Where to Get Vegan Skincare
Vegan skin care products are joining the mainstream as more and more people begin to adopt a vegan (or more plant-based) lifestyle. Cruelty-free products are also becoming an expectation. As it should be. And, since most vegan skincare is also currently-free, vegan skincare is in high demand.
Whether you're a strict vegan or just want to incorporate more plant-based products into your routine, there are tons of options available. But where do you find vegan skincare? And, how do you know if a product is good enough to put on your face? You and your precious skin deserve the very best.
First and foremost, it's important to understand what makes a skin care product vegan. Vegan skincare products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. This includes beeswax, honey, lanolin, or collagen. These ingredients can be easily replaced by their equally effective plant-derived alternatives. Since these brands tend to value animal lives, they also usually do not undergo any animal testing (usually, not always), and, these brands also tend to be more environmentally friendly.
There are many places to find vegan skin care products. Try looking in…
Vegan-specific beauty stores and online retailers:
Online retailers and physical stores specialize in vegan beauty products. These stores tend to have a diverse selection of vegan skin care products, including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, etc, etc, etc. Anything you can dream of. Some popular vegan beauty stores include The Vegan Glow, Petit Vour, and Ethique.
Natural and organic beauty stores:
Many natural and organic beauty stores also carry vegan skin care products since the values of their customers align with the values of vegan skincare brands. These stores often focus on using natural, plant-based ingredients, so it's easy to find vegan or more plant-based options. Check out the Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Earth Fare beauty isles.
Drugstores and department stores:
You can also find vegan skin care products at many mainstream drugstores and department stores. This option is typically the most affordable and readily available day of. Many mainstream brands are starting to offer vegan options, so it's worth checking the labels of some new products. If you already have a brand you love, give one of their vegan products a try next time you’re shopping. Some of these popular brands include Olay and Neutrogena.
Smaller, independent brands:
Another great option for finding vegan skin care products is to support smaller, independent brands. Many smaller brands are committed to using natural, plant-based ingredients and are more likely to offer vegan options. They also handcraft their products in small batches with higher-quality ingredients. You can find these brands at smaller beauty stores, farmers’ markets, or online on platforms like Etsy.
Here are a few tips for finding the best vegan skincare products…
Look for products that use natural, plant-based ingredients.
Vegan skin care products can still contain synthetic ingredients, so it's important to look for products that use natural, plant-based ingredients. Synthetically made chemical ingredients (like it or not) are still vegan. So, look out for those pesky harsh chemicals to make sure they’re not overpowering the benefits of vegan ingredients. Vegans are often gentler on the skin and have fewer potential side effects than products with synthetic or animal-derived ingredients.
Check the labels.
Make sure to check the labels of any products you're considering to ensure they are vegan. Look for the Vegan Society or Leaping Bunny logos, which indicate that a product is vegan and cruelty-free. Some products may look vegan, but still contain animal byproducts such as honey. Additionally, remember that not all vegan skincare is cruelty-free so it’s good practice to look for that as well.
Read the reviews.
Before purchasing a product, be sure to read reviews from other customers. This will give you a sense of how well a product works and whether or not it's worth the investment. And, of course, if you love a product, leave a review to help future shoppers make their decisions.
Consider your skin type.
Not all vegan skin care products will work for everyone, so it's important to consider your skin type and any specific skin concerns you may have. For example, if you have oily skin, you may want to look for a vegan toner or serum that is formulated for oily skin to ensure you’re seeing the effects you’re hoping to see.
