The Best Vegan Skincare
Vegan skin care products have gained a lot of popularity in recent years due to their natural ingredients and ethical production methods. Many people choose vegan products for their skincare routine not only because they are cruelty-free, but also because they are often made with nourishing plant-based ingredients that can benefit the skin. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best vegan skin care products on the market and how they can help you achieve healthy, radiant skin.
Cleansers
Cleansers are an essential part of any skincare routine. Always look for a gentle formula! Gentle cleansers won’t strip your skin of it of its natural oils, promoting a healthy skin barrier. A good cleanser is for removing the dirt and oil that has built up on the skin throughout the day as well as any makeup you’ve applied. Essentially anything that could clog the pores and cause skin irritation. For that reason, never buy a cleanser that is formulated with harsh chemicals, alcohol, or synthetic fragrances. These could potentially cause more skin irritation.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water: this cleanser is a makeup remover and facial cleanser in one. It is made with plant-based ingredients and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser: this cleanser formula is dermatologist-developed and free from soap, dyes, and fragrances, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin. It effectively removes impurities and makeup without leaving your skin super dry afterward.
Toners
Toners help balance the pH of the skin and prep it for later steps in your skincare routine. These toners can be hydrating or contain other active ingredients. Always look for toners that are free from alcohol and contain vegan nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin so that your skin is glowy. Both are gentle enough to be beneficial even if you have sensitive skin.
Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. It contains antioxidants, enzymes, and vitamins that nourish and protect the skin. Aloe vera can help to calm and hydrate the skin, making it an ideal choice for people with sensitive skin or when your skin is irritated or inflamed. It can also help to reduce the appearance of scars and improve the overall texture of the skin.
Glycerin is a natural humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin. It prevents dryness and flakiness, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. Glycerin is non-greasy and easily absorbed by the skin, so most people enjoy using this ingredient to plump up fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a youthful, radiant appearance.
Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner: this toner is a popular vegan option that is made with rose water and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate the skin. As the name says, it’s free from alcohol which is exactly what you want.
Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Mist: this toner is made with noni fruit extract and rosewater, both of which help to nourish and hydrate the skin. It is also enriched with antioxidants to help protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Moisturizers
Moisturizing is of the utmost importance in a skincare routine. It is especially important for vegans who may be using more natural and plant-based products because these products can sometimes be less moisturizing than their non-vegan counterparts, sometimes but not always. Look for a vegan moisturizer that is formulated with intensly hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and plant-based oils.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer: this is formulated with ceramides and prebiotics to help strengthen the skin's natural barrier and keep it moisturized. This moisturizer is also free from fragrances and parabens, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream: this moisturizer is made with plant-based ingredients like avocado oil and squalane to deeply hydrate the skin. This is a great option for all skin types because there are no potentially irritating ingredients like fragrances and dyes.
Exfoliants
An exfoliant product is used to exfoliate the skin. Exfoliating is the removal of dead skin cells that build up over time on the surface of your skin. Removing these dead dull cells improves the overall texture and appearance of the skin. Looking for a vegan exfoliant that is gentle yet effective and formulated with natural ingredients like fruit enzymes and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) is easier than you may think and a no-brainer addition to your routine.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: this is a cult favorite. The product is formulated with salicylic acid, which helps to loosen and remove dead skin cells. It’s gentle yet effective.
Natural, gentle ingredients
Vegan skincare products that are formulated with natural, gentle ingredients give them a higher chance of being suitable for all skin types. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals, alcohol, or synthetic fragrances, as these can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause irritation. It’s always best to not soak your face in chemicals when equally effective plant-based ingredients are also available.
Sustainable, plant-based ingredients
Look for vegan skincare products that are made with sustainably sourced, plant-based ingredients. These ingredients are better for the environment and are often more gentle and nourishing for the skin.
Cruelty-free certification
Look for vegan skincare products that are certified cruelty-free, which means that the product and its ingredients have not been tested on animals. This is a vitally important consideration for people whose values are against animal testing, and I mean, whose values align with animals testing luxury products anymore anyway? Most vegan products are also cruelty-free, but not all, so it’s always a good idea to double-check that your products are both.
Reviews and recommendations
Look for vegan skincare products that have positive reviews and recommendations from other customers and experts. This can be a good way to gauge the effectiveness and quality of a product. And while you’re at it, leave a review for a product you love for the next person who is considering buying it.
Packaging
Look for vegan skincare products that come in environmentally friendly (or at least environmentally conscious) packaging, such as recycled or reusable materials. This can help to reduce waste and minimize your impact on the environment.
TLDR
Vegan skincare is a no-brainer choice for those who cherish their skin and the environment. Vegan skincare products are typically formulated with natural, gentle, sustainable ingredients. This means that the products are typically suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin) because they are free from harsh chemicals, animal-derived ingredients, and synthetic fragrances. Vegan skincare products are often certified cruelty-free, meaning that they have not been tested on animals, but it’s always good practice to double-check a product’s certifications.
