Vegetarian vs. Vegan Skin Care - Shining Light on the Controversial "V"

January 17, 2017

“Is your product vegan?” A question we get asked often. No, it is not. We have a small amount of beeswax in our product. But why do you want vegan tattoo lotion? The answer we usually get is, “I don’t want anything that is tested on, or hurts animals.” Awesome!  We agree with you. Susie Q will never, ever use an ingredient that is tested on or harms an animal.

What is the Difference Between Vegetarian and Vegan?

According to Cruelty Free Kitty, the difference between vegan and vegetarian skincare is the same as that of vegan vs. vegetarian diets. Vegetarians will still eat things like yogurt, dairy, eggs, and honey. Vegans will not. They will not consume or use anything that is or that came from an animal; so no honey, beeswax, royal jelly, propolis, etc.

As far as Susie Q tattoo aftercare and anti aging skin care products are concerned, the only ingredients we would ever use that would not be considered vegan are honey and beeswax.

The Truth Behind Beeswax and Honey

Honey and beeswax are 100% naturally produced by bees just living their everyday lives. Neither are items that can be “forced” to grow. Harvesting honey means you also harvest beeswax, as they are produced jointly, and removing the honey affects the beeswax.

Why Use Beeswax in Tattoo Aftercare?

Beeswax is prolific in the skin care industry and in natural tattoo aftercare products. Beeswax is used as a thickener, and makes an excellent firm texture that is not affected by temperature changes like other oils and butters (so your beautiful bag won’t be ruined by a melting tattoo balm). Beeswax is also much more ethical and healthy than the use of any petrochemical, which are the typical alternative thickeners.

Skincare products and tattoo lotions and tattoo ointments are all about the user experience. If you love the way it feels on your skin and the way it heals your tattoo, you are going to believe in the product. Our natural tattoo aftercare products have been specifically designed with ingredients that will bolster your body’s natural healing process.

Tattoos are hundreds of tiny wounds. Long before commercial wound ointments and burn salves, medicine men and women used honey and beeswax. Healthyfocus.org states that beeswax “helps skin stay hydrated and fresh by forming a strong protective barrier”. Beeswax is full of vitamin A and antioxidants, both of which help to promote skin healing. Beeswax has also been studied for its positive effects on patients with psoriasis and eczema. A 2003 study showed that 80% of subjects using products with beeswax in them “experienced significant improvements in their symptoms, which was based on redness, scaling and irritation”.

Beeswax has also been shown to help reduce itching

Anyone who has been on day four of a new tattoo can tell you all about the itching!! Susie Q Ink Salve (which contains organic beeswax) is superb for calming the itching and redness of a new tattoo. When used in conjunction with Ink Oil (the best soap for a new tattoo) most users say their tattoo is healed within seven days. This is all with minimal or no scabbing, which means little to no itching. The organic beeswax in the Ink Salve is one of the biggest reasons that tattoos heal so quickly and beautifully.

Just like the quality of meat you purchase at the store, the quality of skin care products that utilize organic, non-GMO beeswax or honey matters.  Look for products that use organic and non-GMO beeswax to ensure the highest possible quality. Choose cruelty-free products, so you can feel good about your purchase and love the art you’re in.

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