Cosmetics & Beauty
European cosmetic brands with the world's strictest safety standards – the EU bans over 1,300 ingredients.
EU Cosmetics vs. US Cosmetics: A Huge Difference
The EU bans over 1,300 ingredients in cosmetics – the US only 11. Many products sold in the US (e.g., with formaldehyde, high concentrations of parabens, mercury) are banned in Europe. EU cosmetics are measurably safer.
Quick Switch
From US cosmetic brands to European alternatives
All Brands in Detail
Hand-picked European cosmetic brands – verified for quality and standards.
L'Oréal
Global cosmetics leader from Paris – since 1909
- World's largest cosmetics company for over 100 years
- Over 35 international brands for every budget
- Own research laboratories with 3,800 scientists
- Sustainability: L'Oréal for the Future until 2030
KIKO Milano
Italian cosmetics production with EU quality standards
- Professional quality at affordable prices
- Over 1,000 products in permanent range
- Own stores – no intermediaries
- Cruelty-free and vegan product lines available
Catrice
German cosmetics development according to EU testing standards
- Make-up from €3.99 – most affordable EU quality make-up
- Over 90% of products vegan and cruelty-free
- Available in over 80 countries
- Trendy limited editions every 6 weeks
Lavera
NATRUE-certified natural cosmetics from German production
- NATRUE-certified natural cosmetics
- No silicones, PEGs or paraffins
- 100% cruelty-free and vegan-certified
- Organic-certified ingredients from sustainable cultivation
Yves Rocher
Botanical cosmetics directly from the heart of Brittany
- Complete supply chain control – from field to product
- Own plantations in Brittany
- Over 3,000 products on botanical basis
- Committed to zero deforestation
Quick Compare
| Provider | Country | Top Feature | Alternative To | Price (From) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L'Oréal | 🇫🇷 France | World's largest cosmetics company for over 100 years | instead of MAC / Maybelline (US) | Day cream from €8 · Foundation from €12 · Fragrance collections from €40 |
| KIKO Milano | 🇮🇹 Italy | Professional quality at affordable prices | instead of MAC / NYX | Lipstick from €7.99 · Foundation from €12.99 · Eyeshadow palette from €14.99 |
| Catrice | 🇩🇪 Germany | Make-up from €3.99 – most affordable EU quality make-up | instead of Maybelline / e.l.f. | Lipstick from €3.99 · Foundation from €5.99 · Mascara from €4.99 |
| Lavera | 🇩🇪 Germany | NATRUE-certified natural cosmetics | instead of conventional US cosmetics | Face cream from €12 · Shampoo from €7 · Make-up from €9.99 |
| Yves Rocher | 🇫🇷 France | Complete supply chain control – from field to product | instead of MAC / Clinique | Facial care from €9.90 · Body care from €5.90 · Make-up from €8.90 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are EU cosmetics safer than US cosmetics?
The EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 bans over 1,300 ingredients. The US has only about 11 banned substances in cosmetics. Many ingredients that are legal in US products (such as certain formaldehyde releasers or hormone-active substances) are banned in the EU.
Are there affordable European makeup alternatives?
Yes – Catrice is the most affordable option: lipsticks from €3.99, mascara from €4.99. The German company is available in almost every dm and Rossmann store and offers over 90% vegan and cruelty-free products.
Which European brands are cruelty-free?
Catrice (over 90% of products vegan and cruelty-free), Lavera (100% cruelty-free and NATRUE certified) and KIKO Milano (vegan product lines available) are the best options for cruelty-free European cosmetics.