If dipping your toe into Veganuary, you might also want to consider changing your beauty regime.
As many of us begin the new year with health-focused resolutions or perhaps participate in Veganuaryj, there has never been a better time to explore plant-based beauty.
As demand for plant-based foods grows rapidly, with the number of vegans increasing by over a million last year according to Finder, finding vegan beauty products in the skincare aisle remains a challenging task.
We hear from skincare and beauty experts who reveal the crucial info you need before buying vegan beauty.
What does vegan beauty mean?
Similar to a vegan diet, vegan beauty comprises products that exclude any items tested on animals or containing animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax, gelatin, honey, or squalene.
“Vegan products are often made with cruelty-free principles, promoting ethical p“[Vegan] products are often created with cruelty-free principles, supporting ethical practices in the beauty industry,” explains co-founder of Odylique, Abi Weeds.
How to determine if a product is vegan
Determining if your beauty product is vegan is simple and fast. Dentifying whether your beauty product is vegan or not is quick and easy.
The Vegan Society suggests looking for a logo certification, such as the vegan trademark, which guarantees that the product is free from animal ingredients and has not been tested on animals.
These trademarks may vary in appearance, whether they are from Vegan Action, Cruelty Free International, PETA, or Choose Cruelty Free. Familiarizing yourself with these logos will assist you in identifying which products are vegan and which are not.
Is vegan skincare a viable alternative to mainstream products?
When it comes to substituting mainstream products with vegan beauty alternatives, some argue that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
According to Weeds, “Vegan beauty products typically contain fewer synthetic chemicals and harsh irritants, leading to gentler formulations for the skin.”
“Vegan skincare products are typically rich in antioxidants, botanicals, and vitamins. They are kinder to animals and the planet and less likely to irritate the skin,” says skincare expert and founder of Update Aesthetics Clinics, Nina Prisk.
“This is because some popular skincare ingredients derived from animals can be heavier and more likely to clog pores.”
The most uncomplicated vegan substitutions for your beauty routine.
If you feel that you ought to try and make some vegan beauty swaps but don’t know where to start, the experts have given their top recommendations for products they believe work better than animal-derived products.
“I’d recommend swapping out everyday products such as moisturizers, cleansers, and make-up removers,” suggests skin therapist and co-founder of Ella & Jo, Niamh Ryan, “as these can often include harsh chemicals which we end up subjecting our skin to every day.”
