader Conversation About Ingredient Transparency

Animal-derived ingredients represent one part of the diverse range of materials used in skincare formulations. As the industry continues to evolve, conversations around sourcing, production methods, and ingredient documentation are becoming increasingly important.

Understanding how sourcing claims are used — and how documentation may support them — helps contribute to a more informed and transparent skincare marketplace.

The information provided by The Skincare Bureau™ is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or regulatory advice.