The demand for vegan skincare has surged as consumers seek ethical, sustainable, and cruelty-free options in their beauty routines. Vegan skincare products exclude all animal-derived ingredients and are often produced with a strong focus on environmental impact and cruelty-free practices. This shift isn’t just a trend—it’s a meaningful movement towards ethical beauty and sustainability.
Here’s everything you need to know about vegan skincare, why it matters, and six standout brands leading the way.
Vegan skincare eliminates the use of animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax, lanolin, or collagen, offering a humane alternative to traditional formulations. It also aligns with cruelty-free standards, ensuring no animals are harmed during testing or production.
By avoiding animal-derived ingredients, vegan skincare reduces the carbon footprint of production. Livestock farming is a significant contributor to deforestation, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Vegan formulations often rely on plant-based and sustainable ingredients, lowering environmental impact.
Vegan products tend to use fewer synthetic chemicals and prioritize natural, plant-based components. These formulations are often rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that are beneficial for the skin.
Vegan skincare caters to a wide range of skin types and concerns, making it accessible to a diverse audience without the ethical compromises of traditional beauty products.
Ensure that products are free from animal-derived components. Common ingredients to avoid include carmine (derived from insects), beeswax, lanolin, and animal-based collagen.
Look for certifications like PETA-Approved Vegan, Vegan Society, or Leaping Bunny to confirm the product’s vegan and cruelty-free status.
Many vegan skincare brands emphasize eco-friendly packaging, sustainable sourcing, and carbon-neutral production. These practices align with the core values of veganism.
Check for plant-based ingredients that suit your skin type, such as aloe vera for hydration, tea tree for acne-prone skin, or rosehip oil for anti-aging.
Why it stands out: Known for its no-nonsense formulations, The Ordinary offers vegan and cruelty-free products at affordable prices. Popular choices include their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 for hydration and Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for blemish control.
Eco-credentials: Minimal packaging and a focus on efficacy over unnecessary additives.
Price range: $6–$15
Where to buy: The Ordinary
Why it stands out: Biossance is a leader in clean beauty, offering vegan formulas featuring plant-derived squalane, a sustainable alternative to shark-derived squalene. Their Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil is a bestseller for radiant skin.
Eco-credentials: Carbon-neutral shipping and packaging made from sugarcane-based bioplastics.
Price range: $30–$80
Where to buy: Biossance
Why it stands out: Combining superfoods and science, Youth to the People offers vegan formulations like the Superfood Cleanser and Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream.
Eco-credentials: Recyclable packaging and local manufacturing to reduce carbon emissions.
Price range: $35–$65
Where to buy: Youth to the People
Why it stands out: BYBI focuses on sustainable skincare with vegan products like Strawberry Booster and Bakuchiol Booster, which use cold-pressed oils to promote healthy skin.
Eco-credentials: Carbon-neutral, refillable packaging, and an emphasis on upcycled ingredients.
Price range: $12–$40
Where to buy: BYBI Beauty
Why it stands out: Herbivore Botanicals combines clean, vegan ingredients with luxurious textures and packaging. Their Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask is a cult favourite for smooth, glowing skin.
Eco-credentials: Commitment to non-toxic formulations and recyclable packaging.
Price range: $20–$80
Where to buy: Herbivore Botanicals
Why it stands out: Handmade in small batches, Evolve offers vegan-friendly skincare like the Hyaluronic Serum 200 and Radiant Glow Mask, featuring organic and fair-trade ingredients.
Eco-credentials: 100% recyclable packaging and a commitment to sustainability.
Price range: $25–$50
Where to buy: Evolve Organic Beauty
The growing popularity of vegan skincare signals a broader shift towards ethical and sustainable beauty practices. As consumers become more aware of the environmental and ethical implications of their purchases, vegan skincare brands continue to innovate with new materials and formulations. This movement not only supports animal welfare but also pushes the beauty industry toward a greener, more transparent future.
Vegan skincare is more than a passing trend—it’s a conscious choice for consumers who care about their skin, animals, and the planet. By prioritising vegan and sustainable products, you’re supporting a shift towards ethical beauty that aligns with values of compassion and environmental responsibility.
With options like The Ordinary, BYBI, and Youth to the People, incorporating vegan skincare into your routine is both easy and impactful. Explore these brands today to make a difference in your skincare journey and the planet.
