Guide · Rein
Animal care – without animal-derived ingredients
Marmot ointment, deer tallow, wool wax: the traditional stable first-aid kit is full of ingredients of animal origin. Many of these have a long tradition – but tradition is no guarantee of quality. This guide explains which animal-derived ingredients are commonly used and how modern grooming manages without them.
Specific formulation claim: no animal-derived ingredients
In brief
Many horse care products contain animal-derived ingredients such as lanolin, tallow or marmot fat. Arguments against this include ethical concerns, potential variations in the quality of natural animal-derived raw materials, and the principle of purity: no substances in the tube that do not belong there. The equion Hoof & Skin Gel contains no animal-derived ingredients – whilst delivering full care benefits.
Key findings
- Lanolin, tallow and Cera Alba are typical INCI entries.
- ‘Free from animal-derived ingredients’ is a specific statement about the formulation.
- ‘Vegan’ and ‘cruelty-free’ describe other, additional aspects.
- Modern gel formulations do not require heavy animal fats.
On this page
INCI Check 04
Specific terms rather than blanket labels.
Lanolin, tallow, Cera Alba or marmot oil are examples of animal-derived ingredients. equion’s formulation statement explicitly states what has been omitted.
Checkpoints
- 01
- LanolinNot contained
- 02
- TallowNot included
- 03
- Cera AlbaNot included
Understanding the category
Animal-derived ingredients: What’s in there?
‘Animal-derived ingredients’ are raw materials that are obtained from animals or derived from them and are used as starting materials in the formulation. None of these are ‘bad’ per se – but all of them are dispensable. The crucial question is: what does the substance do for the skin that a non-animal raw material cannot do just as well?
| Raw material | INCI examples | Origin | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool wax / lanolin | Lanolin, Lanolin Alcohol | Secretion from sheep’s wool | Ointment base, moisturiser |
| Tallow | Tallow, Sebum | Bovine or deer fat | Hoof greases and deer tallow products |
| Marmot fat | Marmot Oil / Fat | Marmot | Traditional ointments |
| Bee Products | Cera Alba, Propolis, Honey | Beehive | Consistency Agents, Natural Care |
| Milk Components | Lac, Milk Protein | Milk | Nourishing Additives |
| Fish Oils | for example, cod liver oil | Fish | Classic Hoof and Skin Ointments |
Classification
Three Reasons to Avoid Animal-Based Ingredients
1. The Ethical Question
More and more horse owners are making sure that the care they provide for their animals does not come at the expense of other animals—thinking this through consistently, from feed to the tube of care products. Those who share this stance often find fats or waxes of animal origin in traditional formulations. A formula free of animal-derived ingredients makes the decision easy.
2. Natural Raw Materials Vary
Animal fats and waxes are natural products subject to natural variations. Their composition depends on origin, diet, season, and processing. Those who want consistent batches and a streamlined, controlled formula are better off using defined, non-animal raw materials.
3. The Principle of Purity
A pure formula contains only what nourishes the skin—and nothing else. Animal-derived ingredients, which are often included in formulations primarily out of tradition or as a base for ointments, contradict this principle just as much as fragrances and dyes. Modern gel formulations do not require heavy animal fats.
Checking terms
“Vegan,” “cruelty-free,” “free of animal-derived ingredients”
- 01
Free of animal-derived ingredients: The formulation contains no raw materials of animal origin. This is a verifiable statement about the ingredients—equion makes exactly this claim.
- 02
“Vegan” as a label: This is generally understood to mean a formula without animal-derived ingredients and without animal-derived additives in the manufacturing process. There is no uniform, binding definition of the term for pet care; therefore, providers should specify exactly what they mean.
- 03
Cruelty-free: The term does not refer to the ingredients, but rather to testing practices. It describes a distinct, independent dimension.
Powerful. Gentle. Pure.
The equion Way: No animal-derived ingredients
We use ingredients free of harsh chemicals that are effective, gentle on the skin, and easy to use. equion contains no animal-derived ingredients. The formulation is carefully balanced for skin compatibility and daily use.
The absence of animal-derived ingredients is part of the PURE pillar: free of fragrances and dyes, no animal-derived ingredients—nothing in the tube that doesn’t belong there. Plus, GENTLE: no acids, no harsh chemicals.
Manufactured in facilities certified to ISO 22716, the production standard for human cosmetics. Packaged in medical-grade packaging. Made in Germany—manufactured in Germany under license.
Clear answers
Frequently asked questions
01Does the equion Hoof & Skin Gel contain animal-derived ingredients?
No. equion contains no animal-derived ingredients—no animal fats, waxes, or other raw materials of animal origin in its formula.
02Is equion vegan?
equion makes claims that can be verified: The formula contains no animal-derived ingredients. The product does not currently carry a formal vegan certification.
03Why do so many hoof ointments contain animal fats?
Out of tradition, and because animal fats have long been established as ointment bases. They are not a necessity for hoof care—modern formulations can do without them.
04How can I identify animal-derived ingredients in the ingredient list?
Look for INCI names such as Lanolin, Tallow, Cera Alba, Mel, Lac, or Marmot Oil. The table on this page provides an overview.
05Does a product without animal fats provide just as much care?
Yes. What matters isn’t the origin of a raw material, but its function in a balanced formula. equion soothes and revitalizes the skin—apply a thin layer 1–2 times a day, day after day.
Purely out of conviction
Skincare without animal-derived ingredients—try it now.
A clear statement about the formula: no animal-derived ingredients, no added fragrances or dyes.
Topic clusters