Ask any vegan, and they will tell you this: more than just a diet, veganism is a lifestyle. Vegans who are dedicated to their practice avoid animal products and ingredients in all areas of their life, including what they put on their skin. If you’ve noticed lately, vegan skincare is taking over mainstream beauty as more and more conscious consumers choose products that are sustainable and free of any kind of cruelty directed to unsuspecting animals. However, what’s causing this shift is not just for people to stand for what they know is right. Vegan skincare products have incredible benefits you won’t find in other more traditional formulations.
Let’s break it down even further.
What is Vegan Skincare?
If you have an idea of what veganism is, it’s basically the same only that the products we’re tackling are those specifically for your skin.
A vegan skincare routine can be seen as a beauty hack as it has a ton of benefits, but it’s also more than that. Vegan skincare uses cosmetics and beauty products that do not contain any animal or animal-derived ingredients or by-products whatsoever.
What this means is that traditional ingredients you commonly see on the labels of non-vegan cosmetics and skincare products such as honey, beeswax, collagen, keratin, and lanolin are not used.
Other animal-derived ingredients that vegan skincare brands don’t incorporate in their products are hyaluronic acid, squalene, stearic acid, elastin, carmine, and silk. What these vegan brands tend to use instead are plant-based or synthetic ingredients.
Vegan vs Cruelty-Free: What’s The Difference?
You might think they’re synonymous, but the truth is that there are vegan products that can actually not be cruelty-free and there are cruelty-free products that are not vegan.
Some “vegan” products only claim to be vegan because they exclude the production process. So while the ingredients used may not necessarily contain any kind of animal product or by-product, they may have still been tested on animals.
Cruelty-free products can sometimes contain animal products even though they don’t test on animals.
If you really want to use skincare products that are both vegan and cruelty-free, make sure to do your research first. Find out if the brand you are looking into is true to their word.
What Are The Benefits of Vegan Skincare?
Now, you don’t necessarily need to be vegan to reap the benefits of a vegan skincare routine.
Vegan skincare products are not only healthier, cleaner, and kinder as compared to their more traditional counterparts, they’re also inclusive. They’re great for oily, combination, dry skin—basically, every skin type that exists.
If you’re still undecided, here are some reasons why vegan skincare should be on your beauty routine.
Kinder To Animals and Our Planet
Though skincare products take great care of our skin, it wouldn’t feel as kind if the products we are using hurt those who are innocent.
Skincare brands and products that are both vegan and cruelty-free make sure that no animals were harmed in their creation and production. When we consciously buy these better alternatives, we take part in actively lowering the demand for products that use animal ingredients or those that rely on animal testing.
The best vegan skincare products are also 100% natural and organic. These plant-based products don’t cause any harm to our environment after use as they break down into non-harmful components.
Furthermore, vegan brands tend to be very conscious of packaging. They opt for sustainable and easily recyclable materials instead of plastic.
Kinder To You
Our skin absorbs much of what we apply to it so if we’re opting for products that have toxins, harsh chemicals, or other harmful ingredients, just imagine the damage they could potentially bring to our skin.
Vegan skincare and beauty products typically contain fewer ingredients that will irritate or aggravate your skin or any skin conditions you may have. They also tend to have shorter ingredient lists so that you can understand exactly what you’re putting on your face and body.
Because they are often made with natural ingredients, vegan skincare formulas are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that will nourish your skin to keep it looking and feeling fresh for longer.
Tips On Making The Switch
If you are planning on switching, the first thing to do is to research, research, and research. Educate yourself so that you can be better equipped as you begin your transition from the products you’re using now to a vegan skincare routine.
Remember to take your time. It’s okay to start small and slow. There’s no need to throw out all your current products in the trash—that will just be wasteful and counterproductive. Swap one or two steps in your routine first and the rest can follow. And know that by doing this small thing, you’re already creating an impact.
If you’re ready, take it a step further. Vegan skincare goes beyond the products you are using. At the end of the day, the health benefits of a vegan diet coupled with an active lifestyle can help keep your skin and your body strong, young, and in great shape.
Embrace meat-free Mondays or go flexitarian when you can. Try easy vegan recipes once you’re a little more confident and comfortable about it. All these little things add up.
With a vegan skincare routine, you can keep your skin healthy and radiant and take care of the planet and all its animals at the same time. So try it out for yourself! Your skin—and Mother Earth—deserves it.
Guest article written by Katie Pierce
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