There's Likely Donkey Skin in your Lipstick, New Research Emerges
Behind the shimmer of some beauty products lies a deeply disturbing reality — one that many consumers are completely unaware of. It’s called Ejiao, and it’s made from boiled donkey skin. It has been repackaged and sold in some modern cosmetics and supplements.
Yes, you read that right. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine, it's now found in many beauty products that may be in your makeup drawer right now. The Animal Welfare Institute reports that 5.9 million of donkeys are being slaughtered every year to extract a gelatin-like substance from their hides as of 2023 — all to fuel a growing, global trade that is as brutal as it is unnecessary.
Transporting unprocessed donkey hides and the careless disposal of carcasses can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases and cause harm to surrounding ecosystems.
Source:
British Veterinary Association (BVA) and Donkey Sanctuary insights, 2023
Manufacturers don’t always label “ejiao” clearly on product packaging. Instead, it may appear under different terms or euphemisms, especially when used outside of traditional Chinese medicine.
Products containing ejiao are more common in traditional medicine, collagen supplements, and some high-end imported skincare — especially in Asia — but can enter global markets through international supply chains.
What You Can Do
If you care about animal welfare, personal wellness, environmental justice, or ethical consumerism, ejiao is something you must actively avoid. Here’s how:
- Read ingredient lists carefully — avoid products with “donkey-hide gelatin,” “ejiao,” or unspecified “collagen.”
- Look for Halal, vegan and cruelty-free certifications — these ensure that no animal-derived ingredients are used.
- Ask brands for transparency — if they won’t tell you where their collagen comes from, that’s a red flag.
- Support bans — several countries have already outlawed the export of donkey skins. Advocacy matters.