VEGAN SKINCARE

As a definition vegan applies to skincare where the formulation is free from any ingredients derived from animals. Animal derived ingredients may include by-products of dead animals such as squalene, glycerin and collagen, as well as those produced by animals such as milk protein, honey and beeswax. Vegan skincare uses plant- based ingredients and replaces animal-derived ingredients and by-products with either a botanical alternative or suitable synthetic substitute.

While clean beauty lends itself to plant-based and cruelty free skincare, vegan and non-toxic clean beauty are not the same thing. Clean beauty may still use cruelty free animal derived ingredients in conjunction with natural botanicals and is therefore not always vegan. Likewise, many non-clean skincare brands can be full of synthetic ingredients, mineral oils and other petroleum derived products, which can be considered vegan but are definitely not clean or non-toxic. If you want to purchase the best non-toxic and vegan skincare you should look for brands that have both a clean beauty ethos and vegan sourcing policies.

Unfortunately, vegan labelling does not guarantee cruelty free. Vegan products may not contain animal derived ingredients, however plant-based and other vegan ingredients can be tested on animals at any time along the supply chain, including the final formulation. Opt for brands and products that carry certifications for both vegan and cruelty free such as that of PETA beauty without bunnies.

Some Animal derived ingredients can be hard to spot and be contained in  even the most unlikely products, like nail polish and deodorant. Ensure good purchasing decisions by shopping at authorised specialist stores like The NATIVES Co., that only stock brands with a clean beauty ethos and sourcing transparency.

Vegan skin care products that are certified with registered bodies including The Vegan Society, Certified Vegan, Vegan Australia or PETA Vegan allow you to shop verified vegan skincare and vegan cosmetics with added reassurance. Whilst strictly speaking vegan refers to products that are free from animal derived ingredients, these certifications also incorporate cruelty free practices (including free from animal testing of ingredients and final formulations) allowing you to shop across both in one certification.

Modern and high-performing vegan skincare and makeup is now readily available thanks to leading green beauty brands that use only the cleanest plant-based ingredients and animal by-product substitutes that are organic and ECOCERT. These brands have created high-performance vegan cosmetics that rival any mainstream cosmetic brand without the mineral oils, animal derivatives and testing.

Making the switch to vegan skincare ensures your skin is nourished with only plant derived actives that are well tolerated and loved by your skin. Plant ingredients are brimming with natural benefits making these products excellent multi-taskers and high-performance. Better still for our eco-systems, choosing vegan beauty products means you are avoiding animal by-products in your skincare and makeup. Animal friendly and good-for you, no trade-offs. Why wouldn’t you choose vegan skincare?

Here are some common skincare ingredients that you may not have known are derived from animals. Fortunately great plant-based vegan alternatives are available for most. 

Cera Alba aka beeswax is common in skincare and cream cosmetics like lipstick. Vegan options include Candelilla wax and sustainably sourced Carnauba wax.

Glycerin made from glycerol is commonly derived from animals, instead look for products that use vegetable glycerin. 

Squalene used to make squalane is harvested from shark liver oil, but modern cruelty-free squalane can be made from plant-based squalene found in olives, sugarcane, rice bran and wheat germ. 

Retinol is sometimes made from liver or eggs. Natural retinol alternatives such as Bakuchiol and Vitamin A are vegan alternatives. 

Hyaluronic acid can be sourced from animal origins and plant origins. Animal-based hyaluronic acid is made from animal skin or bone, commonly from the combs of roosters. Non-animal based HA is produced through microbial fermentation often from soy or wheat. 

Lanolin is a wax secreted from wool bearing animals. Plant based butters and oils such as cocoa, shea butter and jojoba oil are generally better for the skin and they’re vegan. 

Keratin used in hair products is made from hair, hooves and bones of animals. PhytoKeratin is a valid plant-based alternative to animal proteins. 

Parfum is a collective name for any number of ingredients to add fragrance to a product. Parfum can contain undisclosed animal based ingredients. Look for products that use essential oil blends or a transparent fragrance policy.