Vegan skincare has quickly become an emerging trend. Many brands now provide cruelty-free and natural vegan cosmetics. Medik8’s innovative serum utilizing MiniProteins technology to combat fine lines at a cellular level is one example, while Kadalys’ products with sea buckthorn oil provide anti-ageing results.
Not necessarily organic or natural: While vegan products may contain no animal products, that does not automatically mean they are either. Coconut oil for instance can contribute to agricultural runoff which negatively affects waterways and contributes to climate change.
1. No Animal-Based Ingredients
Vegan skincare products are created without ingredients derived from animals, instead relying on plant-based sources that provide essential vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids derived from plants for nourishment of your skin. Vegan cosmetics also tend to use less packaging and have a reduced carbon footprint compared to animal-derived alternatives.
Vegan ingredients that are often recommended include shea butter, an excellent moisturizer for dry skin. Other popular plant-based ingredients include oat extract which has soothing properties and is beneficial for sensitive or irritated skin conditions. Squalane (hydrogenated form of the natural lipid produced by your body) is another popular product.
Some vegan skincare brands may contain both plant and non-plant derived ingredients, so be sure to read product labels thoroughly. Being vegan does not equate to being cruelty free as such products may still use cochineal (an insect dye produced through crushing), though some vegan skincare brands do offer cruelty free certifications.
2. No Cruelty
A cruelty-free skincare product doesn’t necessarily consist of no chemicals; rather, it signifies that neither its ingredients or finished product were tested on animals for animal testing purposes. Although animal welfare testing can provide some indication, it’s more important to look for brands which use natural and clean ingredients (such as plant-derived fruit pigments and moisturizing oils) rather than synthetic ones which may irritate skin.
Finding cruelty free beauty and skincare products is easiest when browsing websites that list their products as vegan or display the Leaping Bunny certification, which means they oppose animal testing for cosmetic and skincare products. This bodes well for both small and established brands alike as well as you and your sensitive skin – not to mention being kind to Mother Earth! Plus, since plants contain abundant amounts of nutrients which provide essential benefits for our skin while at the same time being gentler on our environment!
3. Environmentally Friendly
The beauty industry can have an enormous impact on the environment and can contribute to pollution, deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions and animal testing. But there are ways you can lower your environmental footprint and support sustainable development within this field.
Opting for vegan skincare products not only reduces exposure to harmful chemicals but also helps the environment. Plant-based ingredients tend to be eco-friendly and biodegradable – which makes aquatic ecosystems better off – plus they’re gentler on skin, less likely to trigger an allergic reaction and much safer than alternatives.
Activist Skincare, an organic, sustainable, and cruelty-free brand that utilizes sustainable practices for production of skincare, sunscreens, lip balms and nail care that are 100% vegan, PETA approved and Leaping Bunny certified clean beauty line that avoids ingredients such as parabens, fragrances, dyes and SLS; their facial cleansers and moisturizers use vegan formulas suitable for sensitive skin types.
4. No Animal Testing
Selecting vegan skincare means supporting companies who do not test their products on animals. Many cruelty free brands feature the Leaping Bunny logo to demonstrate their dedication to ethical practices.
Veganism goes beyond being about diet; it is about being kind to all living things – people, plants, and animals alike. Vegan beauty products offer more gentle solutions that may benefit those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Vegan skincare and makeup that meets high quality standards should also be certified organic and natural, making it safer for the environment as well as your skin. You can find such products either online or at your local health food store; to be certain of their quality look for certifications such as ECOCERT or Cosmebio; these companies tend to welcome questions regarding ingredients used and claims made about their products more openly than their counterparts.
