Vegan Guide
Vegan FAQ — Lifestyle
Short answers to real-world questions about veganism — food, health, shopping, and everyday life.
Lifestyle
Is silk vegan?
Not under the vegan definition: silk is insect cocoons. That is an ethical value (we do not eat it), but the material fact is simple — animal origin.
Are medicines and vaccines vegan?
Often not: gelatin capsules, lactose as a carrier, legally required animal tests. Veganism does not require refusing treatment. Ask for tablets instead of capsules when that is safe and available.
What is the difference between vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics?
Cruelty-free means: not tested on animals. Vegan means: no animal ingredients (lanolin, carmine, beeswax, collagen). A product can be one without the other.
Does a cough syrup with honey break veganism?
The definition talks about possibility and practice. Medicine you need is not a purity test. If a honey-free equivalent exists, it is fine to choose it. Do not drop treatment for a label.
Do vegans go to zoos and circuses?
The vast majority of vegans do not go to traditional circuses or zoos. Veganism is a philosophy that goes beyond diet — its foundation is opposition to all exploitation, captivity and use of animals for human entertainment or profit.
Do vegans wear leather shoes? What are the alternatives?
They do not buy new leather. Alternatives: PU/vinyl, canvas, rubber, cork, apple or mycelium leather, and second-hand if someone accepts extending the life of a pair that already exists.