You know that long running joke about vegans right? The one about how you know someone is vegan? They will tell you. While all of us may not subscribe to the vegan lifestyle (I don’t, I am typing this while generously slathering cheese on my toast), we know we love ourselves some vegan skincare. The beauty industry has evolved over the last decade; it’s taking its due step towards safe practices and safer ingredients. One of the major developments that we have witnessed over the past few years is the awareness around skincare ingredients. As the awareness grows, product labels have become more elaborate. Paraben-free, cruelty-free, organic, natural, or clean have become buzzwords but the chatter around this is forcing beauty companies to look closely at their product offering. Product and ingredient labels have become essential now. Vegan skincare, though, may or may not fit in these brackets. Simply put, vegan products (genuine ones!) do not contain any animal or animal-derived products in them. But is this viral diet habit any good in the skincare world? We believe so!
While meat flavoured lippies are usually an aberration, popular ingredients like silk proteins and hydrolysed milk proteins often use in moisturisers, toners and lotions are animal-derived. So if you are someone who has made a pledge to lead a vegan lifestyle, it is time to label check your skincare too. After all, your body absorbs 60% of what you put on your skin! To get you started, we already have a vegan skincare roster in place for you to pick from!
1. The Tribe Concept’s 3-in-1 Face Brightening Daily Cleanser
Replacing animal-derived ingredients with Ayurvedic faves like wild turmeric root, neem leaves, sun-dried rose petals, etc. this powder-based cleanser is perfect for someone always on the go. Powder cleansers are packed with excellent exfoliating properties. They turn into a creamy lather when mixed with water, thus, are gentle on the skin.
2. Juice Beauty PREBIOTIX Hydrating Gel Moisturiser
The microbiome movement aims to deliver high-performance skincare that is targeted towards enriching your skin with ‘good’ bacteria. But a major source of pro- and prebiotics is fermented dairy. Replacing that, the probiotic blend including viola flower, chia, and coconut makes this moisturiser such a delight.
3. asa Beauty Lip Balm
Glycerine, which is commonly found in moisturising products, like a lip balm, is derived from animal fat. asa Beauty’s lip balm is a perfect alternative instead! Infused with moringa oil, avocado oil, and vitamins A, C and E, its rich formula helps minimise free-radical damage caused by UV exposure while taking care of vegan beauty goals.
4. Lilaa Organic Skincare Bio-Retinol Bakuchiol Age-Defying Potion
Anti-ageing hero retinol, when used in skincare, is usually animal-derived. So if you are looking for a vegan alternative, the naturally-derived bakuchiol is the way to go. Formulated in combination with squalene and sunflower seed oil, this recently launched skin elixir targets visible signs of ageing by boosting collagen production.
5. Paul Penders Ceramide Recovery Serum
Ceramides are a barrier-building ingredient that have gained popularity in skincare, and for all right reasons. While they are sourced from a host of foods, and sometimes from animal-based sources, phytoceramides can be specifically opted as a vegan skincare alternative. Formulated with vitamins and herbs infused in botanical oil, this facial serum from Paul Penders has our clean beauty vote.
6. Neemli Naturals Hyaluronic And Oat Amino Acid Moisturiser
Hydration hero hyaluronic acid (HA) can be plant- or animal-based. This is why it is always crucial to check the label of your HA product. We love this lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-comedogenic formula from Neemli Naturals. Enhanced with oat amino acid, this moisturiser also helps with regulating the oil production of the skin, while keeping it hydrated and plump.
7. Kimirica The Gulistan Hand and Body Lotion
Given the need for excessive moisturisation, hand and body lotions are often formulated with rich milks and butters. The vegan alternative for them are shea butter, aloe vera, or jojoba oil. All of which, and more, that you can find in this luxurious body lotion from Kimirica. It features a lingering fragrance of rose and iris that gently pampers senses while ensuring all-day hydration.
8. The Skin Pantry Clean Greens Superfoods Mask
The best way to make sure that your weekly hydrating face mask is free of animal products is to go green! Formulated with super greens like spinach, spirulina, wheatgrass and clary sage, and French green clay as its base, this nutrient-rich mask from The Skin Pantry has been a particular favourite of ours for a while now.
9. Tvachamrit Handcrafted Skincare Glow up Toner
Hydrating toners, specially formulated with glycerin, may have animal-derived ingredients. Instead, opt for the goodness of plant and floral waters for your toning needs. This potent blend from Tvachamrit consists of extracts of grapefruit and sweet lime in combination with vegan skincare and Ayurvedic ingredients like manjistha and kasturi manjal.
