Vegan skincare: what makes skincare vegan?

Skincare is an essential part of our daily routine, and with the growing trend of veganism, many of us are looking for skincare products that are not only natural but also vegan. Vegan skincare refers to products that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. However vegan skincare does not always mean that the products you are using are chemical or synthetic free. Combining natural skincare and vegan skincare can help not only benefit the environment and animals but also your skin. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the world of natural and vegan skincare, what makes skincare vegan, and the benefits of using these types of products.  

What is Vegan Skincare?  

Vegan skincare refers to the use of skincare products that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products, such as beeswax, honey, lanolin, collagen, gelatin, lactic-acid, and keratin. However, it is important to note that just because a product is vegan, it does not necessarily mean that it is natural, synthetic-free, or cruelty-free (tested on animals).  

Ingredients like beeswax, honey, and lanolin, are often used in skincare products as emulsifiers, thickeners, and moisturizers. Collagen and gelatin, on the other hand, are proteins found in the connective tissue of animals and are commonly used in skincare products for their anti-aging and skin-firming properties. These ingredients are not considered vegan as they are derived from animals.  

Instead, vegan skincare products use plant-based alternatives, minerals, or synthetic compounds to provide the same benefits to the skin. For example, plant-based oils such as borage, and sea buckthorn can be used as moisturizers, while providing anti-aging benefits thanks to their anti-inflammatory, vitamin rich, and healing qualities. While plant-stem cells such as ginseng stem-cells and tuberose stem-cells provide firming, brightening, and moisturizing benefits to promote skin detoxification and rejuvenation. These ingredients are derived from plants therefore they are natural, however not all compounds included in vegan skincare are natural. 

What is the difference between Vegan Skincare, Natural Skincare, and Cruelty-Free Skincare? 

Vegan Skincare: The term “vegan” only refers to the absence of animal-derived ingredients and does not indicate whether the product contains natural ingredients or that it is free from potentially harmful chemicals. Much like someone who follows a vegan diet can eat Doritos, a vegan beauty product could very well be full of synthetic chemicals. In addition, a product can be vegan, but still tested on animals.  

Natural Skincare: This term refers to products that are made with ingredients that come from nature. This can include ingredients such as herbs, fruits, plants, minerals, and other natural sources. While this term is not heavily regulated, beware to make sure that your products are composed of 100% natural ingredients, elements, and compounds. Making them free from harmful ingredients and chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.  

Cruelty-Free Skincare: refers to personal care products that have not been tested on animals. This can include both in the ingredients and the finished product.  

It’s worth noting that these terms can overlap. For example, a product can be all three: vegan, natural, and cruelty-free, or some products may be vegan but not necessarily natural. It’s important to read the ingredient list and packaging to understand the product’s characteristics.  

Benefits of Vegan Skincare  and Natural Skincare 

Don’t worry! You can have it all. Using vegan skincare products that are also natural can provide a wide range of benefits for the skin and is considered the best option for several reasons. Here are a few examples: 

First, natural skincare products contain ingredients that are derived from plants and other natural sources, rather than harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients. These ingredients are often gentler on the skin and can provide a range of benefits. Rich in antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients, many plant-based ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and calm irritated skin. 

Second, vegan skincare and cruelty free products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. This means that they do not use ingredients that affect the welfare of animals and the ethical concerns associated with the use of animal-derived ingredients.  

Third, using a combination of natural and vegan ingredients can be a more sustainable choice. As they won’t involve the use of synthetic or chemical ingredients which can be harmful to the environment. Also leaving a smaller environmental footprint as they do not use animals in the production of their products.  

By using vegan skincare that is also natural, you can enjoy the benefits of plant-based ingredients while also supporting the environment, animal welfare and your skin. Keep in mind that not all natural skincare products are vegan and not all vegan skincare products are natural, so be sure to read ingredient labels and product description to ensure that you are selecting a product that meets your specific skincare needs.  

Discover our 100% Natural and Vegan Products.