Hidden Mammal-Derived Ingredients in Skincare

If you live with Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), you already know avoiding mammalian meats is only part of the challenge. Many personal care products, from moisturizers to makeup, contain ingredients quietly derived from mammals.

At Fyrn™, we believe in complete transparency. Here’s what to watch for and how we replace them with safe, plant-based alternatives. For a handy pocket-sized guide to hidden mammal ingredients found in many skincare products, click HERE.

Common Mammal-Derived Ingredients to Avoid

Lanolin

• Comes from sheep’s wool grease. Used as a moisturizer in lip balms, creams, and ointments.
• Fyrn™ alternative: Plant-based emollients from shea, cocoa (mammal-free sourcing), and mango butters.

Tallow

• Rendered animal fat, often used in soaps and shaving products.
• Fyrn™ alternative: Plant oils like coconut, olive, and sunflower.

Gelatin

• Collagen extracted from animal bones, skin, and connective tissue. Used as a thickener in gels and some cosmetics.
• Fyrn™ alternative: Plant-derived thickeners like agar, xanthan gum, and guar gum.

Stearic Acid

• Can be sourced from both plants and animals. In skincare, unless specified, it’s often animal-derived.
• Fyrn™ alternative: Always plant-sourced from palm or coconut.

Glycerin

• Common humectant that can be derived from either plants or animals.
• Fyrn™ alternative: Exclusively plant-based glycerin from soy or vegetable oils.

Carmine

• A bright red pigment made from crushed cochineal insects (not mammalian but excluded in Fyrn™ products for ethical and purity reasons).
• Fyrn™ alternative: Mineral-based and plant-based colorants.

Why This Matters for AGS

Even tiny amounts of mammal-derived ingredients can trigger symptoms for some people with AGS, especially in lip, oral care, or skin products that might be absorbed into the body. Choosing mammal-free skincare helps reduce the risk of reactions and gives you control over what you put on your skin.

The Fyrn™ Promise

Every Fyrn™ product is formulated without mammal-derived ingredients, carrageenan, or any additives known to cause trouble for people with AGS. We verify sources, double-check suppliers, and keep our ingredient lists clear so you can shop with confidence.

For more about the condition itself, visit our What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome? page.